Category: Passings

Remembering Rodessa Barrett Porter of The Barrett Sisters

By Libra Boyd, Editor in Chief

Rodessa Barrett Porter passed away December 16, 2024. (Photo credit: The David L. Spearman Library)

Rodessa Barrett Porter, beloved soprano of the legendary gospel trio The Barrett Sisters, entered eternal rest Monday, December 16, 2024, just one day after celebrating her 94th birthday. 

Born and raised in Chicago, Rodessa began her musical journey singing in the choir at Morning Star Baptist Church and then serving as a pianist at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church. Around 1950, she joined her older sisters, Delois Barrett Campbell and Billie Barrett GreenBey to form the renowned Barrett Sisters, becoming one of gospel music’s most cherished trios.

Rodessa’s angelic soprano voice complemented her sisters’ rich contralto and mezzo-soprano tones, creating unparalleled harmonies that resonated with local and international audiences and earned them the nickname “The Sweet Sisters of Zion.”

The Barrett Sisters recorded multiple albums and toured extensively, performing throughout the United States and Europe. In 1983 and 1987, they represented the United States as Goodwill Ambassadors in Africa and the South Pacific, respectively. The threesome graced stages with their friends Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker, and James Cleveland, appeared on programs with Johnny Carson, Oprah Winfrey, and Patti LaBelle, and are counted among pioneers in gospel music next to Thomas A. Dorsey, Roberta Martin, Theodore Frye, and Sallie Martin. Yet, despite their talent, renown, and accolades, their story remained one of humble service to God and the gospel message in song.

In her own way, Rodessa Barrett Porter helped shape an era of gospel music that will be celebrated for generations to come. Click to Tweet
The Barrett Sisters
Clockwise from top left: Rodessa Porter, Billie GreenBey, and Delois Campbell.

Rodessa and her sisters appeared in Say Amen, Somebody, the critically acclaimed documentary that introduced the Barrett Sisters to a new generation. More than 30 years later in 2013, The Sweet Sisters of Zion: Delois Barrett Campbell and the Barrett Sisters provided an intimate and celebratory portrait of their own lives and careers. The documentary film highlighted the trio’s bond—both as siblings and as singers who helped blaze trails in traditional gospel music.

The film’s producer, Regina Rene, shared in a 2013 interview with GMF’s Libra Boyd that the inspiration for the documentary stemmed from Rodessa’s vision. “I found [an] article where Mrs. Rodessa said that she wanted a document of their career and that she had all these videos that someone told her would cost $5,000 to put together.” Following the film’s completion, Boyd collaborated with the Barrett Sisters’ family to lead a crowdfunding campaign to support its release, premiere, and distribution.

After the passings of Delois in 2011 and Billie in 2020, Rodessa carried on their legacy with dignity, remaining a steward of the Barrett Sisters’ indelible mark on gospel music. The sisters’ closeness, admired both on and off stage, was a hallmark of their enduring appeal. In her own way, Rodessa Barrett Porter helped shape an era of gospel music that will be celebrated for generations to come. 

Rest in peace, sweet sister of Zion. Heaven’s choir will have a soprano whose melodies will reverberate through eternity.

R.I.P. Cissy Houston, Grammy-winning gospel great

Cissy Houston died October 7, 2024. She was 91. Her memorial service was held Oct. 17th.

A private, invitation-only memorial service was recently held at Newark’s New Hope Baptist Church for gospel great Cissy Houston who passed October 7, at the age of 91. She was under hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease. Her powerful voice and soulful performances left indelible impressions on the music industry and were passed down to her children, particularly her iconic daughter, Whitney.

Jonathan Landrum, Jr. and Hillel Italie shared more about Cissy’s life and career in their detailed report for The Associated Press. CBS News New York reported highlights from the two-time Grammy-winning artist’s memorial service on October 17th.

