It is with sadness that we announce that Rev. Timothy Wright, the Brooklyn-born reverend whose gospel music reached countless followers and affectionately known as the "Godfather of Gospel", passed away early this morning at Bronx Veterans Hospital from injuries sustained in a car accident in July last year. He was 61 years old. Let us continue to keep the Wright Family and the Grace Tabernacle Church family in our prayers.
"While we can rejoice that Rev. Timothy Wright is now in Heaven, his
loss is a devastating blow to the gospel music community. The rich
legacy of gospel music that he leaves behind will never be forgotten
and his absence will be felt for years to come." - E.J. Gaines, www.gospelpundit.com
"Gospel music has lost one of its greatest pioneers with the passing of
Elder Timothy Wright. Known as "The Godfather of Gospel", he could
arguably be called "The Father of the Contemporary Choir", as he wrote
and produced choir music that was both innovative and accessible. He
understood the power of driving the simple gospel message home while
remaining relevant to the unbeliever. Without Wright, we'd have no
foundation for Sunday morning choir music. His gift and life will
certainly be missed." Gerard Bonner - Co-Founder/Sr. Writer, www.Gospelflava.com
"He was the master of the simply written song, taking the hook and
working the special chorus to a fair thee well. He used every bit of
his trademark gravel-edge tenor, giving the fullest extent of his gift
back to God. He'd stand stock-still, stomp that foot, point that
finger, and drove the gospel as set to music into the heart of his
generation, leaving a legacy impacting generations to come to the glory
of God..." Darryl H. Ford, CEO, Promise Communications **Please feel free to post your condolences and memories below**
Wright, the pastor at the Grace Tabernacle Church of God in Christ in Crown Heights, was critically injured last July in a three-vehicle crash on Interstate 80 near Loganton, Pennsylvania, that also killed his wife and grandson. The Wrights had been returning from a Church of God in Christ conference in Detroit. Their vehicle was struck by a car going the wrong way, whose driver also died in the accident. Wright was placed on a respirator following the accident and was in a wheelchair when he greeted supporters at a Javits Center event in October.
Wright released more than a dozen gospel recordings, including 1994's "Come Thou Almighty King," which made the Billboard Top 20 charts for gospel albums and was nominated for a Grammy Award for best traditional soul gospel album. He received another Grammy nomination for his 1999 recording of "Been There Done That." Other hits included "Who's On The Lord's Side" and "Jesus, Jesus, Jesus." He also worked for Manhattan radio station WLIB. In 1976 Wright formed the Timothy Wright Concert Choir and later became the music director for Brooklyn's Washington Temple Church of God in Christ. Continuing the celebratory spirit of the music ministry of Rev. Timothy Wright, Savoy Records & The Malaco Music Group is proud to release, "The Godfather Of Gospel." (In Stores May 5, 2009)
To The Family Of Rev.Timothy Wright,Truly there is a brighter and shining tomorrow ahead for you all but we must
put all our Trust in Jesus, because He is the only one to carry us through. You and the Church Family Our In My Prayers. Jesus Jesus Jesus:
Sonja Stoikvoska - Sunshine Ministries Japan makes this comment
1 May 2009
To all of Reverend Wright's Family , friends and church members, may the Love and Peace of our Savior fill your hearts and minds at this time of loss and grief. Our heart felt prayers go out to you. Love and blessings from ,
Sonja Stoikovska,
Sunshine Ministries, Kobe, Japan
Truly a great loss to the gospel and christian music community globally. I have been inspired, motivated, and nourished by the music of Timothy Wright for over 30 years. May God bless, keep and meet every need of the family and church family of this great composer, arranger, writer, preacher, saint and christian warrior.
To the Rev. Timothy Wright family-Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We hope that your fond memories will sustain each of you now and in the future, God Bless. Jesus Jesus Jesus!
Let me comfort all our hearts with Psalms 100 "Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands, (2) Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing. (3)Know ye that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us and not we ourselves; and the sheep of his pasture. (4) Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. (5) For the lord is good; and his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations." (KJV, Holy Bible, p 674) Amen
Our hearts are so broken...so devastated. We longed to see our precious man of God back directing and singing again, and now I guess we'll have to wait till we all become a part of the heavenly choir to see him in action again. We are yet praying for you, his family and faithful church members. Stick together in love and harmony.
Corinth United Church of Christ, Youngsville, NC/Pastor Michael McCotter makes this comment
28 April 2009
We extend our sincere prayers and thanksgiving for the life
of Pastor Wright whose music has touch so many hearts far
and near. The staff of ministers joined with the Grace
family where we have many apart of this circle of love when
Elder Michael Collymore came to join and work with our Church in the North Carolina, he was a pastor with Rev.
Timothy at Grace for years. Grace will always be apart of
Corinth's extended church and remained on our prayer list.
God has called His angel home. Reverend Wright no longer is in pain missing his wife and grandson because now they are once again together in Heaven. God will keep you all in his care and comfort you. Rejoice in knowing he is once again singing in heaven.
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Darlene McCoy makes this comment
3 May 2009
put all our Trust in Jesus, because He is the only one to carry us through. You and the Church Family Our In My Prayers. Jesus Jesus Jesus:
Sonja Stoikvoska - Sunshine Ministries Japan makes this comment
1 May 2009
Sonja Stoikovska,
Sunshine Ministries, Kobe, Japan
jannet southerland makes this comment
1 May 2009
E & R Shadricks makes this comment
30 April 2009
Pastor David Liner makes this comment
29 April 2009
Denee' Young-Ivey makes this comment
29 April 2009
Sis Marguerite makes this comment
29 April 2009
Evangelist Esther Smith makes this comment
29 April 2009
Corinth United Church of Christ, Youngsville, NC/Pastor Michael McCotter makes this comment
28 April 2009
of Pastor Wright whose music has touch so many hearts far
and near. The staff of ministers joined with the Grace
family where we have many apart of this circle of love when
Elder Michael Collymore came to join and work with our Church in the North Carolina, he was a pastor with Rev.
Timothy at Grace for years. Grace will always be apart of
Corinth's extended church and remained on our prayer list.
Debbie Hopkins makes this comment
28 April 2009
God has called His angel home. Reverend Wright no longer is in pain missing his wife and grandson because now they are once again together in Heaven. God will keep you all in his care and comfort you. Rejoice in knowing he is once again singing in heaven.
Debbie