By Bob Marovich Another radio angel has earned his eternal wings. Zadella “Mama” Curtis informed us of the passing of Henry Dunn of Akron, Ohio. Dunn was a gospel recording artist, longtime radio announcer, and member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America’s Gospel Announcers Guild (now the Alliance). It is at the GMWA where I met Bro. Dunn on several occasions. He was friendly and full of wisdom, and in spite of his many accomplishments, humble in spirit. Our prayers to the family, friends, and many fans of Henry Dunn. Read Bro. Dunn’s entire obituary here: https://www.legacy.com/amp/obituaries/ohio/196352020 This segment ...

NASHVILLE, TN – Central South Distribution (CSD) mourns the death of President and Co-Founder Charles Henry Adams, known by the Gospel Music Industry as Chuck Adams. Chuck passed away on May 27th at his home in Franklin, TN. In the 60’s Chuck moved to Nashville and worked for Southern Records. He and two of his colleagues decided to venture out on their own and founded Central South Music Sales, Inc. in 1970. They went on to open over 50 retail music stores called Sound Shop and Music 4 Less, soon after Central South Distribution was founded. “It was my pleasure ...

By Bob Marovich The gospel music community mourns the loss of Rose Marie Rimson Brown. Detroit gospel music historian Marcel West informed JGM of the passing of the beloved soloist of the Southwest Michigan State Choir of the Church of God in Christ, the choir directed by Dr. Mattie Moss Clark. Known as “The Songbird of Michigan,” Mrs. Rimson Brown was lead vocalist on some of the Southwest Michigan State Choir’s most popular songs, most notably “I Thank You Lord” and “I’ll Never Turn Back” (both with Ora Watkins) and “Write My Name Above.” She was also a member of ...

By Bob Marovich The Reverend Joe Williams informed JGM that Professor Irvin Brockington has passed away. He was 83. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 9, 1936, to Elizabeth and Irvin Brockington Sr., Irvin Jr. was raised with seven brothers, one sister, and a family whose life revolved around music and the Church of God. Young Irvin Jr. began playing piano at age eight and by his teenage years, he was playing for the Church of God. He later moved to Ebenezer Church of God in Christ. The first ensemble Brockington assembled was called the Fairmount Gospel Singers. It consisted ...

From a Press Release: ​The SRT Entertainment family regrets to announce the passing of Derrick Lamont Adams, co-writer of hits “God’s Grace” and “Look To The Hills” as well as co-producer of Stellar nominated The Favor Of God & upcoming Look To The Hills albums by Rev. Luther Barnes & The Restoration Worship Center Choir, and musician. From Luther Barnes concerning Derrick Adams: My heart is deeply broken from the passing of my friend Derrick Adams. He was “My Boy.” We co-wrote many songs together, including the ever popular “God’s Grace.” He traveled with me for several years and played ...

JGM friend Tim Dillinger-Curenton wrote this wonderful remembrance of Arthur Freeman, who transitioned to glory on May 7, 2020. I am saddened to share the passing of one of gospel music’s originals, Arthur Freeman. Arthur’s work in gospel began as a member of Bishop William Morris O’Neil’s Christian Tabernacle in Harlem. He joined Christian Tabernacle as a teenager and was a featured soloist in the choir, which would be directed by other young, budding talents including Alonzo Atkins (later of James Cleveland’s Southern California Community Choir) and Bennie Diggs. Freeman, Diggs, Wilbur Johnson and John Hason (all of Christian Tabernacle) ...

By Bob Marovich The Journal of Gospel Music has learned that gospel and CCM singer-songwriter and worship leader Morris Chapman passed away on May 2, 2020, at age 82. Born February 26, 1938, in Camden, Arkansas, Chapman moved to Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1957 and married in 1959. He didn’t start his music ministry until the 1970s, at age 40, while working as a janitor for the Clark County School District in Las Vegas. Known for his smooth vocal style, piano proclivities, and for writing songs sung by the likes of Sandi Patty, Bill Gaither, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, and ...

By Bob Marovich The Journal of Gospel Music was saddened to learn from social media posts by Gayle Lecus and Kurt Carr that gospel’s Troy Sneed has passed away. Reports indicate his passing was from contracting COVID-19. Here is a quick bio on Sneed from the Malaco Music Group website: Troy Sneed and country music icon Roy Acuff shared similar back stories. Both grew up in the South. Both aspired to be professional athletes. For Sneed, it was football; for Acuff, it was baseball. The pro careers of both men were halted by injury or illness. Each turned to music ...

Bobby McDougle, the guitarist for gospel quartets such as the Pilgrim Jubilees, passed away on March 26, 2020. Known as “Thumper,” McDougle was born on April 26, 1944, in Valdosta, Georgia. His influence in music came from his father, Mr. Ananias McDougle, also a musician. Following in his father’s footsteps, McDougle began playing guitar for his sister’s group as well as for other groups and churches in the area. At age fourteen, and with the permission of his mother, McDougle joined Tommy Ellison and the Five Singing Stars. He remained with the group for two years. At the age of ...

By Bob Marovich The Journal of Gospel Music has learned of the passing of Bishop C. L. (Clarence Leslie) Morton Jr., pastor of Mount Zion Full Gospel Baptist Church in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The cause of death appears to have been related to COVID-19. Bishop Morton was the son of the late Bishop C. L. Morton Sr. and Evangelist Matilda Morton, and the brother of Bishop Paul S. Morton of Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church. Please keep the Morton Family at the top of your prayer list at this time.