Tag: Gospel Keynotes

Charles McLean of the Gospel Keynotes has died

Rev. Charles McLean, formerly of the Gospel Keynotes, died today.  He was 69 years old.

Rev. McLean was born in Greensboro (NC) in 1943. He joined the Keynotes in 1979 and remained with the group through 1984, when he departed to focus on his own ministry.
GMF sends condolences to Rev. McLean’s family and to the quartet community.  He will be remembered as one of the great falsetto singers in quartet music.

Arrangements are as follows:

Musical Tribute
Thursday, January 10th at 7 PM

Homegoing Service
Friday, January 11th at 10 AM

Both services will be at Gospel Temple Church Of God In Christ, 4121 Thurmond Road, Conley, GA 30288.  Meadows Mortuary in Atlanta is in charge of arrangements.

GMF Sightings – Keynotes’ Guitarist Val Alexander

 
 
 
GMF sighted Val Alexander, longtime guitarist and member of Willie Neal Johnson and the Gospel Keynotes, this weekend at New Hope Person Baptist Church in Timberlake, NC.  Alexander traveled with the quartet (whose notable songs include “Show Me the Way” and “Jesus, You’ve Been Good to Me”) approximately 25 years.  Currently, he performs with Mattie Alston (also known as “The Dipping Lady”) and the Voices of Praise from Greensboro.

Funeral Services for Alfred “Gino” Smith of the Gospel Keynotes

Thanks to TBGB for passing along arrangements for Alfred “Gino” Smith, baritone singer for the Gospel Keynotes.  Smith passed Saturday, April 2, 2011, in Rochester, NY.

The funeral is today, Saturday, April 9, at 11am, at Rock of Ages-Christ Good Shepherd Church.  The church is on 1000 Winton Road North in Rochester.  Interment will be in Falls Cemetery.  Memories Funeral Home is in charge of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to:
The Family of Alfred “Gino” Smith
c/o Memories Funeral Home
1005 Hudson Avenue
Rochester, NY 14621-3739

He is survived by his wife, Pat; three sisters; two brothers; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Passings Within the Quartet Community

GMF is sad to report that Alfred “Gino” Smith, baritone singer for the Gospel Keynotes passed away this weekend.

Also, Willie Claud Ligon, younger brother of The Mighty Clouds of Joy’s lead singer and original member Joe Ligon, has passed away.

GMF offers its condolences.  Please uplift their families and friends in prayer during this time.