Joseph Middleton of the Golden Era Gospel Blog just informed TBGB that Minister Gene Viale died.
Viale, from the Bay Area and of Puerto Rican descent, was a member of the Cleveland Singers during the 1960s. It’s his voice leading “Heartaches” for the Cleveland Singers, a group he once referred to as “his life.” Viale also toured with the Caravans, recorded solo albums for Checker and other labels, and wrote his memoirs in a book called I Remember Gospel and I Keep On Singing.
I had the very good fortune to interview Gene on “Gospel Memories” some years ago and enjoyed seeing him every year at the Gospel Music Workshop of America. He was a wonderful man who will be sadly missed by me and so many others.
Read more here: Gene Viale.
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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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Such sad news to hear of Gene’s passing. It was Gene who encouraged me in 2006 when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Gene merely said “Linwood look at it as a new adventure and God will see you through this” Those words have stayed with me and it’s so true. Rest in Peace my friend.
Great story, Linwood. Thanks for sharing it here!
What can I say. I loved the man. He cleaned me up when he found me on his doorstep, covered in my own vomit. We had our issues. Believe me, we did. I wish to say right now that I finally forgiven him. He was a saint, regardless of his ghosts. My dear cousin. I apologize my friend and mentor.