By Bob Marovich
Jerome Williams (courtesy: Facebook)
Sister Ducky, quartet and traditional gospel music correspondent in Detroit, reported the sad news that Jerome Williams of the Evereadys passed away yesterday morning at age 66, allegedly of complications from COVID-19.
The history of the Evereadys stretches back to Detroit 1950, when future R&B star Jackie Wilson formed an a cappella gospel group called the Ever Ready Gospel Singers with brothers Lorenzo and Emmanuel Jordan and bass singer Jack Johns. The group was locally popular and toured the Midwest, but when Wilson left to sing R&B, the Ever Ready Gospel Singers disbanded.
In 1967, after some persuasion, the Jordan brothers’ sister encouraged her sons, Freddie (b. September 29, 1951) and Jerome Williams (b. September 25, 1953), to sing gospel. Ultimately heeding their grandmother’s request to name their new group after the family’s Ever Ready Gospel Singers, the brothers and their cousins, Lorenzo and Gregory Jordan, formed as the Evereadys.
The Evereadys released a string of albums for Malaco, starting with Learning to Lean (1982); the passionately-sung title track became the group’s signature song. By the time the charting Just Think of His Goodness was recorded in 1984, the Evereadys had trimmed down to a five-man quartet of Jerome and Freddie Williams, Marvin Reed, Aaron Beasley and Rodney Bevins.
After contributing “Love is the Greatest Gift of All” to the 1985 Malaco Gospel at Christmastime compilation, the Evereadys ceased recording for a bit. They returned in 1991 with A Message for You, released on Great Joy Records. The album, which included another fan favorite, “Separation Line,” hit #14 on the chart.
The Evereadys returned to the studio in the 2000s, recording Just for My Friends in 2005 for NFL wide receiver Joe Horn’s For Life Miracle Records. When Aaron Beasley passed away in October 2007, Marvin Reed, Freddie Williams, and Jerome Williams kept the group going.
The Darrell Luster-produced Finally Live (CD and DVD) was released on Malaco’s 4 Winds subsidiary in 2014. It featured the Evereadys singing “Learning to Lean” as well as classic hymns and quartet staples such as “I Stood on the Banks of Jordan,” “Come to Jesus,” and “Farther Along.”
The Evereadys recorded a new version of “Learning to Lean” for First Choice Gospel Records in March 2018.
Please keep the family, friends, and many fans of Jerome Williams and the Evereadys lifted in prayer.
19 Comments
Leave A Comment
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.
Visit Today : 294
This Month : 27983
THERE IS ONLY ONE, MADE AS TALENTED AS JEROME WILLIAMES WAS. ONLY GOD COULD HAVE MADE HIM WITH ALL (THAT SPECIAL GIVEN) BLESSED TALENT. GOING TO MISS YOU OUR BROTHER. AMEN
AMEN, Brother. I am so broken hearted.
My heart is so heavy learning of the death of Jerome. He was one of the most talented yet underrated Gospel artist. His range was unmatched and his passion for singing the Gospel was soul touching. My condolences to his family, friends, and worldwide fans. He will be missed!?
My condolences to the Jerome Williams family
I am praying the entire family. Jerome, could sing the heavens gates open. He will truly be missed.
R.I.P. Jerome..one of the best in the business..you will be truly missed.??????????Praying for your family and group members..
One of the best rest in heaven Jerome anointed voice singing for the Lord…..
He was my favorite singer in the world. His voice brought me through a lot of hard times. May The Lord bless his family.
He was more than a singer he was my son Jerome Williams Jr I’m also still bought some words it’s going on 2 years I can’t believe that I’m I’m even trying to talk about this it really has some sunk in due to no home going no memorial service no nothing it’s like he was here one moment and gone the next but I have been blessed with his son and I know that God will carry me and him on thank you guys so much for the love that you had in Jerome Williams Senior and we appreciate you all
I’m at a loss for words. Truly one of my Favorite Quartet Singers
I grew up listening to The Evereadys they came to our house and ate breakfast because they performed gospel shows in Rochester, NY.
My father was the founder of the Jordan Gospel Singers of Utica, NY!
Just discovered this group recently,never really liked quartet singing until I listened to the Everready’s couldn’t stop playing their songs..Loved Jerome’s vocal & energy the harmony was tight also…What a Phenomenal Group!❤??sleep well Jerome Williams I know God is Pleased with your ability to touch souls through your songs???You are missed…
This was hard for me, me and my dad and brothers had a group we was Tommy Jackson and the soulful travelers.my dad passed 2019 at the age of 81 great years we sung for about 15yrs and then we lost one of my brothers who was the bass player.we loved the ever ready so RIP my friend and I’m praying for your family GOD Bless..
Hey Darryl,
They say all bass players know each other. Do you remember the left handed bass player of there group name Curtis Price?
While driving around Belle Isle viewing portraits of Detroit’s Covid-19 casualties, I saw his photo which was one of the last ones. I was blown away because I had not heard of his transition. He was an inspiration to me as I learned so much just watching him bless the church & the world with his talents. Blessings to his family, and may the God of peace continue to watch over us all. Remember, to go to Jesus on the still of the night.
I just learned yesterday, 9-27-2020 that Jerome went on home. Loved his singing and the group. I have a cassette and downloaded music Sweet Spirit, Learning to Lean and others
My favorite song was JUST TELL JESUS. Waking up on those 80s mornings with Bigma molded me…RIP JEROME
I just learned that he passed away, the group is so talented and he was an exceptional singer. I love the group. May he continue to RIP
I had the pleasure to see this group in person back in the 80’s and he was the best abllibber I have ever heard or seen in my life. Loved his style and voice. He’s in my top ten of singers and entertainer. What choir up in heaven.