With her father Nicholas Drinkard’s encouragement, Emily “Cissy” Drinkard and her siblings began singing as the Drinkard Four. As others were added to the group, the aggregation became the Drinkard Singers. The Drinkard Singers went on to record a live album titled Joyful Noise, which was followed by Cissy’s 1963 solo record This Is My Vow (released under the name Cecily Blair). By year’s end, Cissy had formed The Sweet Inspirations, a lineup that included her nieces Dee Dee and Dionne Warwick as well as Doris Troy. Both Cissy and The Sweet Inspirations recorded projects over the next decade and sang backup for top artists of the day, including Aretha Franklin, Jimi Hendrix, and Elvis Presley. In 1970, Cissy parted ways with the group to devote more time to her family and a solo career. While the tangible rewards for her artistry may be the Grammys she won in the category of Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album for Face to Face and He Leadeth Me in 1997 and 1999, respectively, many contend that her greatest contribution to music was her daughter Whitney. In Whitney’s own words:

My mother taught me how to sing. I had the singing in me, but she taught me how. And she taught me through gospel. And she told me that if I could sing gospel, I could sing anything that I wanted to—because everything is rooted from that music...

R.I.P. Gregory Kelly, Sr., formerly of Slim & The Supreme Angels

Gregory Kelly, Sr. passed September 4, 2024.

GMF acknowledges the passing of Gregory Kelly, Sr., gospel singer formerly of Slim and The Supreme Angels. Kelly passed September 4, after a period of health challenges.

A musical tribute and homegoing service took place September 13th and 14th, respectively. Both services were held at Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Oxford, NC. 

In addition to his tenure with Slim and The Supreme Angels, Kelly fronted his own group, Greg Kelly and Foundation. 

The GMF community continues to send up prayers for Kelly’s family, friends, and supporters.

R.I.H. Rev. Janice Brown-Stephens, pastor and ‘Rough Side of the Mountain’ singer

Flyer of final arrangements for Rev. Janice Brown-Stephens

GMF was saddened to receive news of the passing of Rev. Janice Brown-Stephens. Brown-Stephens, the youngest of 14 siblings, transitioned on August 30, 2024. She was 80.

Born September 13, in Rocky Mount, NC, the singer, preacher, and pastor became most widely recognized as the singing partner of Bishop F.C. Barnes. Together, they gave us the massive traditional gospel hit, “Rough Side of the Mountain,” along with other favorites like “Uncloudy Day” and “The Lord Will Fix It For Me.”

An excerpt from the NC Music Hall of Fame’s biography of Bishop F.C. Barnes reads,

The Reverend Barnes met The Reverend Janice Brown around 1979 while doing a radio broadcast in Rocky Mount on WSRV. On a reel-to-reel tape recorder, they recorded “It’s Me Again, Lord” for a radio broadcast; the response from listeners was overwhelming so they recorded it in a studio. In addition to “It’s Me Again, Lord,” they recorded “Come On In The Room.” AIR Records executive Wendell Parker heard it and brought it to the attention of Ron Freeman, owner of AIR, the Atlanta International Records, a subsidiary of Malaco Music Group. Freeman offered them a recording contract.

The Reverends Barnes and Brown recorded eight albums; their biggest hit was “Rough Side of the Mountain” which reportedly sold half a million copies and reached number one on the Gospel Chart.

Pastors Monte and Janice Brown-Stephens sang, preached, and pastored together. | Photo Credit: Off The Beaten Path Photography by Tina Dee
Pastors Monte and Janice Brown-Stephens

Following Brown-Stephens’ departure from the duo in the late 1980s, she left the music industry and became a pastor in a small Jones County, NC town. Two decades later, she reemerged in the industry with a new duet partner, Monte Stephens, a former radio station owner who was the founder and then-president of Freedom Records in Murfreesboro, TN. The partnership began after Stephens’ now-deceased wife Dee heard one of Janice Brown’s recordings, insisted on meeting her, and ultimately invited her to record a project with Monte. Dee produced the new project and even titled it Alive and Well to clap back at Internet misinformation that the gospel singer had died. Unfortunately, Dee herself passed away from cancer before the album’s release. Several months later, Janice and Monte united in marriage and continued their singing and preaching ministry under the name of Ebony and Ivory Ministries.

Brown-Stephens and her husband were the pastors of Full Circle Church of God in Friendsville, TN.

A celebration of life service is scheduled for September 14, at 10 a.m. with a pre-celebration one hour prior. The services will take place at Deeper Life Church Ministries in Goldsboro, NC.

GMF extends condolences to the entire Brown and Stephens family.

