A tribute gospel concert is planned to honor the Rev. Gilbert ‘Gil’ Fears, host of the Edna Tatum’s Gospel Classics radio broadcast on KPFK – 90.7 FM. The concert will be held on Friday, June 9, at 7 p.m., at The Living Room of Faithful Central Bible Church, 333 West Florence Avenue in Inglewood.
Paul E. R. Kidd, Jr. Paul Edward Ramson Kidd Jr. ruled the gospel music airwaves for more than 50 years. Based in Los Angeles, his show aired locally as well as on the Armed Forces Radio Network (AFRN), which comprised 400 radio stations located in 28 countries. A native of Kansas City, Missouri, Kidd was born into a devout Christian family. His father was an AME itinerant elder who served as pastor of First AME Church in San Francisco in Walker Temple AME Church in Los Angeles. Kidd came to L.A. in 1956 following his honorable discharge from the military
Shouts of “hallelujah” and “praise God” were heard throughout the “Back To The Old Landmark” concert, which was sponsored by the Gospel Music Workshop of America – L.A. Chapter on Feb. 9. The annual event, held at People’s Independent Church of Christ in Los Angeles, attracted a capacity crowd to hear regional and nationally known gospel vocalists and musicians deliver a range of beloved selections. The theme was “Remembering Songs from the Golden Age of Gospel Music.” Living legends in attendance included Kenneth Glover, Annette May Thomas and Madeline Thompson of The Clara Ward Singers, who all sang melodies of
Kenneth Glover continues to be one of the most gifted and talented gospel vocalists to grace the local and international stage. Known around the world as the “Singing Missionary,” Glover has inspired hundreds of thousands of people for decades with his creative renditions of traditional hymns. His delivery of songs like “I Can Feel the Spirit in This Place,” “Without Him,” “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” “He Knows How Much We Can Bear,” and “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” remain fan favorites whenever he appears in concert. “Since the mid-60’s, growing-up in the Mount Moriah Baptist Church, I
Musicians In Action will sponsor its annual 2019 Drum Clinic on Saturday, April 27, from 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., at The Living Room on the Faithful Central Bible Church campus, 400 W. Florence Ave., in Inglewood. Each year, MIA offers the Drum Clinic to assist youth and young adults interested in playing drums. The clinic’s breakout sessions entails several topics as well as skill and technique development to enhancing the natural gift. Renowned faith and secular drummers often participate, including percussionist Sheila E, who was last year’s special guest. “The clinicians provide hands-on teaching methods, visual demonstration, mentorships and
God’s spirit enveloped the California African American Museum as Los Angeles came out for a gospel music tribute to the legendary Aretha Franklin on Aug. 30. The “Queen of Soul” passed away in Detroit, Michigan on Aug. 16. The two-hour event, organized by L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas and gospel music broadcaster Quaford Coleman, attracted more than 2,000 people who filled the museum’s interior and overflowed to hundreds outside the facility. In both places, the audience clapped, sang and shouted throughout the joyous celebration. Highlighting the tribute were selected songs from Aretha’s “Amazing Grace” album, which she recorded in 1972
The faith community will salute the long broadcasting ministry of the Rev. Gilbert “Gil” Fears with a tribute musical. The event is set for Friday, May 4, at 7 p.m., at Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church, 5300 South Denker Ave., in Los Angeles. The Rev. DeNon A. Porter is the host pastor. Fears hosts “Edna Tatum’s Gospel Classics,” that airs on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., on KPFK 90.7 FM. The salute will feature the Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church Choirs, the Los Angeles Chapter – GMWA, the Los Angeles Contemporary Adults, Kenneth Glover, Henry Jackson, Lady Rose Neal and Maran
Faith and community leaders will co-sponsor “We Appreciate and Celebrate – Rev. Gilbert “Gil” Fears.” The salute is set for Friday, May 4, at 7 p.m., at Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church, 5300 South Denker Ave., in Los Angeles. The Rev. DeNon A. Porter is the host pastor. Fears hosts “Edna Tatum’s Gospel Classics,” that airs on Sundays, 6 a.m. to 8 a.m., on KPFK 90.7 FM. “Rev. Gil, as he is affectionately known, filled-in immediately for Edna Tatum when she suddenly became ill in 2013. Since her death in 2014, he has given outstanding service to all of Southern California
Rodena Preston Williams, who passed on Sept. 15 in Los Angeles, was heralded across the nation as an amazing pianist, director and arranger. She worked with many gospel greats throughout her career. (Family photo) The gospel music community lost a legendary giant with the passing of Dr. Rodena Preston Williams of Sept. 15 in Los Angeles. Known throughout the industry as an exceptional pianist, director and arranger, Williams was a child prodigy who grew up to work closely with the late Rev. James Cleveland and many other gospel greats. She also organized the award-winning Voices of Deliverance that released five
Natalie Maria Cole was laid to rest on Monday, January 11, 2016. Cole was celebrated by some of the biggest names in the music industry and hundreds of family, friends, and fans paid tribute to the singer during a three-hour service at the West Angeles Church of God.