Gospel Music Fever joins countless others in extending condolences on the passing of Ms. Sara Jordan Powell, who passed last week at age 87.
Ms. Powell’s Homegoing Celebration will take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at Monument of Faith Evangelistic Church in Chicago. The wake is scheduled from 10 AM to 11 AM, with the service immediately following.
Please read more about her life and music ministry from our friend Bob Marovich at the Journal of Gospel Music: RIP: Gospel Singer Sara Jordan Powell.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
The life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Delores James-Cain will be remembered with services in Lutz and Tampa, Florida this weekend. The pastor and gospel singer passed November 16th, at the age of 71.
Public viewing and visitation will be held Friday, November 28, from 12 noon to 7 PM at Heritage Christian Community Baptist Church, where Rev. Dr. James-Cain was organizer and pastor. A private service for church members and family will follow at 7 PM.
A second public viewing will take place Saturday, November 29, at 9 AM, with the Celebration of Life Service beginning at 10 AM at Bible-Based Fellowship Church in Tampa. The service will be led by Anthony White, Lead Pastor, with Pastor Floyd D. James, Sr. serving as eulogist. Interment will be at Trinity Memorial Gardens, 12609 Memorial Drive.
In the gospel music community, Rev. Dr. James-Cain was a noted soloist, directress, and workshop facilitator. Her recordings with Florida Mass Choir brought us classics like “Jesus Is the Light,” “Be Ye Steadfast,” and “Send Your Power.”
The GMF community sends up prayers for Rev. Dr. James-Cain’s family, church family, friends, and supporters.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
GMF joins the gospel music community in mourning the passing of Bishop Christopher Brinson, Sr., who transitioned November 13, 2025. He was 61.
In the 1990s, Bishop Brinson & The Ensemble’s “What If God Is Unhappy?” filled airwaves and churches while posing a poignant question.
Bishop Brinson served as executive board member and Bishop of Protocol of Visionaries In Covenant, Inc.
Homegoing services begin with a Legacy Musical Concert on Friday, December 5, at 7 PM, hosted at Phillips Chapel Baptist Church, 132 E. Glenn Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 27105.
A Celebration of Life follows on Saturday, December 6, at 12 PM at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 1075 Shalimar Drive, Winston-Salem, NC 27107, with viewing from 11 AM to 12 PM.
Our condolences are extended to his family, friends, and co-laborers in the gospel.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
GMF extends heartfelt condolences on the passing of Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Walker, who passed September 14, 2025, at the age of 77.
For more than 50 years, Walker faithfully served as pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church in Rocky Mount. Within the gospel music community, he was best known for his cover of “One Day at a Time,” written by Marijohn Wilkin and Kris Kristofferson. His 1970s recording of the song with the T.L.W. Ensemble brought him wide recognition, and he revisited it decades later in 2010 with his group, Thomas L. Walker & Totally Committed, on the Keep Me In Your Will project.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
Gospel Music Fever joins countless others in extending condolences on the passing of Spencer Taylor, Jr. The longtime Highway QC’s frontman, who spent seven decades with the group and came to be known as “The Godfather” of gospel quartet music, died last week at the age of 97.
Taylor’s son and fellow group member, Lynn Taylor, shared the news of his father’s passing in a heartfelt Facebook post on September 5th.
“Daddy, you were my King, and I will hold you dear to my heart for the rest of my life,” he wrote.
“Throughout your final days, you urged me to let you go, and I was compelled to watch you take your last breath today. Your parting words, ‘Ok Lynn, I do it for you,’ continue to resonate with me. Today, you showed me immense affection through your kisses. Furthermore, I was touched by your heartfelt prayer for the group and me. So, I understood. To put it simply, my dad wasn’t ailing; he was merely elderly and eager to reunite with Christ in heaven. 🙏 Thus, you should know that the Godfather peacefully left this world at 3:16, surrounded by his devoted group and family, while affectionately kissing me. I love you, Daddy. Your baby son.”
Several years ago, I had the privilege of interviewing Taylor for Gospel Music Fever. At the time, I marveled that he had been on gospel’s battlefield with the Highway QC’s for nearly 60 of the group’s 69 years. He was 86 then, and he was showing no signs of slowing down.
