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Gospel music great James Cleveland dies in Los Angeles, California, at the age of sixty.
1991 (Feb 9)
James Cleveland, a Baptist clergyman and major figure in gospel music, died in Los Angeles, California, at the age of sixty. Cleveland was a pianist, composer, arranger, impresario, and leader of the James Cleveland Singers. He was also the founder of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. During his career Cleveland served as mentor to Aretha Franklin, Billy Preston, and many other soul singers who began their career in gospel music. Cleveland wrote more than 400 gospel songs, including "Grace Is Sufficient," "Everything Will Be All Right," "He's Using Me," "The Man Jesus," "Peace Be Still," and "The Love of God." He recorded scores of albums that sold millions of copies and won three Grammy Awards; he was the first gospel singer to have a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. "
References:
- • Hornsby, Alton. Chronology of African-American History: Significant Events and People from 1619 to the Present. Detroit: Gale Research, 1995.