Obituaries
As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day even, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Still, as much of a fact as that may be, the blow of experiencing loss never gets any easier, nor does reporting on the subject in Black culture.
Cavin Yarbrough, one-half of R&B duo Yarbrough & Peoples, known for hits like 'Don’t Stop The Music, died on June 19 from heart disease.
Esaw Snipes-Garner became a community activist after her husband, Eric Garner, was killed in an act of police violence.
Dr. Bessie Nelson, beloved mother of gospel singers Jonathan and Jason Nelson, has passed away. The family asks for prayers and privacy during this time.
Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel died Monday at 94. He leaves behind a legacy of working to change the lives of Black people in America.
Jackson, Mississippi – March 26, 2025 – It is with heavy hearts and treasured memories to announce the passing of Huey P. Williams, the beloved lead singer of the legendary Gospel group, the Jackson Southernaires. He died peacefully at his home in Smithdale, MS on Monday, March 24, 2025. Huey came from great music stock. He […]
D'Wayne Wiggins, a founding member of the legendary soul/R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné!, has died at 64 following a battle with bladder cancer.
Gene Hackman, Wife Betsy Arakawa, And Dog Found Dead in Their New Mexico Home Oscar-winning actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, were tragically found dead in their Santa Fe, New Mexico home on Wednesday, alongside their dog. Hackman was 95 years old, while Arakawa was 63. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed […]
Chris Jasper, who played a key role in the Isley Brothers' success in the 70s and 80s, passed away on Feb. 23 from cancer at age 73.
We are sad to report that legendary singer/songwriter Roberta Flack has reportedly passed away at the age of 88. An official statement from her publicist, Elaine Schock, reads, “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She […]
We are sad to report that Jerry “The Iceman” Butler, the original lead singer of The Impressions who went on to a successful career as a solo artist and in politics, passed away at age 85. Butler’s assistant and “niece at heart,” Marty, exclusively confirmed the news to TMZ, saying he passed away from natural […]
Isaiah D. Thomas, a celebrated figure in the gospel music world, passed away on January 27, 2025, marked a tremendous loss for the gospel community.
