From Dennis Cole:
The Gospel Music According to Chicago (“GMAC”) announces the passing of one of its Board Members, Dr. Robert E. Wooten, Sr. (Thursday morning, March 27, 2008).
GMAC extends it’s love to Robert E. “Bobby” Wooten, Jr. (Executive Board Member & Music Committee Member), Carol “Wooten (GMAC Mass Choir Member) and especially to Dr. Wooten’s wife, Mrs. Frances Wooten. Your prayers are desired.
Arrangements:
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Trinity United Church of Christ
400 W. 95th Street (773-962-5650)
9:00 A. M. Viewing begins
5:00-8:00 PM Tribute Musical
8:00 PM Funeral Service
TBGB: In 1949, Dr. Wooten founded the second community choir in Chicago, the Wooten Chorale Ensemble, out of the Beth Eden Baptist Church in the Morgan Park neighborhood. The Wooten Chorale Ensemble recorded for Chance, Vee Jay, and produced a series of marvelous LPs on its own.
Interestingly enough, in the 1920s Beth Eden was the home church for a proto-gospel group, the Pace Jubilee Singers, founded by hymnist and publisher Charles H. Pace.
Back in the day, Dr. Wooten directed the Greater Harvest Baptist Church Choir for Rev. Boddie.
TBGB extends its deepest sympathies to the Wooten Family on its loss. Last year, I had the good fortune of interviewing Dr. Wooten for my forthcoming book on gospel music in Chicago, and he was a wealth of information and insight.
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Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
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I believe that Dr. Wooten taught music at Parker High School when I attended there from 1959-1963. He certainly looks like that man. He was a wonderful no-nonsense teacher who was firm but kind. He left a strong impression on me of what a man could be because my father was in my house but not acting like a father to me. I pray that his family is comforted with the comfort of God at this time.
I met Professor Wooten as a young girl and he played a great role in my life. He loved to hear me sing and he would direct the choir when I sang. I will never forget his word of encouragement to me and his dedication to music.
Mr wooten was my freshman music teacher in jan. 1961 at parker high school. When I had to stand and sing a little so that he could determine if I was alto or soprano I turned my back to the kids voice was shaking, everyone laughed including him. He could have really embarassed me but he just let me take my seat. I never forgot his kindness.