The Highway QC’s carved out a storied place in gospel history, with past members including Lou Rawls, Sam Cooke, and Johnnie Taylor (no relation to Spencer). A younger Spencer Taylor probably could’ve chosen the secular road at some point, too. Instead, he stuck with gospel.
As we chatted that afternoon, Taylor stood both unnoticed and undisturbed in the back of the auditorium he would shortly demolish with his most requested number, “Oh, How Wonderful.” I was struck by how approachable he was, enjoying the performance of a lesser-known quartet instead of retreating to a dressing room. Speaking about the group’s enduring legacy, he reflected, ‘Well, through Christ… anything you do only stands by the Word of God, and that has been our success. To last, you’ve got to stay with God.’”
Homegoing celebration arrangements have been announced by the Taylor family as follows:
Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025 Public Viewing 9 AM – 11 AM
Celebration of Life Service 11 AM – 1 PM Pastor Tim Rogers, Eulogist
Viewing and Celebration of Life service will be held at Southern Friendship Baptist Church, 4444 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, MD. Services will also be live-streamed via YouTube through Southern Friendship Baptist Church’s channel.
In acknowledgment of his passing, The Journal of Gospel Music published an essay about Taylor and the Highway QC’s, which you can read here.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
GMF joins countless others in extending condolences on the passing of Mosie L. Burks, affectionately known as “Mama Mosie,” celebrated lead singer of the Mississippi Mass Choir. She passed away July 7, 2025, at the age of 92.
Known for her Spirit-filled delivery and charismatic presence, Mama Mosie became one of the most recognizable voices in gospel music.
Homegoing details for Mama Mosie Burks are as follows:
Public Visitation Tuesday, July 15, 2025 2 PM – 4 PM Jackson Memorial Funeral Service 1000 West Woodrow Wilson Avenue Jackson, MS 39213
Musical Celebration Tuesday, July 15, 2025 5 PM – 7 PM Greater Fairview Baptist Church 2545 Newport Street Jackson, MS 39213
Funeral Service Wednesday, July 16, 2025 11 AM Greater Bethlehem Temple Apostolic Faith Church 1505 Robinson Street Jackson, MS 39203
The homegoing celebration will be live-streamed on the Mississippi Mass Choir official Facebook page and YouTube channel, Wednesday, July 16, at 11 AM.
Rest in glory, Mama Mosie. We’ll meet you in that city built foursquare.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
Dr. Lou Della Evans-Reid | Photo from the GMAC website
GMF honors the blessed life and legacy of Dr. Lou Della Evans-Reid, beloved gospel choir director and pillar of the Chicago gospel community, who transitioned on July 5, 2025, just two days before her 95th birthday.
For decades, Dr. Evans-Reid’s leadership at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church helped enhance the sound of gospel. Countless singers and musicians across generations consider her a mentor.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
GMF joins the gospel music community in mourning the passing of Susie Yancey Gooch, member of the Yancey Family Singers from Oxford, NC. Gooch transitioned June 30th. She was 76.
In an emotional social media post last week, Gooch’s niece Shaundria Faulkner, who is also a special contributor to GMF, shared:
Elder Gooch is the oldest of 11 children (6 girls, 5 boys — my mother is baby number five and daughter number three). Aunt “Sue Mae” is the first of the 11 to transition into her eternal reward.
She is one of the lead singers and songwriters for The Yancey Family Singers (one of three singing groups among the siblings). You can search Yancey Family Singers/Ministries on Google, YouTube, or Facebook.
She served in ministry, most recently, at Cornerstone Christian Community Church, Oxford, NC. She preached without wavering, completed her bachelor’s degree in her 60s, and authored a book in her 70s. In her book, God Helps People with Schizophrenia, she shared her challenges and blessings in an effort to let whosoever know, nothing is too hard for God’s power that sustains her. She had an encouraging and empowering word for everyone she met. This is because the love she had to give wasn’t her own love but the Love of God that shone through her — and she would tell you that.
GMF lifts the Gooch and Yancey families in prayer during this emotional time.
