RIP: Genetter Bradley, Kansas City Gospel Singer

By Robert M. Marovich

Paul Wenske informed the Journal of Gospel Music that Kansas City gospel legend Genetter Bradley, 82, passed away a week ago.

A memorial musical will be held in her honor this Friday night, July 19, and her funeral will be held on Saturday, July 20, at her church, Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, 2200 Olive St., Kansas City, MO.

Here’s a brief bio that Paul provided:
Sister Genetter Bradley began singing at the age of three with her three sisters Iola, Leola and Beulah. They appeared as the McCluney Sisters. Later, Bradley toured and performed with such groups as the Staple Singers, The Caravans, Soul Stirrers, and many more. She was lead singer for the Kansas City Melody-Aires and helped them land their first recording contract with Simco Records and then Peacock Records. The group’s 1967 album, Softly The Night Is Falling, is considered a classic.

The group performed at the famed Apollo Theatre in New York City in 1966. In 1974, Bradley was introduced to Recom Records by Shirley Caesar and recorded the album, Moving in the Right Direction, with her own group, Genetter Bradley and the Bradley Singers. She also sang lead with the Wings of Grace.

In 1982, Bradley founded the Kansas City Gospel Music Seminar, which ran for 10 years. More recently, she was featured in the critically acclaimed documentary I’m So Glad: Kansas City And The Roots of Black Gospel Music, narrated by gospel composer, arranger and director Isaac S. Cates, and directed by Wenske. It is now showing in selected theaters.

Please keep Genetter Bradley’s family, friends, and many fans in your heart during this time.