Melvin Crispell Passes

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