RIP: Rose Marie Rimson Brown, “Songbird of Michigan”

Photo Credit: AIM 2015 Convention Website

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 the Beverly Glenn Concert Chorale, leading songs such as “He Will Answer Prayer” and “I Want to be Free.”

This short bio comes from the AIM Convention 2015 website:

Evangelist Rose Marie Rimson Brown was born and raised in Detroit, MI. She began playing piano at an early age. She emerged at the age of 12 as a pianist for New Jerusalem COGIC. Rose was given the title, “The Songbird of Michigan,” when she was presented in her first concert at the Lockett Memorial COGIC. Rose began singing with her brothers at the age of ~four years. She is a member of the Fountain COGIC where she has served as organist and Minister of Music (MOM) for >35 years. She serves as Jurisdictional YWCC and CWC President of Southwest Michigan III. She is a member of the Executive Board of the COGIC International Music Department, Assistant Coordinator of the Heritage Singers.

Please keep Ms. Rimson Brown and her many fans, friends, and family at the top of your prayer list.