RIP: Elder Goldwire McLendon, Member of the Savettes and BET Sunday Best Finalist

The Journal of Gospel Music is saddened to report that gospel singer Elder Goldwire McLendon passed away on December 17, 2025, at age 95.

Born the son of a pianist and singer in Jacksonville, Florida, on September 27, 1930, Goldwire McLendon sang in the city’s Church of God and around 1946 organized the Cosmopolitan Gospel Singers, an a cappella male quartet that appeared around the area. He left Florida in 1947 for Philadelphia. There he met and married Ruth Byrd. Ruth was co-organizer of the Savettes Club, a savings club comprised of Philadelphia women who also sang together. Soon they encouraged their men to join them, and the Savettes of Philadelphia became a full-blown choir, with Goldwire a frequent lead singer. The Savettes of Philadelphia was among the choirs that helped form the first Gospel Music Workshop of America Mass Choir.

In the 2000s, McLendon sang and recorded with two other Philadelphia choirs, the Victory Chorale Union and the Brockington Ensemble. In 2009, the African American Museum in Philadelphia named him a Philadelphia Living Legend. Out of their “Godmobile,” a passenger van fitted with a portable organ, the McLendons performed street ministry.

Encouraged by a friend, McLendon auditioned for Season 3 of BET’s Sunday Best in 2010. The 79-year-old made it all the way to the finals—the oldest artist to do so. While he lost to Le’Andria Johnson, McLendon, already well known in Philadelphia, became a national figure. Matthew Knowles’ Music World Gospel released a solo CD on McLendon, with the debut single an old quartet favorite, “Jesus Be a Fence Around Me.” At 81, McLendon was one of the oldest singers to make a debut solo CD.

The McLendons raised five children. A son, Antonio, toured with Andrae’ Crouch. Antonio’s daughter, jazz vocalist Samara Joy, is a multiple GRAMMY Award-winner.

JGM offers its condolences to the McLendon Family and to Elder Goldwire’s many friends and fans worldwide.