Bishop Rance Allen, a driving force in gospel music, has died.
He was 71 years old.
via Gossip On This:
While details surrounding his passing aren’t immediately available, there is speculation that his cause of death was COVID-related.
Born in Monroe, Michigan before moving to Toledo, Ohio in the late 1980’s, Bishop Allen was widely revered for his unique vocal ability and was called “The Father of Contemporary Gospel Music.”
He was also best known for the song “Something About the Name of Jesus,” which was written by Kirk Franklin.
Before becoming a solo act, Allen was a part of The Rance Allen Group and was the lead singer and songwriter, alongside his brothers Tom (who played the drums), Steve (bass guitar), and Esau (percussionist), who joined the group on an intermittent basis.
Bishop Allen previously performed for President Barack Obama and was nominated for five Grammy Awards.
Allen’s death was announced by the Missouri Midwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of COGIC (Church of God in Christ).
“God, who is omnipotent and omniscient, has summoned his servant, Bishop Rance Lee Allen, to eternal rest,” the statement read.
The statement went on: “During the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic resulting in local and state restrictions on public gatherings to achieve social distancing, the family will hold a private memorial service for this servant.
“When the restrictions are lifted, a date will be set for a Jurisdictional Memorial Service that will appropriately recognize the godly life and notable achievements of Bishop Rance Allen.”
Kirk Franklin confirmed the sad news in an emotional video he posted on Instagram.
“I just woke up to some of the worst news ever,” he said. “You guys remember that some God gave me several years ago called something about the name Jesus, that had the incredible Rance Allen? Man, we lost Rance Allen. I just got a call that we just lost Rance Allen.”
RIP to a gospel legend.
