Sam Williams, manager of Tommy Ellison and the Singing Stars, informed TBGB this afternoon that Tommy Ellison “went home to Glory.” He passed away this afternoon, January 3, 2009.

The memorial services will be held this Saturday, January 10, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Brookland Baptist Church, 1066 Sunset Blvd. in West Columbia, SC.

Mr. Williams (and TBGB) ask that everyone keep the Ellison family and the Singing Stars in their prayers during this difficult time.

33 Comments

  1. Anonymous January 5, 2009 at 2:53 am - Reply

    Sorry to hear that. RIP Tommy Ellison

  2. Lydia37 January 5, 2009 at 4:05 am - Reply

    On behalf of Lloyd Cannady and the Flying Clouds of Plum Branch our thoughts and prayers are with the group and the Ellison family.

    Lloyd Cannady Jr, Nat Morgan, Frank Gilchrist and David Yieldell.

  3. CAMISHA January 6, 2009 at 12:40 am - Reply

    We will miss you Tommy, I hope and pray the group keep singing, We were big fans of you all,miss you much from Rocquel, Camisha, Monique of Lynchburg VA.

  4. Larry January 6, 2009 at 3:33 am - Reply

    To Sam, Dennis, the rest of the group, and The Ellison family On behalf of The Carolina Messengers, our prayers are with you all; keep the legend alive.

    Larry and Louise Wright.

  5. Anonymous January 6, 2009 at 4:02 am - Reply

    I really enjoy the music that tommy ellison and the singing stars have made. may god be with the family and group R.I.P Tommy Ellison

  6. preacherboy218 January 6, 2009 at 4:07 am - Reply

    I really enjoy the music that Tommy Ellison made with the singing stars. He will truly be miss. My prayers go to the family and group R.I.P Tommy Ellison

  7. M CORBETT, COLUMBIA SC January 6, 2009 at 8:24 pm - Reply

    On behalf of Ricardo Holmes and the Heavenly Heirs of Columbia,SC our prayers are with the ELLISON family and the rest of the group. May God be with each of you at this difficult time. Ricardo,Maxine, Jennifer, Martha, Michelle, and Julius.

  8. Anonymous January 7, 2009 at 2:57 am - Reply

    We have loved Tommy Ellison & the Singing Stars for years. We traveled from Warrenton, NC to Hilton Head, SC every New Year’s Eve to see them at our uncle’s church, Rev. Ben Willliams. To Big O, Sam and Dennis, continue to press on and some day we will see Tommy again.

  9. Anonymous January 7, 2009 at 3:01 am - Reply

    We have loved Tommy Ellison & the Singing Stars for years. We traveled from Warrenton, NC to Hilton Head, SC every New Year’s Eve to see them at our uncle’s church, Rev. Ben Willliams. To Big O, Sam and Dennis, continue to press on and some day we will see Tommy again. Love, Gregory & Angie Williams & boys, Junnie, Sammy, Jeremy & Arre

  10. Ms-hosndove January 7, 2009 at 2:54 pm - Reply

    AS A FAN I WOULD LIKE TO SUMMIT THIS POME TO HE GROUP AND FAMILY.It’s call< I’AM FREE> Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free I’m followimg the path God laid for me.I took His hand when I heard Him call; I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play.Tasks left undone must stay that way;I found that place at the close of he day. If my paring has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shard a laugh, a kiss; Ah yes,these things,I too will miss.Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you sunshine of tomorrow.My life’s been full,I savored much;Good friends, good times,a loved ones touch. Perhaps my times seem all to brief; Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.Lift up your heart and share wih me, God wanted me now, He set me free.//// summited by your fans in Varnville SC. THE Hosendove Family

  11. Grissette January 7, 2009 at 4:17 pm - Reply

    The Grissette family would like to say we are sorry for your loss.If there is anything we can do please let us no.

