Arrangements have been made for the services celebrating the life of Cleotha Staples (pictured on the left), founding member of the Staple Singers. Viewing takes place Thursday February 28, 2013 @ 6:00 PM at Leak & Sons Funeral Home, 7838 South Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619. The funeral services will be held on Friday March 1, 2013 @ 10:00 AM at Trinity United Church of Christ, 400 W 95th Street, Chicago, IL 60628. The burial will follow immediately at Oakwood Cemetery, 1035 E 67th Street, Chicago, IL 60680. Ms. Staples will be buried in the Staples family plot alongside her father, Roebuck “Pops” Staples; her mother, Oceola Staples; and her sister, Cynthia Staples
Recognized the world over for his original composition (Lord, I’m ) Available To You, GOSPELflava played catch up with GRAMMY Award winning singer/songwriter Carlis L Moody Jr. (more…)
Pastor Smokie Norful celebrates his birthday today along with 7 years of Pastoral Ministry. Norful is the founding pastor of Victory Cathedral Worship Center located in a Chicago suburb. The church boasts a membership of over 3000. In honor of Founder’s Month, the church celebrated throughout the month of October with guest speakers including Pastor Marvin Winans and Evangelist Dorinda Clark Cole. Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard and Isaac Carree headlines the founders day concert.
Inez Andrews, iconic gospel singer known across the world for her soaring contralto and vocal delivery on Mary, Don’t You Weep will be honored with the Ambassador Bobby Jones Legend Award at the 28th Annual Stellar Awards held on January 19th at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee.
Andrews joined the Caravans in 1957 and was featured as a lead soloist on many of the Carvans hits, including I’m Willing To Wait, I’m Not Tired Yet and Make It In. After a stellar career with the Caravans, she left in 1962 and had a huge success with the crossover hit Lord, Don’t Move the Mountain.
It should be duly noted that this author is a firm believer that nothing beats an original. Let the record reflect there are some exceptions. Rubenstein McClure and The J.C. White singers introduced us to Lord Touch Somebody via their 1977 release Reflections of Divine Love in 1976. THEN THERE WAS REVEREND CLAY EVANS AND THE FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH CHOIR of CHICAGO. In a few words, it was joy to partake in their musical expression via their weekly What a Fellowship Hour telecast and broadcast. With Karen Hull on lead, Royal Mickey Warren on the organ, Reginald McCracken directing and the majestic glory of the 200 voice choir this was the essence of Sunday night church service; the results of which can be heard in this recording.
Chicago’s own Dr. Charles G Hayes announced the formation of his new label Cosmo Sounds and the upcoming release from the Cosmopolitan Church of Prayer Choir (The Warriors). (more…)
The body of Delois Barrett Campbell will lie in state at Trinity Untied Church of Christ on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 from 12 noon until 7:00 p.m. (more…)
The Gospel Community is saddened with news of the passing of noted gospel singer Lawonda Campbell on Saturday, February 26th in Chicago, Illinois. Campbell, whose immeasurable talent and unmistakable voice produced a string of hits for a venerable list of gospel artists including Chicago Mass Choir, the Trinity All Nations Choir, Carlis Moody, and most notably Bishop Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir. The audio of Sweeter as the days go by can be heard in the youtube clip above.
Her life will be celebrated over two days beginning with a musical on Friday, March 7, 2011 at Chicago’s Apostolic Pentecostal Church of Morgan Park, 11401 South Vincennes Avenue beginning at 7 p.m. The services will continue on Saturday, March 8, 2011 with visitation at 10 a.m. with funeral services following at 11 a.m. at the St. James Ministries Church of God in Christ, 11750 South Lowe. Pastor W. James Campbell is the officiant.
Gospelflava.com joins others across the country in praying for the Campbell family.
Gospelflava joins with countless others across the country as we acknowledge the passing of Little Lucy Smith Collier on Sunday, September 18th. Collier came from deeply religious roots as her grandmother, the Elder Lucy Smith, founded Chicago’s All Nations Pentecostal Church. Elder Smith was one of the nation’s most prominent black ministers and the church’s Sunday night Broadcast was heard across the United States in the 40s.
Collier became a member of the Roberta Martin Singers during the Golden Age of Gospel, serving as pianist and organist for the group. Collier’s adeptness on the organ would earn her an instrumental LP on the Savoy label, Little Lucy Smith at the Organ in 1962 (see album cover above).
In the 90s, Collier joined fellow Martin Singers Eugene Smith, Delois Barrett Campbell, Robert Anderson as well as Donald “Preacher” Gay, Mildred and Geraldine Gay, Vernon Oliver Price and others on The Soul of Chicago, produced by Anthony Heilbut for Spirit Feel/Shenachie Records. Earlier this year, Collier was part of the inaugural induction of Living Chicago Gospel Legends presented by the Gospel Music According to Chicago organization.