Jerrold Norwood, founding member of Shekinah Glory Ministry, passes away at 60

(Chicago, IL) Jerrold Norwood, a founding member of the platinum-selling Chicago-based gospel music ensemble Shekinah Glory Ministry, passed away of cancer complications on August 4, 2024.

“The members of Shekinah Glory Ministry aren’t just fellow worshippers or fellow singers or fellow musicians, we are family,” was a statement posted on Shekinah Glory Ministry’s Facebook page. “We regretfully announce the passing of one of our original members, Jerrold Paine Norwood. Jerrold was a giant of a worshipper, a threat to the devil, a warrior to those who were unhoused and downtrodden. A devout family man and our dear brother.”

The ebullient Jerrold Paine Norwood was born January 3, 1964, in Chicago, IL. He grew up in the area and was a founding member of Shekinah Glory Ministry when it first organized circa 1999. The ensemble has earned five R.I.A.A.-certified gold and platinum recordings for hit recordings such as “Praise Is What I Do,” “Yes,” and “Before the Throne.” He led the song “Higher” from the group’s 2007 live album. 

Norwood was a community-minded fellow who enthusiastically evangelized, passed out turkeys for the needy during Thanksgiving, and gave toys to kids for Christmas. He was the Director of Housekeeping at Niles Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. For the last eight years, he has battled cancer. It went into remission and later returned.

Norwood’s celebration of life takes place Friday, August 23, 2024 at 7:30 PM at the Valley Kingdom Ministries International location at 5300 151st Street, Oak Forest, IL. Norwood lived in Dolton, IL and is survived by his wife of nearly 33 years, Candace Marie Norwood, and their four children: Jalen, Jamel, Linnea, and Shayna.        

Bishop Michael A. Brooks, founding member of Commissioned, passes

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Official Announcement of Bishop Michael A. Brooks' Transition

The gospel music community is mourning the passing of Bishop Michael A. Brooks, who died on July 16, 2024, at age 62. The nature of his illness and cause of death were not disclosed.

Bishop Brooks was a founding member of Commissioned in 1982 alongside Fred Hammond, Mitchell Jones, Keith Staten, Karl Reid, and Michael Williams. He was known for his multifaceted talents as a songwriter, musician (keyboard/piano/organ), and producer who helped craft Commissioned’s signature sound.

In 1986, Brooks founded the all-female contemporary gospel group Witness, of which his future wife Lisa Page was an original member. (Many years later, the lineup would include their daughter and future Sunday Best winner, Tasha Page.) Witness became known for their powerful vocals and impactful songs under Brooks’s songwriting and production, further solidifying his legacy in the gospel music industry. He went on to produce and write for his wife’s solo projects and is credited for his work with a number of other artists as well, including Lexi, Young Artist for Christ Workshop, The Nation, and his own Michael Brooks & Royal Priesthood.

Debut album by Commissioned, I'm Going On. Brooks was an original member and wrote several of the group's songs.
Debut album by Witness, a contemporary group founded by Brooks. Brooks produced and wrote most of the album's tracks.
Debut album by Lisa Page, produced by Brooks, who was also the primary writer.

Left to right: Debut albums by Commissioned (I’m Going On), Witness (Keep Looking Up), and Lisa Page (More Than You’ll Ever Know).

In addition to musical endeavors, Bishop Brooks and Lisa pastored Restoration Fellowship Church International in Redford, MI, a ministry he founded.

GMF extends its deepest condolences to Brooks’ wife of 27 years, Pastor Lisa Page Brooks; their children Tasha, LaTia, Sateara, Justin, Jessica, and the entire family; Restoration Fellowship Church International; and all who were touched by his music and ministry.

A tribute concert is set to take place Thursday, July 25, at 7 p.m. The homegoing service is Friday, July 26, at 11 a.m. Both services will be held at Christian Tabernacle in Southfield.

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article inadvertently omitted Bishop Brooks’ daughter Jessica. GMF apologizes for the oversight. Thanks to Shelia Jones for making us aware.

Bishop Kervy Brown, psalmist and pastor, passes on

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Bishop Kervy Brown died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

The church and gospel music community mourn the sudden passing of Bishop Kervy Brown, who died unexpectedly on Sunday, July 7, at age 65. He collapsed during a service at Greater Deliverance Temple in Danville, VA, where he was celebrating 15 years as the church’s pastor.