  12. Rev H Crayton Jr January 7, 2009 at 4:49 pm - Reply

    I was 10 yrs old when I showed Tommy and the 5 singing stars the directions to the church in 1959 in Boston.They shared the bill with The Fantastic Hightower Brothers.One of the best programs I ever been to.My mother Evang Handsome Crayton would cook breakfast for them and give them a place to knap before the program.Precious memories.Huston Crayton Jr.I learned of Tommy’s passing from Jimmy”Early”Byrd,DJ and Promoter friend.Time makes a change.

  13. ANDREA January 8, 2009 at 12:07 am - Reply

    Andrea said……
    To the family and group of the late Tommy Ellison I submit my prayer with you all during this difficult time. He is now resting the the bossom of the Almighty God.Stay strong, God will see you through. Read Psalm 121 in its entirety and believe it in your hearts. Love, Peace and Happiness a very true fan of Tommy Ellison and the Five Singing Stars. Submitted Prayerfully from Portsmouth,Va.

  14. frances January 8, 2009 at 1:34 am - Reply

    Sorry to hear about Tommy.And he will be miss and all way be love.This is for his firend in Hillsborough N.C Frances

  15. Sonja January 8, 2009 at 4:14 am - Reply

    We, in Elberton, Georgia, are sorry to hear about the demise of Tommy Ellison. He truly was a great singer. He has performed in our hometown for YEARS and he will be truly missed by us!!! You have our deepest sympathy!!
    The Fans, WSGC-Gospel Hymn Book-Radio Announcers-John Hubbard, Robert Mattox, Darin Rucker, Gospel Singers, and others!!!!

  16. Melissa Austin January 8, 2009 at 4:29 pm - Reply

    On behalf of Sis. Mary Myers and the Team of Joy, our condolescenses to the Ellison family and to the Singing Stars. I pray that you all continue to spread the gospel through song.

  17. Delbra Favors & Company January 8, 2009 at 5:57 pm - Reply

    On behalf of Delbra Favors & Company from Athens, GA; we send condolence out to the family of Bro.Tommy Ellison. May you rest in peace until we meet again. God bless your ministry forever more. Thank you for inspiring me to stay on the battlefield for the Lord.

  18. Anonymous January 8, 2009 at 6:09 pm - Reply

    From the members of The Traveling Harmonizers of Abbeville, SC, we would like to espress our deepest sympathies to the family. You are forever in our prayers. We will always cherish our memories of Tommy.

    Lucious, Samuel & Thomas(Jack) Dunlap, Curtis Clark, Ronald Donaldson and all other members.

  19. The Spiritual Harmonizers of Northern Virginia January 8, 2009 at 8:00 pm - Reply

    Tommy will be greatly missed but never forgotten. He was a lengend in his own time. It was our pleasure to have had the opportunity to share the same stage with Tommy Ellison. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Singing Stars and with Tommy’s family

  20. Bob Marovich January 9, 2009 at 12:12 am - Reply

    From Ms. P:

    OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH THE ELLISON FAMILY AND THE SINGING STARS. TOMMY YOUR MEMORIES WILL ALWAYS BE HERE IN ALBANY, GEORGIA AT 101.7 F.M AND 105.5 FM. WITH PAULETTE “MS.P. THORNTON AND YOUR FANS.

  21. Carolyn Ward January 9, 2009 at 12:48 am - Reply

    Deepest Condolences to the Ellison Family and The Singing Stars. We too will miss Tommy and our prayers are with all of you as you celebrate the life of this great man. He will be missed by all of us in the Farmville & Greenville NC area including the Vines Sisters. In every celebration you have laughter, tears, and fond memories. Don’t feel guilty when doing any or all. God Bless!

