Dr. Charles Fold Passes Away

This message comes to TBGB from Al “The Bishop” Hobbs via Tammy Taylor:

To the GMWA family and Gospel music lovers everywhere,

I have just been informed by the Chairman of the GMWA, Albert L. Jamison, Senior, that our Board Member and beloved President of the Chapter Representatives, Dr. Charles Fold, passed away early this morning.

GMWA members and most in the gospel industry were aware of his failing health over the past several months but had heard the good news of his recuperation. Today, shock and sadness will invade our humanness for it is for certain that we shall miss him and we all shall mourn his passing, but as believers, we will not mourn as those without hope, for we know he is resting with the Lord and that “We shall see him again.”

Please pray for his sister Christine, his family, and his beloved Charles Fold singers. Arrangements are pending and will be communicated when final.

Aside from his labors in the GMWA, for over a quarter of a century, Charles Fold and The Charles Fold Singers have been electrifying audiences across the country, establishing an outstanding track record that has garnered them legendary status in the gospel music industry.

One of the greatest teams in gospel music history was that of Rev. James Cleveland and the Charles Fold Singers. Together, they were trailblazers for what is now known as traditional gospel music. From this unique union came songs like “Jesus Is The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me”, “Lord, Let Me Be An Instrument”, “This Too Will Pass”, and “Thank You Lord For One More Day” to name a few.

To date, The Charles Fold Singers have recorded more than twelve albums. They have received four Grammy Nominations, and in 1981, they won a Grammy for Soul Gospel Traditional category for “Lord, Let Me Be An Instrument”.

May his peace be upon you.

Dr. Al Hobbs