Pianist Eric Scott Reed informed TBGB that composer and conductor Dr. Wesley A. Boyd, formerly of the Richard Smallwood Singers and founder of the Wesley Boyd Gospel Music Workshop, died Sunday, October 4, 2009.
Funeral Arrangements for Dr. Boyd will be held Monday, October 12th at 10:00 am at the Union Temple Baptist Church, 1225 W. St. S.E., Washington DC.
Cards and condolences can be sent c/o Becky Mays, 194A Joliet St., S.W., Washington, D. C. 20032
TBGB will pass along additional information as it learns more.
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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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My heart is saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Boyd, aka, Uncle Wesley around Union Temple. I know that the saints in Heaven are rejoicing now that they have both a new tenor and an extra choir director/teacher. My prayers are with his family at this time.
Grace and Peace.
My Dad In Christ has left but the mark he made will never be forgotten. All of his children will carry his teachings and professionalism into every venue they represent.
Pray for is Friends,
LaWanda
Mr. Boyd truly was heaven sent for me…
It wasn’t until i met him and went under his tutelage that i gained a passion for music and decided to use my gift. He will be missed beyond all measure…
descanso con Dios, Boo-Boo face!!
Te quiero mucho, por siempre!!!
He actually passed away on Sunday night. I just wanted to bring clarity to that. I know this because I talked to him (of course he just listened) 1 hour before he died. He will be sorely missed.
He will truly be missed. He has touched so many lives. I learned how to bring class to gospel music from him.
Thanks Wesley
Angelia, thank you for clarifying. I’m sure that you will always treasure the fact that you had that opportunity to speak with Dr. Boyd before he passed.
Dr. Boyd,
You were a true inspriration on the piano. No one will ever be able to touch or replace you. You will be well missed. I loved being in the choir with you. Your stories about Arch Bishop, IMANI choir, and Richard Smallwood will remain with me forever… Thanks so much Dr. Boyd and yes; I am still smiling. I will miss you saying that to me.
Love
Tillie
One of the Greatest Musicians, Teacher, Composer, Writer, Artist, and most of all Friends, to ever walk the face of this earth The honorable Dr. Wesley Arnold Boyd, my friend and “Uncle WeeWee”. You will be missed but NEVER forgotten!
Your musical director and bass player for the Lynchburg branch of the WBGMWC and former Imani Temple musician!
Love you always doc!
– Lance Davis
Angelia, someone mentioned to me that you have written a very nice remembrance of Dr. Boyd. If you would like to share it (and a photo of Dr. Boyd) with The Black Gospel Blog, I will post it, under your authorship.
My family amd I are very much saddened by the passing of Dr Wesey Boyd. Dr Boyd may be gone but the legacy that he left will live on. there will be a huge void but just remember that God makes no mistakes.
My Cousin, may He rest in ETERNAL Peace!
May God comfort the family and friends of Dr. Wesley Boyd. I have know Wesley for many years, as a friend and fellow music teacher. While teaching at Nelson County High School Wesley introduced Gospel Music into the classroom. Many students, staff and families were blessed from his effort. I will always have very fond memories of Wesley.
My name is Stefan Bailey and I had the great opportunity of working with Wesly in Lynchburg VA with his workshop choir. He was a great musician and a good friend as well. A down to earth guy who loved music and teaching young and old alike the bueaty of God’s songs. I will never forget the influence he had on my music. Glad our paths crossed down here, can’t wait to see him all a new up in heaven.
Rest in the peace of God. WELL DONE.
I thank God for 17 years of being able to walk with him, talk with him, work with him and then when I moved to Va from the military live with him! Wesley Boyd helped me a pivotal point in my life and it is because of him that I am married to the woman I have today! So many memories and conversations will I cherish until my time here is over! Lord the drive from Reidsville to Greensboro every Sunday morning at 5:30am to be on time for 7am service for 2 years, the long office hours, the phone conversations I was thrown into with artist, the personal relationships; thank you Wesley for allowing you to be a vessel and example! I will miss you but I will always remember our last conversation 3 weeks ago, when you looked at me and said, ” I’m so proud of you my child!” Boo Boo head and all! RIP!
wesley was the reason for me getting into the college i am in now. He influenced me and taught me alot and showed me that that was the way to go. Wesley you are very well missed and my heart hurts everytime i think that your gone. I know your in heaven with god now. R.I.P. Wesley Boyd!!!!
We love you Wesley. I say we because I speak for your core group of boo-boo faces at Friendly who loved you as much as we loved music. You took a talented group of children with no musical direction and made them great. I have some of my best memories because of you and the family you created in that choir room. For that I will be forever indebted to you. Rest in peace Wesley and know that you are deeply loved and missed. Every time I hear Richard Smallwood,see a snickers bar or sing from my “ornanerm” I’ll think of you, Arnold.
Mr. Boyd helped me to find my voice during my freshmen year of high school. He encouraged me to stand in front of others and declare of Word of God unashamed. With laughter and toughness, he greatly influenced my life. He is missed…