  22. Anonymous January 9, 2009 at 12:59 am - Reply

    To the Ellison Family, May God continue to Bless and keep you, our loss is God’s gain. He is truly out on the ocean “Sailing” To Sam, Dennis and Big “O” keep on “Working, Trying to get to Heaven any how”
    Barry Frasier
    Harrisburg, Pa
    “Chosen”

  23. Francina Way January 9, 2009 at 1:56 am - Reply

    On behalf of Francina Way and family (aka) Gospelfrancina of WPJM
    Power 800am The Light we send our prayers to the Ellison Family and the Sing Stars. Keep On Trusting In Jesus

  24. Doris Layton January 9, 2009 at 4:29 am - Reply

    On behalf of the Layton Family of Columbia, SC and the Edwards Family of Morven, GA, we express our deepest sympathy to the family of Mr. Tommy Ellison, one of our favorite all time gospel singers. You will be truly missed and your family and your singing group will always be in our prayers. God bless you.

    Doris Layton & Family
    Coco and The Chosen Ones, Morven GA
    The Edwards Brothers, Morven, GA

  25. Mary Harris January 9, 2009 at 2:44 pm - Reply

    On behalf of Unique Produdtions of Aiken S.C. which was co-started with me by Bro. Sam Williams and the Singing Stars. My prayers are with you and continue to seek God which all of your help comes from. Prayers are also sent to you from WAAW 94.7 FM Aiken S.C. To my brother my friend my cousin The battle has been fought its time for you to take your rest. RIP Tommy I love you. Mary Harris.

  26. hawes505 January 9, 2009 at 4:49 pm - Reply

    My prayers and deepest sympathy goes out to the Ellison family and the Singing Stars too. A fan for 27 years

    F.hawes
    Augusta,GA

  27. Anonymous January 11, 2009 at 7:53 am - Reply

    Sam I met you back in 1970 when the original members were you, Sam Moses, Charlie Baker, Billy Hardie, and Tommie. Met you in Oakland, CA with Paul Beasley, and Lil Shot of the Violinaires. I had a chance to hit the road with you but has just gotten married. I have loved your music through the years. A great storyteller will be missed. Leander Williams

  28. j r ward January 11, 2009 at 3:54 pm - Reply

    I was deeply sadden when i read the news about tommy yesterday.I went to see him when he came to jackson,ms. in 1976,i was sixteen years old.His performance was so great,that it inspired me to become a quartet singer myself,and i owe it all to Tommy Ellison and The Five Singing Stars!RIP Tommy!

  29. marcella January 11, 2009 at 6:12 pm - Reply

    I loved Tommy Ellison and The Five Singing Stars ” back in the day” when the would come to Thomasville, Valdosta, and Albany Ga. Those were the best years. God bless and love always to Sam and the guys. We really miss you in South Georgia.

  30. Robert Mattox January 12, 2009 at 7:04 am - Reply

    On behalf of WSGC, 105.1 FM here in Elberton GA we will miss Tommy very much. Our prayers and thoughts will forever be with the family.

    RIP Tommy “Superstar” Ellison

    Robert “Little Robert” Mattox, John Hubbard, James Gibbs and Darin Rucker.

  31. Anonymous January 15, 2009 at 12:35 am - Reply

    To The Singing Stars and also to the family. Many years ago my group and I had a chance to work with Tommy and the group from time to time. He surely will be missed. You can rest assured that “He Is Sailing With The Saints Now”. RIP My Brother Tommy.
    Peggy Spencer & The Divine Stars
    Brooklyn, New York

  32. belle January 22, 2009 at 5:04 am - Reply

    We all love Tommy Ellison and the Singing Stars. We will miss you Tommy.Your work down here is finish. My family and I will miss you dearly. We know that we all are in God hands.And he don’t make no mistakes. We still have Tommy songs and we will not forget him.We are praying for all. Singing stars keep on working. With love The Hedges And Highways Gospel Singers of Highpoint NC.

  33. Franscia Valentine June 28, 2016 at 2:10 am - Reply

    I will never get used to the idea of Tommy being gone, unbelievable…I love u Tommy

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Written by : Bob Marovich

Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.