Johnny Otis (1921-2012) – "The Godfather of Rhythm and Blues"

Johnny Otis, singer, musician, bandleader, and former pastor, died Tuesday.  He was 90 years old.  Otis, who was the son of Greek immigrants but identified himself as a member of the black community, was the father of singer-songwriter and musician, Shuggie Otis.

According to his bio, the multi-talented artist discovered, among others, Etta James, who was once a featured vocalist in his band.  (James passed today at the age of 73.)

In a career that spanned seven decades, Otis, sometimes referred to as “The Godfather of Rhythm and Blues,” enjoyed one success after another in the music industry.  He was inducted into the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame, the Blues Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 

In later years, Otis reportedly founded and pastored the now defunct Landmark Community Gospel Church in California.

You can read more about his extensive career in the Chicago-Sun Times and The New York Times.

GMF offers sympathy to the relatives, friends, and fans of Johnny Otis.

Etta James succumbs

Etta James, famed singer whose best known hit is perhaps “At Last,” has died just a few days shy of her 74th birthday.

James, like countless other blues, R&B, and soul singers, got her start in the church. Gospel historian Bob Marovich conducted an interview with her several years ago that he will re-air on his radio program “Gospel Memories” next week. See his piece for more information: Etta James dies at 73.

GMF extends condolences to the family, friends, and fans of Etta James.  Her music will not soon be forgotten.

Emily Harris of Bobby Jones & New Life has died

Emily Harris
Emily Harris, longtime member of Bobby Jones and New Life Singers and the Nashville Super Choir, has died.  Harris’s rich vocals are featured on several songs, notably “I’m in His Care,” from Bobby Jones and New Life’s early 1990’s release Bring It To Jesus.
 
Homegoing arrangements are as follows:
 
Musical Celebration
Wednesday, December 28th
7 PM
 
Homegoing Celebration
Thursday, December 29th
11 AM
 
All services will take place at Cathedral of Praise Church of God in Christ, 4300 Clarksville Pike, Nashville, TN.  Read the obituary as posted by Terrell Broady Funeral Home here: Emily Harris.
 
GMF extends sympathy to and prayers for the Harris family and Dr. Bobby Jones, New Life, and the Nashville Super Choir during this most difficult time.
 
 

Gene Viale of the Cleveland Singers has died

Gene Viale

Robert Marovich of The Black Gospel Blog passed along the sad news to GMF that Minister Gene Viale has died.

Viale was a member of the legendary James Cleveland Singers (1964-1965) and traveled extensively as a solo artist as well.  According to his web bio, he has appeared with numerous gospel greats including Mahalia Jackson, Albertina Walker and The Caravans, Dorothy Love Coates and The Gospel Harmonettes, Andraé and Sandra Crouch, The Staples Singers, Pastor Shirley Caesar, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC’s.

Just last year, Viale released his first book, entitled, I Remember Gospel and I Keep on Singing.

GMF extends condolences to all who mourn his passing.

Louis Dicks of the Blind Boys remembered by family, friends, quartet community

Sandy Foster, Jr. (left) of the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi and Rev. Frank Thompson of the Fantastic Violinaires pay their respects.

Mourners filled the sanctuary of Durham’s New Metropolitan Church Monday, October 24, to celebrate the life of Louis Dicks, longtime member of the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama. 
The host of mourners included members from both the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi and Alabama, the Fantastic Violinaires, and the Swan Silvertones.
Rev. Frank Thompson of the Fantastic Violinaires was among those who offered tributes with a prayer of comfort and a moving verse of “Father, I Stretch My Hands To Thee.”  Pastor Patricia Reams delivered the eulogy.
Dicks died last Monday, October 17. 

GMF thanks RuBena Cooper-Woods for contributing to this piece.

Related Story:
Blind Boys’ famed lead, Louis Dicks, passes from labor to reward

Blind Boys’ famed lead, Louis Dicks, passes from labor to reward

Dicks (standing, far left)

GMF thanks RuBena Cooper-Woods for informing us of the passing of Louis Dicks, longtime lead singer with both the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama.  Dicks died Monday in Durham, NC, where he resided more than 20 years.

The well-known tenor (who, incidentally, was not blind) joined the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi in the mid 1950’s and traveled with the group for several decades.  When Clarence Fountain left the Five Blind Boys of Alabama for a few years in the late 1960’s, Dicks came aboard as the Alabama group’s featured lead for a time. 

In addition to the acclaim he embraced as a member of both legendary aggregations, Dicks wowed crowds throughout NC with his own uniquely named group, World’s Greatest Gospel Singers.

Visitation will be Monday, October 24, at 11am, with the homegoing service following at noon.  Services will be at New Metropolitan Faith Winners Baptist Church, 1509 Riddle Road, Durham, NC.

We extend our condolences to the family and friends.  Another phenomenal singer has joined the Heavenly choir.

Jessy Dixon, legendary gospel singer & songwriter, has died

The Black Gospel Blog just reported that another gospel legend in the person of Rev. Jessy Dixon has passed from labor to reward.

