RIP: Jo Jo Wallace, Guitarist, Singer with the Sensational Nightingales; also wrote “The Twist”
Jo Jo Wallace, the famed guitarist and quartet singer, passed from earthly labor to heavenly reward on May 7, 2025, at age 98.
Two Losses for the Detroit Gospel Music Community: Ronald J. Kelly and Bishop Earl J. Wright Jr.
The Thomas Whitfield Company and the Detroit gospel family lost tenor singer Ronald J. Kelly and keyboardist extraordinaire Bishop Earl Jerome Wright, Jr. in the space of mere days.
Homegoing Details for Bishop Dr. Barbara Ann Ward Farmer
Celebration of Life Details for Bishop Dr. Barbara Ann Ward Farmer
RIP Bishop Dr. Barbara Ward Farmer
Gregory Gay passed along the sad news of the passing of Bishop Dr. Barbara Ward Farmer today, April 5, 2025.
RIP Huey Williams of the Jackson Southernaires
By Robert M. Marovich Darrell Luster of Malaco Music Group informed JGM today that Huey Williams of the famed gospel quartet the Jackson Southernaires, passed away today, March 24, 2025. He was 86. Here is a biography of the Jackson Southernaires that I wrote for the Malaco Music Group website [...]
Kem Evans Remembers Columbus, Ohio, Musician Mrs. Doris L. Brown
Ed. Note: This remembrance, written by Kem Evans, is so affecting I want to share it with the Journal of Gospel Music readers. Mrs. Doris L. Brown is an example of the many thousands of music ministers who walk humbly with the Lord in their work and don't get nearly [...]
RIP: Rodessa Barrett Porter, the Last of the Original Barrett Sisters
Rodessa Barrett Porter, the last of the original Barrett Sisters, passed away December 16, 2024, one day after her 94th birthday.
RIP – Grammy-Winning Gospel Singer Emily “Cissy” Houston (Drinkard Singers, Sweet Inspirations)
Gospel singer and background vocalist Emily "Cissy" Houston passed away October 7, 2024, at age 91.
RIP: Pastor Darryl Frierson of the Joy Boyz
The Journal of Gospel Music was saddened to learn today from Darrell Luster of Malaco Music Group that Darryl Frierson, one-half of the twin duo the Joy Boyz, passed away. Homegoing details are below. From the Malaco Music Group bio on the Joy Boyz: If family groups are [...]