Arrangements are as follows:
Family Visitation & Reflection July 10 at 6 PM Cornerstone Christian Community Church 3237 Knotts Grove Road Oxford, NC 27565
Celebration of Life July 11 at 1 PM Cornerstone Christian Community Church 3237 Knotts Grove Road Oxford, NC 27565
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
GMF joins the gospel music community in mourning the passing of Bishop Norman Hutchins, Sr., recording artist, songwriter, producer, and pastor.
According to L.A. Focus News, Hutchins was found unresponsive the morning of June 5, 2025. No additional details were available at the time of GMF publication. He was 62.
An official announcement, released jointly by the Hutchins family, IR Record Label, and HD Global Media Group reads:
It is with profound sadness and with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of multi award-winning gospel artist, Bishop Dr. Norman E. Hutchins, Sr., a gospel giant who went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 5, 2025. Bishop Norman Hutchins, Sr. was a cherished gospel artist, a beacon of faith, and a powerful voice whose music touched countless lives with messages of hope, love, and salvation.
Bishop Norman Hutchins, Sr. leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, having inspired generations through his soul-stirring albums, award-winning songs, like “God’s Got A Blessing,” “Emmanuel,” “God Is Able,” etc., and his dedicated ministry with Frontline West Ministries. His unwavering commitment to sharing the Gospel through music brought light to many, and their testimony of faith will continue to resonate in hearts around the world.
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support from fans, friends, and the gospel community during this time. We ask for your continued prayers for Bishop Norman Hutchins’ family, loved ones, and all those touched by his ministry as we mourn this great loss and celebrate a life well-lived in service to God.
May we find comfort in knowing that Bishop Norman Hutchins is now resting in the presence of our Savior, singing praises forevermore.
We humbly ask that you respect the family’s need for privacy as they navigate this season of grief.
Charles Edward Johnson, Founder and President of the National Association of Gospel Radio, expressed the deeply felt impact of Hutchins’ passing within the gospel radio community. “[Bishop Hutchins’] music helped define eras, shaped programming, and encouraged listeners during their most difficult and most joyful moments,” he shared in an email.
Born in North Carolina and raised in Delaware, Bishop Hutchins became aware of his path in ministry at an early age. He started preaching at age 8, was licensed in the preaching ministry at 12, and ordained at 19. He would begin recording music professionally several years later in 1992.
“My music is my gift, but preaching is my calling,” Bishop Hutchins has said. “I’ve been called to preach, so music has become sort of a back door approach to present the gospel of Jesus Christ.” Bishop Hutchins and his wife Karen were founders and pastors of Frontline Ministries, with locations in Delaware and California.
This year, Bishop Hutchins celebrated the release of his first book, Father, I Never Knew You, and had been holding book signings in multiple US cities.
Bishop Hutchins ministers “God’s Got A Blessing” at the COGIC AIM Convention in 2004.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
Huey Williams, longtime lead singer of the legendary gospel group the Jackson Southernaires, has died. He was 86.
Williams, whose powerful vocals helped define the group’s signature sound, passed away March 24, 2025. The Mississippi native dedicated his life to spreading the gospel in song, inspiring generations of quartet singers—including his younger brothers Leonard, Melvin, and Doug—and earning the respect of his peers in the industry. Huey’s younger brother, Frank Williams, was also a key member of the Jackson Southernaires before founding the Mississippi Mass Choir.
Fans and fellow gospel artists have taken to social media with condolences and tributes.
A musical celebration will be held on Friday, March 28, at 6 p.m., followed by a celebration of life service on Saturday, March 29, at 1 p.m. Both services will take place at East Fernwood Missionary Baptist Church in McComb, MS.
GMF extends sincere condolences to the entire Williams family as well as the Jackson Southernaires.
Libra Nicole Boyd, PhD is a musician, award-winning author, gospel music aficionado, and the founder and editor of Gospel Music Fever™. Her commitment to journalistic integrity includes bringing you reliable gospel music content that uplifts and advances the art form. Libra is presently working on several scholarly projects about gospel music in the media as well as gospel music in social movements.
