RIP: Jackie Gouche’-Farris, Gospel Music Songwriter, Composer of “Somebody Somewhere”

JDI Records informed the Journal of Gospel Music that singer, pianist, and songwriter Jackie Gouche’-Farris, mother of rapper D Smoke and sister of bassist Andrew Gouche’ (Gladys Knight, Walter Hawkins), passed away on August 10. She died of complications from an auto accident that occurred on Easter Sunday, March 31, of this year.

D Smoke and siblings SiR and Davion Farris reported their mother’s passing on Instagram on Sunday, August 11.

According to Bossip.com, Jackie performed under her stage name, Jackie Gouché, and provided backup vocals for the likes of Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John.

Jackie was also a songwriter. Her “Somebody Somewhere” was initially recorded by Los Angeles’ Voices of Watts in 1996, by Brenda Lowe in 2002 and for JDI Records by the group V.O.W. in 2008. “Somebody Somewhere” as recorded by V.O.W., was one of JGM‘s top ten gospel songs of 2008.

Please keep Jackie’s family, friends, and many fans in your prayers.