Timothy Wright godfather of gospel music Christian Music

Timothy Wright godfather of gospel music

May 6, 2009 – 9:13 am

Gospel hits ringing in their ears, mourners gathered Monday to remember Brooklyn pastor Rev. Timothy Wright and said the ” godfather of gospel music ” would live on in his songs.

“They’ll never forget you,” said the Rev. Al Sharpton during a “homegoing ceremony” at Pilgrim Baptist Church. “As long as there’s music, they’ll be singing your song.”

More than 3,000 people lined up around the block to say goodbye to Wright, 61.

He died last month from injuries caused by a head-on car collision in Pennsylvania that killed his wife Betty, 58, and his 14-year-old grandson D.J. nearly a year ago.

Mourners honored the Grammy-nominated gospel singer during the four-hour service by singing several of his songs, including “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus,” which was released in 2007.

Wright’s son, David, said he was grateful that his father left a mark on the world with his music.

“Thank God for a legacy that lives on,” he said. “There’s no way you can wrap 850 songs and thousands of sermons into a coffin.”

Another son, Donny, said his dad held on as long as he could, fighting for his life at Bronx Veterans Hospital for nearly a year.

“This man had lost everything – his mobility, his wife, his oldest grandson,” he said. “And still, he gave praise to God.”

Christian Music Online