Gospel Legend Smith’s Homegoing: Old-School Chicago Style

Yesterday evening, Chicago’s gospel legends came out in full force to send their friend and colleague Eugene Smith home on the wings of a dove.

Smith, a member (and later manager) of the Roberta Martin Singers from its inception as the Martin & Frye Quartette in 1933 to Miss Martin’s passing in 1969, died May 9 in his Chicago home. He was 88.

The first part of Smith’s homegoing service was held Monday evening, May 18 at the city’s famed Christian Tabernacle Church, founded in 1960 by Smith’s godson Rev. Maceo Woods. Rev. Woods served as chief celebrant over a musical and spoken word tribute that featured Smith’s contemporaries as well as younger gospel artists.

Among the Chicago gospel legends who paid their respects in song included Sis. Vernon Oliver Price. The COGIC singer set the bar high from the start by leveling the audience with her powerful, old-school gospel delivery. Rev. Stanley Keeble asked his Fellowship M.B. Church colleague LouDella Evans Reid to direct the Christian Tabernacle Choir as accompaniment to his rendition of “It is Well with My Soul.” LouDella threw herself body and soul into the direction, and her energy was matched only by the choir’s full-throated version of the song that likely loosened up a few bolts in the church’s ceiling.

Rev. Isaac Whittmon gave a fiery performance and former Lux Singer Bertha Melson sang her trademark “One Day at a Time” from the church pew. Chicago Gospel Fest organizer Pam Morris and organist/historian Nash Shaffer individually delivered acknowledgements of Smith’s musical achievements and significance, sharing personal stories about the man they called friend.

When the Barrett Sisters appeared, at least for the moment, the evening belonged to them. Despite DeLois’ acknowledgement of hoarseness, the group’s close harmonies sounded as sweet as always in their musical tribute to Eugene. DeLois, one of the first females to join the Roberta Martin Singers, shared lovingly humorous anecdotes about Eugene, noting that the two had been friends for more than 60 years.

Later, Ron Barrett tore the roof full off with his passionate and muscular rendering of Smith’s 1941 gospel blues, “I Know the Lord Will Make a Way, Oh Yes He Will.” DeAndre Patterson’s contribution of “I’ll Fly Away” awed audience and choir members alike, but when he continued to sing from the loft at the side of the church, it was evident why Smith considered Patterson one of his favorite singers. Patterson, with his diminutive, wiry frame, kinetic energy and ferocious voice, must have reminded Smith of a younger version of himself. In any event, at least one observer swore he was hearing and seeing Eugene Smith, vintage 1950s, in the guise of Patterson.

An especially poignant moment was when Roberta Martin Singer Romance Watson shared his regret at not having spoken with Smith in a while. Himself now an octogenarian, Watson could still render a number in a deep resonant baritone, then leap to falsetto for full effect. The Christian Tabernacle Choir, with longtime member and top soprano Doris Sykes, closed out what was, without a doubt, the most fitting homegoing for Eugene Smith, among the last of his generation.

Other music notables present for the service included Bishop Otto Houston (pastor, First Church of Deliverance), Shirley Wahls and Lorenza Brown Porter (Argo Singers), gospel historian Prof. J. Stanley Davis, gospel announcer Prof. Reginald Miles and master producer Bobby Wooten.

Aaron Cohen of Downbeat Magazine was also present, and Bernard and Joseph Middleton made the trek from Houston to pay their respects. Members of Smith’s family, including his sister Mrs. Scottise Saunders, and Roberta Martin’s nephew Tony Harrison and his family were present. Vintage Roberta Martin Singers photos adorned the altar.

The funeral service, burial and repast took place today, Tuesday, at Christian Tabernacle, with Pastor Joseph Jackson of Mt. Pisgah B.C. delivering the eulogy.

Rest peacefully, Eugene Smith. You sent up your timber for nearly 90 years, and now your heavenly home awaits.

Photo from funeral program: Eugene Smith, far left.