Rev. Stanley Keeble Birthday Celebration Brings Out Chicago Gospel Legends

Rev. Stanley Keeble turned 72 on March 8. He celebrated by bringing some of his gospel singing friends together for a musical on Monday, March 9 at Logos Baptist Assembly at 108th and Halsted in Chicago. Rev. Dr. Donald L. Parson was host pastor.

Sitting in the audience, one felt transported into the middle of a documentary about the history of Chicago gospel music. The roll call of singers included original Lux Singer Bertha Melson, a diminutive lady who belted out a verse of the Christian chestnut “One Day at a Time.” Although singing while seated, Bertha had no trouble at all being heard in the far reaches of Logos. Singing alongside the big voices of James Cleveland and Clay Evans back in the day must have posed no problem for her.

Other gospel legends who showered love upon Rev. Keeble in song at the program included Betty Lester (who sang Rev. Keeble’s “I Feel Good”), Willie Rogers of the Soul Stirrers and Rev. Issac Whittmon. Pastor Mitty Collier performed a gospelized version of her 1960s soul hit, “I Had a Talk With My Man Last Night” as “I Had a Talk With My God Last Night.”

Arthur Sutton and the Gift of Praise shut the church down with their dynamic singing and Arthur’s powerful front-and-center bass playing. Janet Sutton continues to be a member of the group, although she’s busier than ever as the “nation’s top directress.” Her Acme Missionary Baptist Church Choir took home first place honors in the “How Sweet the Sound” church choir competition last year.

Rev. Keeble also delivered a few songs and acknowledged the several members of his original singing group, the Voices of Triumph, who were present for the birthday program. He hopes to put together a singing reunion of the group later this year.

Ministers, musicians, singers and friends, including Rev. Harris of the Inspirational Souls and iconic music director of Fellowship M.B. Church LouDella Evans Reid, comprised the audience. TBGB’s Bob Marovich was present, as well. All proceeds from the musical will benefit the Chicago Gospel Music Heritage Museum, of which Rev. Keeble is founder.