Category: Passings

Brenda Joyce Moore, “Oh Lord, How Excellent” composer, has died

Songwriter and musician Brenda Joyce Moore, whose widely known composition “Perfect Praise” (better known as “Oh Lord, How Excellent”) is in nearly every gospel choir’s repertoire, passed away this morning, April 8th.  Ramon Perry made the announcement on Facebook.  
 
GMF extends sincere condolences to Moore’s family, friends, and the entire Chicago gospel community, and sends prayers for God’s comfort during this difficult time. 

Passing: Billie Barrett Greenbey of the Barrett Sisters

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Billie Barrett Greenbey has passed on, Dr. Patricia James Holloway informed GMF Friday morning (Feb. 28).  She was 91 years old, or to hear the classy and sassy legendary singer tell it, “39 and holding.”

Auntie Billie, as I affectionately called her, was one-third of the famed Barrett Sisters.  Her older sister Delois Barrett Campbell died in 2011 (see related story).  Younger sister Rodessa Barrett Porter is now the sole surviving member of the singing trio.

Whether leading or backing, Auntie Billie’s robust contralto was a perfect complement to her sisters, helping them earn the nickname, “Sweet Sisters of Zion.”  Albertina Walker once proclaimed, “I’ll tell the world, ain’t no greater singers than these Barrett girls.  They’re the singingest honeys!”

GMF joins the masses in extending heartfelt sympathy to daughter Tina, sister Rodessa, and the entire family.  We hold them in prayer now and in the days ahead.

I will play music in tribute to Auntie Billie during the Gospel Music Fever Radio Show on Monday, March 9, at 1 PM ET.  Be sure to tune in at kwaygospel.com.

Here’s more from The Journal of Gospel Music’s Bob Marovich: RIP Billie Barrett Greenbey, Member of the Barrett Sisters

 
 

Homegoing celebration for LaTonya Earl set for this weekend

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Gospel Music Fever was heartbroken to learn of the passing of songstress Dr. LaTonya Earl.  LaTonya perished Valentine’s Day in a car collision in Houston, TX.  She was 49 years old.  

LaTonya is known in the gospel community as a gifted singer, songwriter, musician, and longtime worship director at The Church at Bethel’s Family in Houston.  Her talent has garnered widespread recognition among her peers and earned her multiple Rhythm of Gospel and Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards. 

I met LaTonya in 2013 at the Rhythm of Gospel Awards, as we were seat buddies at the main show.  That single encounter birthed a friendship that continued til her demise.  I had the privilege of interviewing LaTonya in 2013.  You can read it here: LaTonya Earl: Her Story, Her Song

Heartfelt sympathy and prayers are extended to her husband Rev. Walter Earl, children Britney, Amber, and Drew, grandson Roman, and her entire biological and spiritual family during this undoubtedly difficult time.

Rev. Walter August, senior pastor of The Church at Bethel’s Family, announced homegoing arrangements for LaTonya Tuesday via Facebook.  The public viewings and services will take place at The Church at Bethel’s Family, located at 12660 Sandpiper Drive in Houston, TX.

Friday, February 21, 2020
Viewing
3 – 6 PM CST

Celebration Musical 
6:30 PM

Saturday, February 22, 2020
Viewing
8:30 – 10 AM

Homegoing Celebration
10 AM

Mondre Bynum of Mondre and Divine passes away

Herb McFadden informed GMF yesterday (January 30, 2020) that Mondre Bynum made his transition.  He was 39 years old.

Bynum was a songwriter, producer, author, and lead singer of the eastern North Carolina based group Mondre and Divine, whose music includes “Jesus Makes Me Smile,” “So Amazing,” “It’s Gonna Get Better,” “Working Everyday,” and I Believe in Us. 

Bynum penned “It’s Gonna Get Better” following the tragic death of his younger brother due to gun violence.  He went on to author a devotional by the same title and to found a non-profit called the IGGB Campaign, the mission of which is to “assist those who have been directly affected by gun violence, the family of the victim as well as all others directly or indirectly impacted by murderous acts.”

GMF extends heartfelt condolences to the Bynum family during this extraordinarily shocking and difficult time.

Libra Boyd, creator, producer, and host of the Gospel Music Fever Radio Show, will pay tribute to Bynum during the second half of the show’s one-hour broadcast this Monday, February 3, at 1 PM ET.  You can listen at kwaygospel.com.

Rev. Maceo Woods, pastor and organist, has died

Maceo Woods press release

Another of Chicago’s gospel greats has joined the ever-growing heavenly choir.  Rev. Maceo Woods passed away today.  Homegoing service details are on the photo.

Read more about Rev. Woods–organist, recording artist, and founder and pastor of Christian Tabernacle Church–from our friend Bob Marovich at the Journal of Gospel Music: RIP: Rev. Maceo Woods, Pastor, Organist, Founder of “Gospel Supreme” Musical.

Gospel Music Fever offers condolences and prayers to the Woods immediate and extended family and Christian Tabernacle Church during this emotional time.

Bishop Donnie Graves to be remembered, celebrated this weekend

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

GMF was saddened to learn of the passing of Bishop Donnie Graves, who died December 29, 2019.  He was 65 years old. 

