The sudden passing of the Rev. Dr. Quincy D. Fielding Jr., a renowned choral director, musician, and songwriter, shocked many in the faith community throughout the nation. Fielding, the pastor of Shiloh Full Gospel Church, died on August 26 in Los Angeles.
His homegoing services will commence with a public viewing on Friday, Sept. 13, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Greater New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, 4927 S. Western Avenue in Los Angeles. A musical celebration will take place the same day at 7 p.m. at McCoy Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, 802 E. 46th St., in L.A.
Dr. Fielding’s life and legacy will celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 10 a.m., at Faithful Central Bible Church, 321 N. Eucalyptus Ave., in Inglewood. The viewing will be from 9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
A native of East St. Louis, IL, Dr. Fielding was born on Jan. 22, 1957, to Quincy Sr. and Merdean Fielding. Recognized as a musical prodigy, he played the piano, bass, drums and organ from an early age and continues to excel with these instruments throughout his life.
After graduating from Horace Watkins High School in Ladue, Missouri in 1975, Fielding attended Anderson University in Anderson, IN and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. Ultimately, he received his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees in Theology from Abundant Faith Catholic Theological Seminary.
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Initially, Fielding exploded upon the gospel scene with the 1975 hit “I Feel a Change in My Life,” which was recorded by the Gospel Music Workshop of America Mass Choir at their convention in New York City. Also, the GMWA choir taped his songs “I’m Going to Serve Him Forevermore” in 1976 and “I Want to be Filled More with the Spirit” in 1977.
Upon relocating to Los Angeles in 1981, Fielding’s career reached even higher levels. A protégé and godson of the legendary Rev. James Cleveland, Fielding was an original member of L.A. Gospel Messengers, which Cleveland formed in 1982. Fielding wrote several chart-topping songs for the group including “It Can Happen to You” and “Better to Have and Not Need.”
In 1983, Dr. Fielding was licensed and ordained to preach by the Rev. Dr. Melvin Von Wade, then-pastor of Mount Moriah Baptist Church.
His prolific and anointed songwriting resulted in honors and commendations from GMWA, Stellar Awards, Dove Awards, and other organizations. He also won a Grammy Award for composing “What Shall I Do,” which was recorded by both Tramaine Hawkins and Rev. Cleveland and the Southern California Community Choir.
Dr. Fielding collaborated with a range of gospel and contemporary artists such as Rev. Daryl Coley, Walter Hawkins, Melba Moore, Rickey Dillard, Dr. Charles Fold and Dr. Charles Hayes. Also, he worked with the Baptist Assembly of Free Spirit Churches Mass Choir, the O’Neal Twins, The Charles May Workshop Ensemble, and Minister Donald Taylor and the L.A. Mass Choir.
In 2023, he appeared on the Brenda Marsh-Mitchell Gospel Stage at the 18th Annual Taste of Soul and performed “Restore the Joy” with his newly formed choir, Grace. His CD is available through Minister Lamont Bradley at Lord Before Us Productions by calling (323) 993-8581.
“He leaves a lasting catalog of rich gospel music to inspire and encourage the Body of Christ for generations to come. I think there are two distinct qualities that are threaded throughout his multi-faceted ministry. He has remained true to God and to his spiritual roots,” said Quaford Coleman, a longtime friend.
“Rev. Dr. Quincy Fielding, Jr. will be well-missed by the collective gospel music world of the United States. He was always ready to lend a helping hand and a word of encouragement to other musicians. He was be-loved and always smiling. Almost everyone who knew him considered him their family member,” added Arvis Jones, a co-musician with Fielding in the Gospel Music Workshop of America – Los Angeles Chapter.
Cherishing the memory of Dr. Fielding are his wife, Lady Wanda Fielding; sons, Quincy III and Freeman; mother, Lady Merdean Fielding-Gales; and many relatives, church members and friends.
Quaford Coleman and Arvis Jones contributed to this article.
