Gospel Music World Mourns Sudden Passing of Vocalist Bishop Kervy Brown

The gospel music community is in shock and mourning as Bishop Kervy Brown, the celebrated lead singer for Hezekiah Walker, has passed away at 65.

Written By Valeria Hall // EEW Magazine

Bishop Kervy Brown, known for his powerful vocal contributes to Hezekiah Walker’s musical compositions, has taken his final rest. (Photo: Kervy Brown via EEW Magazine)

Shockwaves are reverberating through the gospel music industry as one of its vocal titans, Bishop Kervy Brown, suddenly passed away Sunday, July 7, at the age of 65.

Known for his powerful and soulful voice, Brown was the acclaimed lead singer for Hezekiah Walker & the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir (LFCC). As of this writing, though no official cause of death has been released by the family, multiple sources are reporting that he died of a massive heart attack.

Brown's legacy in gospel music is marked by his unforgettable performances on Hezekiah Walker’s memorable songs like “The Lord Will Make A Way Somehow” and “Make It To That City.”

Bishop Kervy Brown served alongside Bishop Hezekiah Walker for more than 40 years. (Photo: Kervy Brown via EEW Magazine)

In response to Brown's passing, Hezekiah Walker released a heartfelt statement:

“Today, I, along with the clergy, religious communities, and the faithful of the Covenant Keepers International Alliance, offer our prayers to the family, friends, and membership of The Greater Deliverance Tabernacle, and gospel music lovers around the world on the death of my beloved friend and brother, Bishop Kervy Brown. Many in our Fellowship will remember that Bishop Brown has walked with me for over 40 years doing the Lord’s work in the United States and around the world.

May all who mourn his passing find comfort in the Lord and solace for his long service and devotion to the Church of Jesus Christ. Please join me as we pray for the repose of the soul of Bishop Brown; may he rest in peace.”

Hailing from the Bronx, New York, Brown was often called a “Singer’s Singer.” His mother, Mary Brown, a lead singer of the gospel group The Faith Gospel Singers, was his first musical mentor. Brown's journey in music and ministry began at the tender age of five, singing alongside his mother.

In the early 1980s, Brown started his career with The Bronx Mass Choir. He performed with gospel greats like James Cleveland and Rev. Charles Hicks. However, his life changed forever in 1985 when he became a founding member and principal singer for the Grammy-winning Hezekiah Walker & The Love Fellowship Choir. Over a three-decade span, Brown’s distinctive tenor graced numerous songs, including “Great Day” (Focus on Glory), “Any Way You Bless Me” (Live in Toronto), and “Lord Do It” (Love is Live), the latter being a Grammy award-winning song.

His contributions made him a household name among gospel fans and an essential part of Hezekiah Walker’s musical catalog.

While Bishop Brown lent his voice to many tracks on Hezekiah Walker's debut album, it was the song "Lord Do It" that truly catapulted him to prominence. Even decades after its recording, "Lord Do It" remains a beloved favorite, with listeners of all ages continuing to share stories of the profound way it has ministered to them. For years, fans approached him, tears in their eyes, to express the deep impact this iconic song has had on their lives – demonstrating the indelible mark he has left on the world of gospel music.

Bishop Kervy Brown's association with the Gospel Music Workshop of America spanned over four decades, beginning when he was just 20 years old. It was Bishop Albert Jamison who first introduced him to this esteemed platform. Through his many years of active participation in the Gospel Music Workshop, Brown's musical ministry flourished, earning him widespread recognition within the gospel industry.

Beyond his music career, Brown was also a devoted preacher who began sharing the gospel at the age of 13. In September 2009, under the leadership of the late Bishop Roger L. Jackson, he was called to serve as the pastor of Greater Deliverance Temple in Danville, VA. In 2018, Brown was ordained and elevated to the office of Bishop under the covering and leadership of Bishop Hezekiah Walker. He served in the Pentecostal Churches of Jesus Christ organization as their Southern State Alliance Bishop, overseeing churches in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Bishop Kervy Brown’s voice will never be forgotten among gospel music fans. (Photo: Kervy Brown via EEW Magazine)

Bishop Brown cited the following artists as his musical influences: Doreen Figueroa, Mother Rubinstein McClure, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Debra Sutton, Daryl Coley, Rev. James Moore, and Donnie McClurkin. These legendary voices all played a significant role in molding Bishop Brown's distinctive sound and vocal style.

Bishop Kervy Brown's legacy as a powerful vocalist and dedicated minister of the gospel will be remembered and cherished by many. His impact on the gospel music community and his unwavering commitment to his faith and ministry leave an indelible mark on those who knew him and were touched by his music and ministry.