Thousands came to pay their respects to the godfather of gospel music, the Rev. Timothy Wright. The gospel music industry was saddened to hear that the 61-year-old Grammy and Stellar Award winner made his transition April 23 in Brooklyn. Wright, his wife,
Thousands came to pay their respects to the godfather of gospel music, the Rev. Timothy Wright. The gospel music industry was saddened to hear that the 61-year-old Grammy and Stellar Award winner made his transition April 23 in Brooklyn. Wright, his wife, Betty, and their grandson, D.J., were struck by a drunk driver traveling the wrong way on a Pennsylvania interstate. His wife and grandson died within hours of the accident, and Wright was in intensive care. The pastor of Grace Tabernacle Christian Center Church Of God In Christ continued intensive therapy at Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, New Jersey and never returned to his pulpit. During the homegoing celebrations, fans and music lovers were able to attend Brooklyn area churches that held musical tributes featuring songs recorded by Wright including "I Made It Over," "We’re Gonna Make It," "Come Thou Almighty King," "Trouble Don’t Last Always" and "Let It Shine." The homegoing services were held at the Pilgrim Renaissance Cathedral. Please continue to pray for the family.
Other news in gospel is that "Gospel Park 106th" has been officially cancelled on Black Entertainment Television. Producers were targeting youth to watch the show but later admitted the timeslot the show aired in was not the best choice. Angel Taylor, of Stellar Award-winning Trinitee 5:7, and Jorel Quinn, of hip hop gospel group 21:03, hosted the show as well as Tye Tribette and Kierra “Kiki” Sheard doing special reports.
On a lighter note, congrats to Donald Lawrence for being honored as BMI songwriter of the year. Also, the songs "Giants" (Tri-City) and "Livin’" (Clark Sisters), both penned by Lawrence, were among the top five most performed songs on Christian radio and television. Additionally, Marvin Sapp’s "Never Would Have Made It," Beverly Crawford’s "He’s Done Enough" and Jonathan Nelson’s "Right Now Praise" were in heavy rotation. Lawrence is set to produce a song on the tribute CD to legendary Frankie Beverly and Maze.
Lawrence said that he took on the project because, “His son, Anthony Beverly, approached me. He’s a drummer and used to play for Christopher Williams while I was on tour with Stephanie Mills…we toured together. He’s also married to my good friend, Heather Nelson-Beverly, (who) is an African-American female entertainment attorney from Chicago.” Although, the project is still in development, “It’s not set, but I plan to do a Moss/Clark reunion…J Moss, Kiki and The Clark Sisters,” said Lawrence.
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