JGM is saddened to learn from Deacon Dennis Cole of the passing of Dr. Charles Reese of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. His book on the GMWA was the first to chronicle the organization’s history and achievements. A memorial service will be held next month in Dayton, Ohio.

By Robert M. Marovich The Journal of Gospel Music was saddened to learn of the passing of Zadella “Mama” Curtis. She transitioned from earthly labor to heavenly reward yesterday, August 28, at age 73. Although Mama Curtis was best known for helping gospel quartets promote their music to radio, she started her gospel music career as a choir director. Born and raised in Chicago, Curtis attended Rayfield Missionary Baptist Church, where her grandparents were founding members. She sang her first solo at age three and began directing choirs at age twelve. Curtis graduated from Hyde Park High School and for ...

By Robert M. Marovich JGM learned the sad news from radio announcer Elder Lee (The Sheriff) Williams that gospel quartet singer Roy Tyler has passed away. Tyler was a member of the Gospel Hummingbirds, a Bay Area group that put out some very fine albums and singles, including “A Better Home” (Bar-Tone) and “Trouble Don’t Last” (Strickland & Son). Their album Steppin’ Out earned a GRAMMY nomination in 1993, and that same year it took home Best Gospel Album from the French Jazz Academy. Later, Tyler formed Roy Tyler & New Direction, releasing 2004’s Three Way Calling, among the first ...

(ATLANTA, GA) – July 8th, 2022 – Popular gospel group Half Mile Home lost member David “Ready Writa” Felder. Felder unexpectedly passed away earlier this week at the age of 42. Felder was a loyal member of the Billboard chart-topping group. He was a dedicated father of 4 and known throughout the industry for his talents as a writer, producer, and singer. With the 2022 return of Half Mile Home, their latest single “Closet” has been trending in the Top 40s several weeks on the Billboard chart. The song is getting rave reviews nationally from radio and fans. The message of ...

From a press release: The McCrary Sisters share the following on the loss of their sister, Deborah McCrary, yesterday, June 1, 2022: “It is with deep sorrow that we share the news of the passing of our beloved sister Deborah.” Deborah Person McCrary, born June 17, 1954 (age 67), was a member of the legendary McCrary Sisters, who have performed on countless recordings, television shows and live performances including Grammy, CMA, CMT, SNL, and others. Deborah’s smile and foundational tones graced the stage with her sisters Ann, Regina, and Alfreda on countless festivals in North America and Europe since 2011. ...

By Robert M. Marovich Lady Sharon Poston shared the sad news that her husband, Deacon Dr. Timothy D. Poston Sr., passed away on March 15, 2022. The California organist’s Churchin’ on the Hammond B3 Organ was reviewed by the Journal of Gospel Music in 2018. We at JGM express our condolences to the family, friends, and many fans of Dr. Poston, a keyboard talent bar none. Here is the homegoing service information (it will be livestreamed):

By Robert M. Marovich The gospel music community is mourning the loss of Derrick Lee, who transitioned from labor to reward February 19, 2022, at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee. He had been battling health issues for some time and had been in the hospital since the week after Christmas 2021. Friends and associates sete up a GoFundMe page to help defray his hospital expenses. From Newark, New Jersey, Lee was a talented songwriter and musician who went on to become the music director for BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel, the longest-running gospel music television program. After his show’s 35-year tenure ...

From a press release: The SRT ENTERTAINMENT family regrets to announce the passing of Dr. Norris Andrus Lipsey, professionally known as Stellar Award Nominee gospel artist DK. DRU. Every once in a while, music creators converge in a studio and what is crafted is pure magic. Pure magic is the only way to describe the vocal collaboration featuring late great Stellar and Grammy nominated Bishop Rance Allen, Quartet legend Paul Porter of The Christianaires, veteran producer, songwriter, artist, Chris Byrd & True Victory and DK. DRU on his debut single, “Man From Galilee,” earning him his first appearance on the ...

LEBANON, TN – (December 20, 2021) – Deon Unthank, founder and CEO of AbsolutelyGospel.com, peacefully passed into the arms of his Savior on Friday, December 17, 2021, surrounded by his family. Always a Southern Gospel singer and fan first, Deon founded AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com), with his deceased wife Susan in 1997. The site gained national prominence and became a leading voice in the industry in the early 2000s that has continued to this day. The site’s awards program, Absolutely Gospel Music Awards, became it’s calling card and legacy. He also founded the Southern Gospel group The Sunday Edition in the 1970s ...

From the Ace Records UK website. Thanks to Doug Price for letting JGM know of Bishop Simon’s passing and forwarding this information. Joe Simon died on 13th December 2021, aged 85 years. Joe Simon possessed one of the greatest Southern Soul voices heard throughout the golden age of the 60s & 70s soul music. The voice of Joe Simon was one of deep soul. It had a languid, velvet-smooth quality reminiscent of other great talents such as Jerry Butler, Garland Green, and James Carr. One of his early influences was the supper-club crooner Arthur Prysock and he was also very ...