Gospel singer who died recently are Kevin Lemons, Paul Beasley, and Calvin Newton. The gospel music industry has mourned the unrepairable loss of these singers.
The industry faced a big loss when Kevin Lemons died from a heart attack at the beginning of 2023. His demise on January 7 saddened faith followers throughout the world.
Further, Calvin Newton said goodbye on March 3 peacefully at home. After a few days, we also lost The Blind Boys of Alabama member Paul Beasley on March 16.
This industry carries a heritage of African-American music, characterized by lyrics that focus on the Christian faith. Gospel music’s root takes back to black churches in southern America.
The Gospel genre’s influence stretches from musician bands such as James Brown, Bob Dylan, and The Rolling Stones.
This list is not merely to discuss the death of musicians; we are paying homage to them and their families.
Here, Worldwidetune remembers the Gospel singers who died recently:
Gospel Singer Who Died In 2021
Gospel singer who died in 2021 includes Duranice Pace, Winfield Parker, and more. We lost the majority of gospel singers due to covid related complications.
The world mourned the passing of celebrated Gospel singers when Covid-19 was at its peak. Soul music lovers had to acknowledge that their favorite singers were no more.
Duranice Pace
Duranice Pace passed away on January 14, 2021, because of prolonged health complications. The singer was 62 years old when she died.
Duranice was one of the members of the Anointed Pace Sisters and the elder sister of evangelist singer LaShun Pace.
The soul singer was a favorite of Steve Harvey, who paid respect on his Twitter handle explaining how Pace spoke in favor of his life. Her hit songs include I’ll be Always Thankful, Safe in His Arms, and It’s Already Done.
Winfield Parker
Winfield Parker found peace on January 18, 2021, due to covid complications. Parker was 79 when the tragedy happened.
The singer was known for his fusion of deep soul and the traditional gospel genre. He procured massive hits like I Wanna Be With You (1998), S.O.S – Stop On Her Sight (1971), and many more.
The gospel singer started his career in the early 60s and sang till the 2020s.
Jaime Murrell
Jamie Murrell had a journey to heaven on February 4, 2021. The cause of his demise was covid related heart attack.
Murrell was born in 1949 in Panama – and was one of the pioneer soul singers who brought Caribbean taste into gospel music.
CARMAN
(January 19, 1956 – February 16, 2021)
Cause of Death: Complications from Hernia surgery
- Carman was nominated four times for Grammy awards
- His Mission 3:16 peaked at number 94 on the Billboard 200 chart
B.J. Thomas
(August 7, 1942 – May 29, 2021)
Cause of Death: Lung Cancer
- Thomas’ song Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head honored with Grammys Hall of Fame
- His song peaked at No. 22 on the U.S. charts and sold millions of copies
Shawn McLemore
(May 3, 1967 – October 9, 2021)
Cause of Death: Long-term Illness
- McLemore’s song Wait on Him placed on the Billboard magazine Gospel albums chart
- His albums were released by Worldwide music and promoted all over the U.S.A.
Gospel Singer Who Died In 2022
Gospel singer who died in 2022 includes LaShun Pace, Chinedu Nwadike, and more. Gospel genre followers bore a massive loss in 2022.
Unbelievably, people had to hear shocking news back to back in 2022. Most of the singers who passed away this year were all-time hit musicians.
LaShun Pace
LaShun Pace was 61 years old when she passed away on March 21, 2022. The reason behind her sunset was organ failure.
One year before, her elder sister Duranice Pace passed away. The Pace sisters were known for their contribution to the Evangelical church and Gospel & soul music.
LaShun disclosed she was devastated by her sister’s death. Prayers and consolations were passed to her and her family, but she couldn’t bear the loss.
The gospel singer’s hit songs include I Know I’ve Been Changed (1991), Act Like You Know (1996), Ain’t Nobody (2021), etc.
Chinedu Nwadike
Chinedu Nwadike died on March 27, 2022, due to blood cancer and kidney damage. The Nigerian gospel singer left the world at the early age of 39.
Nwadike’s song God of Vengeance was considered a massive hit and a favorite of soul lovers worldwide. He lost the battle with Leukemia at a crucial moment while he was scheduled for better treatment in India.
The gospel singer still influences people through his singing, acting, and activism.
Osinachi Nwachukwu
Osinachi Nwachukwu passed away on April 8, 2022, at 42. The early reasons for her death were concluded as a battle with throat cancer.
The investigation committee suggested arresting Nwachukwu’s husband for allegedly killing her. However, her husband denied domestic abuse and killing Osinachi.
The top Nigerian gospel singer contributed to many worldwide hits such as God of Power, Unusual Praise, I am the God, etc.
Deborah Fraser
(June 9, 1965 – May 15, 2022)
Cause of Death: Short Illness
- Deborah is a commercially successful gospel singer with 1 million copies sold
- Recognized as a South African soul superstar
Shonka Dukureh
(September 3, 1977 – July 21, 2022)
Cause of Death: High Blood Pressure
- Shonka started her career as a gospel singer but also was an actor
- Played the role of Big Mama Thornton in the biopic Elvis
Keith ‘Wonderboy’ Johnson
(May 17, 1972 – September 30, 2022)
Cause of Death: Car Accident
- He started a solo career and gained popularity after being recognized by Word Wide Gospel Records
- Keith is Lover of God 6x Stellar Award Winner
Related: Rappers Who Have Died Recently – Updated 2023
Gospel Singer Who Died In 2023
Gospel singer who died in 2023 includes Kevin Lemons, Calvin Newton, and more. From the beginning of 2023, people are losing their favorite performers.
From young talents to legendary singers, it is hard to say we’ve lost these gems. The way the gospel industry is losing these singers, it won’t be hard to say that it will demise in a few years.
Kevin Lemons
Kevin Lemons passed away from a sudden heart attack on January 7, 2023. He was 44 years old.
Lemons gained popularity after he became a choir director of ‘Higher Calling’ and released gospel songs. He managed 100 members choir group based in Union City.
Twenty-seven years ago, Kevin started his journey in gospel music and provided hits such as Declaration (2013), Oil of The Lord (2013), and For Your Good (2021).
Spencer Wiggins
Spencer Wiggins passed away naturally on February 13, 2023. Wiggins was 81 years old.
The gospel singer was considered a messiah of the “Deep Soul” genre – music emerged from Southern America. Spencer carried numerous hit songs throughout his career that topped the U.S. R&B and Billboard charts.
His song Double Love peaked at no — 44 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1970.
Chuck Jackson
Another Gospel singer Chuck Jackson passed away peacefully on February 16, 2023. He was 85 years old.
Chuck specified his music as R&B soul after 1961 and provided numerous hit songs. However, he started his career singing to a gospel group in Latta, South Carolina.
Jackson has released 24 albums in his 50 years career. His hits include Any Day Now (1962), I Keep Forgettin (1962), and All Over The World.
The soul singer’s song peaked at numerous positions on the Billboard charts. Chuck received the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame award in 2015.
Calvin Newton
(October 28, 1929 – March 3, 2023)
Cause of Death: Natural
- Calvin had 50 years of Gospel music career
- He won the Living Legend award from Grand Gospel Music Convention in 1999
Paul Beasley
(December 11, 1944 – March 16, 2023)
Cause of Death: Prolonged Illness
- Beasley has recorded 20 albums in his career and toured worldwide
- He has won Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Gospel Album