Singer and actor Maurice Lauchner grew up believing "a man's gift will make room for him and bring him before great men". Knowing he possessed a gift of being able to connect with audiences, the NY native took God at His word and waited patiently
Legendary Songwriter and Charlotte-area resident Melvin Crispell has passed away unexpectedly. It is believed that Crispell passed from complications connected to his diabetes, during a minor surgery.
Melvin Crispell was most widely known for his ground-breaking and prolific skill on a church organ. Gospel artists worldwide have taken to social media to express this enormous loss. Yolanda Adams remarked via twitter “Melvin Crispell is a legend whose music influenced choirs & musicians. His legacy will live on through the music God birthed through him.” And that music is ringing out today in celebration of the life and musical legacy. Songs like “Jesus Is My Help” recorded by Hezekiah Walker, and “Wonderful Is Your Name” recorded by Walker as well as Juanita Bynum. There are countless songs recorded by James Hall Worship & Praise, among them “Caught Up” and “He Took My Place”, from Crispell’s early days and life in New York.
BET Blogger Torrence Glenn paid tribute to the mastery and majesty of Crispell’s works here: RIP: Professor Melvin Crispell
GOSPELflava extends sympathies to JJ Hairston in the loss of his mother, Evangelist Sandra Johnson. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 20th at the Mt Sinai Cathedral, 1916 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, NY. Visitation begins at 5 and the service of celebration following
The Gospel community mourns the passing of Dr. Joyce Taylor, lead singer for the famed Institutional Radio Choir. Known for her fiery, evangelistic vocal delivery, Taylor's voice rang out on a number of Institutional's hits including I Feel The Spirit Moving, If You Hold Out,
Grammy winning instrumentalist Kirk Whalum will record his fourth installment of the ever popular Gospel According to Jazz series on November 15th at the Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn, New York. Joining Kirk for this session are Norman Brown, Rick Braun and Kevin Whalum. Kirk won
Lawrence Brownlee carries the distinction of being one of the most sought after singers in classical music today. The international opera star paired up with his friend, Grammy award nominated producer and pianist Damien Sneed for Spiritual Sketches, a ten song set containing traditional spirituals