Bishop Brown was renowned for his contributions to gospel music. His earliest professional recording as a featured soloist dates back to 1988 on Rev. Charles Nicks Presents the Baptist Assembly of Free Spirit Churches Mass Choir, Volume 2, with the song “Victory.” Over the years, he recorded several solo projects. His latest solo single “My Turn Around,” was released in September 2023. He also guest appeared on recordings with GMWA, Youthful Praise, the late Rev. Timothy Wright, and most recently, Brian Spriggs & Nu Worship. Spriggs’ album, The Art of Choir Music, was released Friday, July 5, featuring the beloved preacher and singer on the track “I’ll Make It.”

Brown’s most well-known musical partnership was alongside his longtime close friend, Bishop Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship. Brown was the featured vocalist on many of the Love Fellowship choir projects, leading such favorites as “The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow,” “Make It to That City,” “Never Leave Me Alone,” “I Will Fight,” and “Lord Do It.”

In 2018, Brown was elevated to the office of bishop. At the time of his passing, he served on the executive council of the Covenant Keepers International Alliance (CKIA), presided over by Bishop Walker. In a heartfelt statement released Sunday night, Walker described Brown as a “beloved friend and brother… [who] … has walked with me for over 40 years doing the Lord’s work in the United States and around the world.”

GMF extends its deepest condolences to Bishop Brown’s immediate and extended family, Greater Deliverance Temple, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Love Fellowship, CKIA, and the entire gospel community. In tribute, a segment of this past Monday’s Gospel Music Fever Radio Show on KWAY-db Gospel Station was dedicated to his memory.

Events to Honor Bishop Brown’s Life

Several celebrations honoring Bishop Brown’s life have been announced.

The victory celebration and public viewing is set for Friday, July 26, at 7 p.m., at Bibleway Cathedral, 215 Grant St. in Danville.

The national celebration and official homegoing service takes place Saturday, July 27, at 11 a.m., also at Bibleway Cathedral.

An additional national celebration, “The Praise Finale,” is being held Sunday, July 28, at 6 p.m., at Pilgrim Renaissance Center in Brooklyn, NY.

More event details are on the revised flyer below.

On Monday, July 22, Elder Timothy Womack of Greater Deliverance Temple shared via social media, “Please denote change of venue for Friday evening service. At 7pm, the service will be held at Bibleway. Please remember the viewing from 3pm-5pm is for the members of GDT only along with the invited guest[s] of the Brown family (no exceptions!!!). Everyone is welcome to Bibleway at 7pm!!!!!!”

This article was last updated on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 7:45 p.m.

Cleave Graham of the Pilgrim Jubilees passes away

Cleave Graham funeral information

GMF was saddened to receive news of the passing of Cleave Graham of the Pilgrim Jubilees. Cleave passed June 11, at age 96. Born January 8, 1928, Cleave was a cherished member of a family of singers who went on to significantly impact the quartet music scene.

The Pilgrim Jubilee Singers started in Mississippi with Cleave’s brothers Theophilus “Hoppy” Graham and Elgie C.B. Graham alongside their cousin Monroe Hatchett and cousins-in-law Alfred Brownlee and Willis Johnson. After a brief disbandment in the late 1940s, the group regrouped in Chicago in the early 1950s, with Cleave, Hoppy, Elgie, and Monroe. Major Roberson was also added to the roster and later on, Cleave’s younger brother Clay.

Throughout their career, the Pilgrim Jubilees, as they came to be called, recorded for several labels, including Nashboro, Peacock, Savoy, and Malaco, and traveled extensively on the quartet circuit. They won the admiration of audiences not only with their charisma but also with Cleave’s rollicking drives like “Wonderful,” “Don’t Let Him Down,” and “Safety of Your Soul,” and Clay’s compelling sermonettes as heard in “Rich Man, Poor Man” and “Barnyard.”

The Pilgrim Jubilees, a biography written by Alan Young and published in 2001, documents the group’s rich history and offers fans and new enthusiasts deeper insight into the Jubes’ musical legacy.

Cleave was the group’s longest active member. Clay passed away in 2018. Major died eight years prior, in 2010. Ben Chandler, another longtime member, transitioned in 2012.