Formally trained in organ and sacred music, Bishop Ralph Donnell Graves is widely recognized as a masterful musician, composer, arranger, and choir director whose albums include I’m Saved, Count Your Blessings, I Am Determined, So Far I Have Weathered the Storm, Back With A Vengeance, and Sounds from Heaven.  Among his notable compositions are “Count Your Blessings” and “When All God’s Children Get Together.”

Bishop Graves was the presiding prelate of Deliverance Temple Restoration Ministries, Inc. and pastor of The Gathering Place in Raleigh, NC.  He also established and pastored Refreshing Springs Restoration Center and Greater Metropolitan Restoration Center in Rocky Mount and Greensboro, respectively.

GMF offers heartfelt condolences to Bishop’s daughters, grandchildren, and the entire Graves family as well as his church family, friends, colleagues, and protégés. 

Homegoing information has been published as follows:

Wake
Friday, January 3, 2020
7 PM
The Gathering Place
3500 Woodmeadow Pkwy
Raleigh, NC  

Visitation
Saturday, January 4, 2020
9-10 AM
Mount Calvary Word of Faith Holy Church
3100 Sanderford Rd
Raleigh, NC

Homegoing Service
10 AM
Mount Calvary Word of Faith Holy Church

Glynn Chisholm, husband of Jacky Clark Chisholm, succumbs

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Evangelist Jacky Clark Chisholm of The Clark Sisters solicits prayers after announcing on Instagram this afternoon (Nov. 28) that her husband of 46 years, Glynn T. Chisholm, has passed on.  He was 70 years old.  

Chisholm was a published author whose books include The Revival and Why Did God Make Us Creatures of the Flesh?

GMF offers its deepest condolences to Evangelist Chisholm, their children Mike, Aaron, and Angel, and the entire Chisholm and Clark family. 

Visitation
Sunday, December 8, 2019
3-8 PM (EST)
Clora Funeral Home – Detroit West
18957 W. Warren Ave
Detroit, MI  48228

Family Hour
Monday, December 9, 2019
10 AM (EST)
Greater Emmanuel Institutional COGIC
19190 Schaefer Hwy
Detroit, MI  48235

Homegoing Service
11 AM (EST)
Greater Emmanuel Institutional COGIC

Rev. Dr. Clay Evans dies: Pastor and singer was also prominent civil rights activist

Gospel Music Fever joins countless others in mourning the passing of Rev. Dr. Clay Evans today.  The pastor, civil rights activist, and gospel recording artist was 94 years old.



Read more about Rev. Dr. Evans’ ministry from our friend Bob Marovich of the Journal of Gospel Music: RIP: Rev. Dr. Clay Evans – Pastor, Civil Rights Icon

We offer condolences and prayers to the entire Evans family and Chicago’s Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.  The schedule of events celebrating Rev. Evans’ life is below, culminating with the Governmental and Civic Celebration on Friday, December 6, at 7 PM, and the Official Celebration of Life service on Saturday, December 7, at 9 AM.  Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. and Rev. Stephen J. Thurston will deliver eulogies.  The services will stream live.

Mary Stampley, 15 year-old daughter of Micah Stampley, dies

The Stampley familyGospel singer Micah Stampley and family have announced the passing of their 15 year-old daughter Mary.  The family’s publicist released the following statement today:
It is with a heavy heart that the Stampley family would like to announce the passing of their 15 year-old daughter, Mary Stampley, from complications with a seizure.  Please keep the family in your prayers and respect their privacy as they deal with this traumatic event. 
 
Funeral arrangements and ways to comfort the family will be shared as soon as details are confirmed.
 
Gospel Music Fever extends heartfelt condolences to the Stampleys during this difficult time.

From Labor to Reward: Gospel Singer Ricky McDuffie [Updated]

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Ricky McDuffieRev. Ricky McDuffie, lead singer of Ricky McDuffie and The Family, passed Sunday, August 18, 2019, finishing a courageous battle with cancer.  He was 31. 

Unfortunately, news of McDuffie’s death began circulating on social media Sunday before his immediate family made an official announcement.  (Please read this article about thinking before you post R.I.P. on social media.)  Condolences have continued to pour in from fans, friends, and contemporaries in the hours since the family’s official post. 

Ricky McDuffie became the lead singer of the family group consisting of his siblings and cousins, then called The Mighty Golden Stars, at the age of 10.  Shortly after their grandfather Melvin Teal allowed the group to record two songs for his own quartet group’s CD in the late 90s, the grands began traveling as Lil’ Ricky and the Mighty Golden Stars and eventually released their debut CD in 2005, titled, I’m On My Way to Heaven.  In 2013, the group underwent another name change to Ricky McDuffie and The Family.  Their most recent release is He Changed Me Live (2017). 

Despite declining health, McDuffie pressed on to perform with his family as recently as three weeks ago in late July.  In addition to being a singer, McDuffie was scheduled to celebrate nine years of preaching this past Sunday.

Update (8/23/19):  A Celebration of Life service has been announced for Sunday, August 25, 2019, at 3 PM at Berea Baptist Convention Center in Bennettsville, SC.  A musical tribute will take place Saturday, August 24, at 5 PM at Marlboro Civic Center, 106 Clyde Street in Bennettsville.  (Please note the venue for the musical has been changed from Spears Church to Marlboro Civic Center due to the expected attendance.)

GMF extends deepest condolences to McDuffie’s wife Valarie, his children, and the entire family throughout this most difficult time of adjustment.