Dixon was an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician whose memorable compositions include “I Am Redeemed,” “I Love to Praise His Name,” and “Lord Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary.”  He wrote more than 200 songs throughout his career.  He was also a sought-after accompanist.  His fans were many including celebrities Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Bette Midler, and Diana Ross.

The Black Gospel Blog will provide additional information as it becomes available.

GMF extends sympathy to Rev. Dixon’s family and friends and to the gospel community.

Vesta Williams, R&B singer, has passed away

Photo from website

GMF is sad to learn that R&B sensation Vesta Williams is no longer with us.  Perhaps best known for her 1980’s hits “Sweet, Sweet Love” and “Congratulations,” news reports say she was found yesterday in a Los Angeles hotel room.  The cause of death is not available at this time.  She was 48. (Update: Some news outlets are now reporting her correct age as 53.)

Vesta’s talent was respected by R&B and gospel aficionados alike.  James Fortune said on his Twitter, “R.I.P Vesta Williams. Let’ [sic] keep her family in our prayers.”  Richard Smallwood’s Twitter read, simply, “RIP Vesta Williams #shocked.”

While Vesta was a standout R&B vocalist, many remember her soulful performance of “Try Jesus” on the Mississippi Burning movie soundtrack.

GMF sends condolences to Vesta’s family and friends.  They are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Dr. Zachery Tims, megachurch pastor and TV/radio host, has died

GMF is sad to share that WFTV in Orlando has confirmed that Dr. Zachery Tims, senior pastor and founder of New Destiny Christian Center (NDCC) in Apopka, FL, has died.  The cause of death is not available at this time.  He was 42.
Dr. Tims founded NDCC in 1996.  It has grown to a congregation of over 8,000 people, according to the church’s website.  He was not only a well known pastor, but an author, life coach, prominent TV personality and frequent host on TBN’s “Praise the Lord.”
In addition to pastoring, Dr. Tims released a music project on the Zion Records label in 2006 entitled ‘Dr. Zachery Tims Presents’ A New Praise.  Most recently, he was the host of the Orlando radio show, “102 Gospel Jamz.”
Please join GMF in keeping his family and church in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.

Delois Barrett Campbell’s life celebrated with rousing musical, moving homegoing

Aretha Franklin, President Obama among scores who offered tributes

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Delois Barrett Campbell
Delois Barrett Campbell

People from all over the country packed the pews of Trinity United Church of Christ Tuesday and Wednesday evening to celebrate the life of gospel music way-paver, Delois Barrett Campbell, the “Royal Lady of Gospel.”  Many around the world watched online; so many in fact, that Trinity’s website crashed due to the volume of viewers.  Lady Delois, of the internationally renowned Barrett Sisters and formerly of the trailblazing Roberta Martin Singers, passed August 2.  She was 85.

Tuesday night’s musical tribute was a celebration of lively music and hearty laughter as Lady Delois was fondly remembered for her vocal prowess, her elegance, and her endearing presence.  Musical salutes were given by Chicago’s First Church of Deliverance Choir, psalmist Tanya Ray, the Gospel Music According to Chicago (GMAC) Choir, and Quinton Washington, who sang in Jennifer Hudson’s absence.

Brown Sisters of Chicago
The Brown Sisters

In salute to Delois Barrett Campbell and The Barrett Sisters, who are cited as influences on today’s gospel sister groups, the sensational Brown Sisters took to the platform and immediately brought the crowd to its feet with a medley of the Barrett Sisters’ “I’ll Fly Away (Lord, Give Me Wings)” and “I’ve Got A New Home.”  The remaining sisters Rodessa Barrett Porter and Billie Barrett GreenBey stood, swayed, clapped, and grinned as the Browns led the celebratory audience down memory lane.

Other musical performances were given by the amazing Kim Stratton, Cathy Townsend, Rev. Issac Whittmon, Chris Gardner, Reginald Finley, Wooten Choral Ensemble, Penny Jeffries, Milas Armour, Pastor Ray Berryhill and Evangel World Outreach Ministries, Dexter Walker & Zion Movement and Lady Delois’s cousin Ron Barrett.

It was the Rev. Stanley Keeble’s recounting of Jessy Dixon’s “The Wicked Shall Cease from Their Troubling” that caused the church to explode in praise.  Keeble opted not to sing the song, but no sooner than he completed his remarks and laid the mic down, the church became one huge mass choir and broke spontaneously into the song’s chorus.  Pastor DeAndre Patterson, one of the evening’s emcees, brought Keeble back at least twice to sing the verses, and the house erupted in jubilation.  The Campbell daughters as well as Barrett Sisters member Tina Brown were among the many dancing in the spirit.  It was just the kind of rejoicing that Lady Delois would want – and perhaps prayed for – at her homegoing.