Funeral arrangements have been announced by the family as follows:

Visitation
Thursday, June 20, 2024
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Maggie’s Bereavement Services
South Chicago Chapel Funeral Home
2939 East 95th Street
Chicago, IL 60617

Musical Tribute
Thursday, June 20, 2024
7:30 p.m.
Prayer Center Baptist Church
1432 West 79th Street
Chicago, IL 60620

Homegoing Celebration
Friday, June 21, 2024
Wake: 10:00 a.m.
Funeral: 11:00 a.m.
Saint John Church of God in Christ
7527 South Cottage Grove
Chicago, IL 60619

GMF extends condolences to the Graham family and the Pilgrim Jubilees. Another soldier is at rest.

Bernie McLean, veteran music executive, passes at 80

Retired music executive Bernie McLean passed away at 80.

Bernie McLean, a retired music executive who was pivotal in the careers of numerous gospel and urban artists, has died at 80. Known for his work with Queen Latifah, Big Daddy Kane, and the platinum-selling Shekinah Glory Ministry, McLean made significant contributions to the music industry. His promotional efforts helped Shekinah Glory Ministry achieve hits like “Praise Is What I Do,” “Yes,” and “Jesus.”

A Celebration of Life service takes place June 14, 2024, at 11 AM at Valley Kingdom Ministries, Oak Forest, IL.

Born June 6, 1943, in New York City, McLean excelled in basketball at Aviation High School and the New York Institute of Technology. He obtained an engineering degree from the latter and a second one from Adelphi University before beginning a 30-year tenure at General Electric.

McLean transitioned into music promotions and artist management in the 1990s and worked with a number of urban artists such as Yvonne Gage, Too $hort, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, and RUSSOUL. In 2001, he became the first promotions manager at Kingdom Records, founded by his friend Apostle H. Daniel Wilson, who had formed an aggregation of singers that became Shekinah Glory Ministry worship ensemble. McLean helped Shekinah Glory Ministry achieve gold status for “Praise Is What I Do” as well as four gold and platinum certifications for other projects. In 2003, he was promoted to Vice President and A&R Director, working with The Whispers, Phil Tarver, and The Brown Sisters of Chicago, among others. McLean retired in 2016.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his daughter Tiffany, sons Phil and Ashaunte, grandchildren, and extended family.

The Notable Career of Grammy-Winning Singer, Pastor Sandra Crouch (1942-2024)

Pastor Sandra Crouch passed away on March 17, 2024, at the age of 81.
Photo by Alonso Garcia

Sandra Crouch, Grammy® Award winning twin sister of gospel legend Andraé Crouch, and an artist in her own right, passed away on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 12 PM PST at Northridge Hospital in Northridge, CA. She was 81. She died of complications from radiation for a non-cancerous brain lesion.

Crouch was an integral partner in her brother’s trailblazing career as the most popular crossover gospel artist of the 1970s and co-wrote one of his biggest hits, “Jesus is the Answer.” She was also a percussionist and/or vocal conductor on recordings by artists such as The Jackson 5, Madonna, Neil Diamond, and Janis Joplin. In the 1980s, Crouch stepped into the spotlight on her own with a trio of Grammy® Award-nominated albums that produced modern church standards such as “He’s Worthy,” “Completely Yes,” and “We Need To Hear From You.” Since 2015, she’s been the Senior Pastor of New Christ Memorial Church in San Fernando, CA. 

Sandra Elaine Crouch and her twin brother, Andraé Edward Crouch, were born on July 1, 1942, in Los Angeles, CA. Their parents, Benjamin E. and Catherine Crouch, owned two dry cleaning operations and a restaurant in Los Angeles. In the late 1940s, their parents sold their businesses to go into ministry. They packed up their eldest son, Benjamin Jr., and the twins, and moved to Verde, CA, where they eventually founded  Christ Memorial Church C.O.G.I.C. out of a garage in 1951.

