Category: Passings

Today marks the 40th anniversary of Mahalia Jackson’s passing

On this date in 1972, Mahalia Jackson–widely regarded as the world’s greatest gospel singer–passed away.  She was 59 years old.  (Almost all news reports indicated she was 60, because her birth year was supposedly 1911.  Her grave marker, however, bears the inscription of 1912 as her year of birth; therefore, she would not have turned 60 until October of 1972.)

Fifty-nine years of age is awfully young, but in her relatively short lifetime, Jackson blazed trails with her contemporaries, stirred souls with her spirited performances, and advocated for civil rights with the heavyweights.  One of her notable associations during that era was with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  A piece published in The Dispatch on Jan. 28, 1972, announces her death and quotes then-President Richard Nixon on her far-reaching impact: Gospel Singer Mahalia Jackson Dies at 60.

October 26th will mark the gospel singer’s 100th birthday.

Related Story 
Mahalia Jackson’s hometown commemorates her 100th birthday with several events

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.