Sue Campbell-Ladd, daughter of Delois Barrett Campbell
Sue Campbell-Ladd

The evening was not without laughter as Lady Delois was remembered for her big hair and long eyelashes, her skills in the kitchen (especially her soul food), and her sense of humor.  The evening’s funniest remembrances were shared by her oldest daughter, Dr. Sue Campbell-Ladd, who recalled her mother’s enjoyment of talking on the phone, insistence that her daughters “learn to be on time,” and love of sports, particularly the Chicago Bulls.

“When my father would walk into the living room, he’d say, ‘What’s the score?’  My mother would say, ‘186 to 42.  The Bulls are winning.'”  The audience roared.  Ladd added, “They were always winning–to her.”

Other warm memories were expressed by gospel music historians Nash Shaffer and Professor L. Stanley Davis, radio personalities John Hannah and Effie Rolfe, Bishop Larry Trotter, and the evening’s emcees Pastor Patterson and Art Norman.  A host of notables were also in attendance.  Among those I spotted were Caravans members Inez Andrews and Delores Washington, Lady Lou Della Evans-Reid, Walt Whitman, Rev. Jolinda Wade, Ricky Dillard, Lexi, Pastor Dan Willis, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Calvin Bridges and Bishop Otto Houston, III.

In a rousing finale, the Barrett Sisters–Porter and GreenBey along with Tina Brown, who was hand-picked by Lady Delois as her stand-in vocalist–were escorted to the pulpit, donning the royal color of purple like the rest of their family and friends, to perform their popular number “Jesus Will,” backed by the Trinity United Church of Christ Choir.  The bereaved sisters were embraced by a standing congregation and uplifted by supernatural strength; in response, they delivered a healthy dose of encouragement in their own classy and musically excellent way.

‘Twas the night of a fitting tribute to a royal lady.

________________________

Wednesday’s homegoing service of nearly four hours was the continuance of celebration thanking God for the life and legacy of Delois Barrett Campbell.  Prominent clergy, politicians, and gospel singers came to pay homage while the main floor and balcony of the Trinity UCC sanctuary was again filled with family, friends, and admirers.

Anthony Heilbut
Anthony Heilbut

Among the numerous spoken-word tributes was a beautifully delivered recitation of “God Saw You Getting Tired” by Lady Delois’s 13 year-old granddaughter, Nailah Harris, and an audio message from the “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin.  George Nierenberg, who directed the critically acclaimed 1982 documentary, Say Amen, Somebody, which skyrocketed the Barrett Sisters to international fame, shared accounts of his personal interaction with Lady Delois and her sisters during the making of the movie.  Anthony Heilbut, author of The Gospel Sound, escorted the congregation to yesteryear, playing Lady Delois’s very first solo recording with the Roberta Martin Singers in 1947, and her last, about 50 years later.  This was one of several highlights, as members of Wednesday’s audience could be heard saying, “Go ‘head ‘Lois,” “You betta sing!” and “That’s alright, Mama” while listening to her voice soar and then settle back into sheer sweetness on the recordings.

Romance Watson
Romance Watson

Other musical highlights include vocalist Kathy Taylor’s passionate delivery of “The Corinthian Song.”  It was rafter-rattling; many of the worshippers could have used a psalmic selah afterwards.  “He Looked Beyond My Faults,” a flawless performance by Lady Delois’s contemporary, Romance Watson of the famed Roberta Martin Singers, was accompanied by a thunderous standing ovation that continued as he exited the sanctuary.  (He apologized for being hoarse.)  I can only imagine that Lady Delois brought the house down in like fashion with her God-given singing virtuosity at the many funerals for which she sang through the years.

Daughters Mary and Sue
Daughters Mary and Sue

Angela Hunt, the Caravans’ Delores Washington, the Carson Sisters, Tina Brown of the Barrett Sisters, and Pastor DeAndre Patterson also comforted the family with musical selections between tributes, readings, and words of comfort from Trinity’s pastor, Rev. Otis Moss, III.  One special reading was a letter of condolence from President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama.

As the evening drew to an end, those “Sweet Sisters of Zion” graced the pulpit to perform the final musical tribute, “God Be With You Til We Meet Again.”  Despite being grief-stricken, when the Barrett Sisters opened their mouths, their countenances lifted and their harmonies rang.  As they approached the final notes of the song they’ve closed concerts with time and time again, Ladies GreenBey, Porter and Brown bowed.  It was a most moving moment for me.  This time, I sensed that they bowed not to receive recognition from their audience of admirers for a job well done. Rather, they bowed in salute to gospel music royalty – for her job well done.

The Barrett Sisters
Members of The Barrett Sisters singing group, Rodessa Barrett Porter (foreground), Billie Barrett Greenbey (right), and Tina Brown (left).

Delois's coffin exits sanctuary
Family and friends prepare for the recessional as Trinity’s choir sings “I’ve Got A New Home”.
________________________

Horse drawn carriage carries casket
Lady Delois is escorted to Oak Woods Cemetery, her resurrection site (as described by Apostle Richard Henton), on Thursday, in a horse drawn carriage.

Photos by photographer David Spearman where noted.  GMF thanks him for granting us permission to publish the photos with this story.