While the twins were students at San Fernando Valley High School, they formed The COGICS circa 1960 with friends who were active in the Church of God in Christ C.O.G.I.C. denomination. Billy Preston, Gloria Jones, Blinky Sondra Williams, Frankie, and Edna Wright would all go on to have successful careers in the music industry. Their first recording was “It Will Never Lose Its Power” which was distributed by Vee Jay Records. After Preston left to tour with Ray Charles, the group disbanded. Andraé then formed Andraé Crouch & the Disciples while  Sandra worked as a percussionist in Hollywood. Among the notable recordings she played on were The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back,” Neil Diamond’s Tap Root Manuscript LP which featured “Cracklin’ Rosie,” and Janis Joplin’s Pearl LP which featured “Me and Bobby McGee.” She also played on projects by Gabor Szabo, Mongo Santamaria, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and various Motown acts. 

By the 1970s, Sandra Crouch had rejoined her brother as a key member of Andraé Crouch and the Disciples. Aside from singing and playing with the group, she co-wrote songs with her brother. Among the biggest was “Jesus is the Answer,” which was a huge crossover hit on both white and black gospel radio stations. Over the years, it’s been covered by over 75 artists including Paul Simon, and Michael W. Smith. The group dominated the airwaves during the period with hits such as “Take Me Back,” “Soon and Very Soon,” “Through It All,” and “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory).” They performed on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Saturday Night Live, and at The White House during the Carter Administration.

In 1983, Sandra Crouch bankrolled, composed, and produced her first solo LP, We Sing Praises. It won a Grammy® Award and birthed the radio hits “He’s Worthy,”  “There is Power in the Blood,” and “We Need to Hear From You.” Its unexpected success helped save Light Records from financial bankruptcy. Her next set, We’re Waiting, appeared in 1985 and included the massive hit “Completely Yes” which was sung by church choirs nationwide. It earned three Grammy® Award nominations in 1989. Her final solo album, With All of My Heart, was released on Sparrow Records in the autumn of 1992. To promote the project, Crouch went on a concert tour, “Gospel: Good for the Soul,” with Daryl Coley and the Richard Smallwood Singers. 

Over the years, Andraé Crouch began to work on film soundtracks and always included Sandra. Quincy Jones tapped them to work on The Color Purple. They wrote “Heaven Belongs to You” for it and they sang “Maybe God Is Trying to Tell You Something” on the soundtrack. That led to other scores for the films The Lion King and Free Willy. In addition, the twins assembled choirs that backed artists such as Madonna on “Like A Prayer” and Diana Ross on “Force Behind the Power.” They backed Michael Jackson on “You Are Not Alone” and many of the songs on his History – Past, Present and Future Book 1 album. They also backed him on “Man in the Mirror” on the studio recording and when he performed it live at the 1988 Grammy® Awards.

The Sandra Crouch Singers backed Beyoncé, Common, and John Legend on the closing segment of the 57th annual Grammy® Awards in 2015 with a riveting medley of “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” and “Glory” from the Selma motion picture soundtrack. She also produced one of the few televised Grammy® gospel performances ever with Al Green as the star of the segment. It’s just one of innumerable achievements from Sandra Crouch’s illustrious career.

Sandra Crouch testifies at New Christ Memorial Church, San Fernando, CA circa 2005. (Photo by Robert Shanklin for Capital Entertainment)
Sandra Crouch testifies at New Christ Memorial Church, San Fernando, CA circa 2005. (Photo by Robert Shanklin for Capital Entertainment)

In 1998, Andraé Crouch, who assumed leadership of his parents’ church when his brother, Pastor Benjamin Crouch Jr. passed, defied the COGIC denomination’s policy against female preachers and ordained Sandra as a co-pastor. They renamed Christ Memorial COGIC as New Christ Memorial Church to signify a new era. Andraé Crouch passed away on January 8, 2015. Upon his death, Sandra Crouch assumed the role of senior pastor and had been active up until recently.

Updated April 3, 2024: A viewing for Pastor Sandra is scheduled for Tuesday, April 16, from 4 to 6 PM, with a musical tribute service to follow at 7 PM. The homegoing service takes place Wednesday, April 17, at 11 AM. Please note the venue has changed and all services will be held at Faithful Central Bible Church in Inglewood, CA. The services will be streamed live:

Celebration of Life Concert – click here

Celebration of Life Homegoing Service – click here

El DeBarge, Donnie McClurkin, David and Nicole Binion, and Erica and Tina Campbell (Mary Mary) are among the confirmed artists and friends who will perform at Tuesday’s musical tribute.

Sandra Crouch flyer with funeral arrangements

– From a media release