From Bill Carpenter:
Atlanta:
Gospel singer-songwriter Gabriel S. Hardeman is best-known for co-writing Stephanie Mills’ “I Feel Good All Over” which was a #1 R&B smash for three weeks in 1987 and also for penning Mikki Howard’s #2 1990 R&B hit “Love Under New Management” which was originally a gospel song (recorded later on by Kurt Carr). He’s also a respected pastor at the Bellview Circuit AME Churches outside of Atlanta, GA.
Now, Hardeman is in the fight for his life.
Hardeman is scheduled to have a single-lung transplant on January 12, 2009 at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia. The College Park, Georgia native lived in Philadelphia for most of his adult life until he and his wife Annette returned to Georgia in 2003 to care for his aging parents. He’s moving back to Philly to take advantage of the city’s superior medical facilities. “It’s one of the best hospitals for lung transplants,” he says. “No hospital in the Atlanta area could measure up to my situation.”
“I was diagnosed with interstitial fibrosis in May 2000,” says Hardeman. “One year before the To the Chief Musician project was released. It is an idiopathic illness meaning the exact cause cannot be determined. It was probably caused by environmental factors. I will be put on the waiting list around January 12th. My condition is top priority so there won’t be an extensive wait. I’ve been on and off of oxygen for about three years now. I just praise God that I’ve been able to pastor and sing a little but I won’t complain.”
In fact, Hardeman has joy as one of the new songs he’s written suggests. He wrote and performed on the dramatic ballad “Joy” and the funky track “Rock My Soul” from the Philadelphia-based Sharon Baptist Church Choir’s forthcoming Sing Unto the Lord A New Song CD that will be released in January 2009.
The Gabriel Hardeman Delegation’s self-titled 1979 Savoy Records LP featured the radio hit “Feels Like Fire.” Aside from writing songs for gospel acts such as Edwin Hawkins and the Wilmington-Chester Mass Choir, Hardeman has recorded his own albums for the Messiah and Birthright labels before making a comeback with the Stellar Award nominated To the Chief Musician CD in 2001. “My situation has been getting worse since 2000 when I was I was diagnosed,” he explains. “I want to let my supporters and the music industry know that I solicit their prayers. If it’s God’s will, I will be back stronger than ever and after I pull through this one, the Devil’s gonna catch all hell.”
Media Contact: Bill Carpenter at (202) 506-5051 or [email protected]
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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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This man is not only ‘gifted’ but a true warrior. May God richly bless you and keep you in the cradle of HIS ARMS…’til the storm is over! Praying for a speedy recovery and with long life HE WILL satisfy. Sharon’s Mass Choir & SBC Family is pulling for you, Gabriel. We do LOVE you.
Gabe is a vissionary before his time. His music is endless. Oh what a wonderful thing to hear how he places God’s Word into melodious song.
God Bless You Gabriel Hardeman, from your flutist, Carrie
My husband and I just celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary. We met 40 years ago when we sang on Strawberry Manson’s Gospel Ensemble. It was the first choir Gabriel Hardeman formed in North Philadelphia when he was a Physical Education teacher. From there he expanded beyond the school and formed Model Cities Choir where we rehearsed at 15th & Girard and 18th Diamond at Church of the Advocate. Now only did I sing my first solo under Gabriel Hardeman but as a teenager I was awe when we sang at the Academy of Music as Arthur Hall African Dancers performed. Since then I’ve taken on many singing engagements, sing on my Church Praise & Worship Team and have over 25 years with Victory Choral Ensemble, which he has also written for. You’ve given me beautiful memories Mr. Hardeman. My life has been truly enriched and my gift to sing was birthed and nurtured when I met you. I pray the Lord Jehovah Jirah will provide a lung that’s a perfect match. May your doctors be blessed with divine wisdom and an obedient ear to God’s direction in this matter. God is the final doctor because He is the air you breath. I claim healing over you Mr. Hardeman. God has placed more song in your heart. You have a melodious and sweet sound He longs to hear. Remember no matter the distance or the many years from your presence my respect and love for you remains. You’re in our prayers. Wanda Paulin-Haines and Reggie Haines.
i hope and trust that you are doing better. We sang together in the ROTC Glee Club together @ WVSU in the mid ’60s
i Gabe remember WVSC Glee Club. I sang bass
Gabriel Hardeman transitioned home with the Lord this evening, 6/16/2012.
R.I.P. Gabe! You will truly be missed!
Great talent, he will truly be missed.
RIP Gabe, my Big Brother and thank you for letting me sing on the Philadelphia AME Mass Choir and giving me songs to lead .i was only 15 and you had so much faith in me and taught me so much. Gabe I know your dad Rev. Hardeman and mom And my grandparents are lifting u Jesus name in song and you are Directing them
Deeply Sadden,
Roxanne Ramdial (Ross)
I also met Gabe in 1968 and sang with him in the Strawberry Mansion Gospel Ensemble and recorded with him on their first recording. After graduating and moving in another direction in life i ran into Gabe at Deliverance Church when I was transitioning from being a Muslim to returning to Christ. He encouraged me in my walk to salvation and he asked me to come back out and sing with him again …this time with the Philadelphia AME Mass choir and I did for over 10 years. If there ever was one I would have been the president of he and Annette’s fan club. Their union glorified the father and encouraged many who witnessed what true love while walking in Christ beholds. Thank you both!I’m honored to have shared a space in my life with Gabriel Hardeman, Jr. All he taught me in singing, musical techniques and most of opening my mouth in song all to the Glory of God is my foundation in worship today. I love you much Gabe and will missed you sorely. Annette,Michael, your mom, and all those you’ve touched with your music will remain in my prayers always. We are gonna keep your legacy alive..Now “you” Sing to the Chief Musician!!!