Thomas Whitfield - The Gospel Legend © Carol Allen
Nov 7, 1999
Thomas Whitfield is recognized as one of the New Gospel Legends who has revolutionized a greater awareness and exposure to Gospel music. His short existence here on earth left us with a musical legacy that is worth celebrating. Thomas Whitfield definitely had a style of his own and changed gospel music. He was a true Minister of Music, and his songs carried such beautiful messages about staying in the Lord. Thomas crafted a contemporary gospel style that was unmatched and which earned him the title of 'Maestro. His music was always fresh and innovative, but came up with a highly sophisticated style of his own that pianists and choirs has desired to emulate ever since.
The concept of Gospel Legends was established by Verity records to give the new legends, or those who will be legendary such as Thomas Whitfield, the credit they rightfully deserve, as well as offering the public a compilation of the songs they have come to love from the respective artist. When the history books of Gospel are updated, these artists will be included. The Maestro has been included in the Legends series, celebrating and commemorizing the musical legacy of Thomas Whitfield featuring his songs from his final album Alive And Satisfied, also featured on The Best Of Thomas Whitfield. In 1984, he earned his first of three Grammy nominations.The Best Of Thomas Whitfield compilation in the second of Verity's New Gospel Legends series is a testimony to the enduring quality of much of Whitfield's work, featuring his mega-hits dating from the 70's through the 80's. With an talent as great as his, and reportoire as vast, it is inevitable that many throughout the land will groan that their favorite Whitfield song wasn't included. However, gems such as "Hallulujah Anyhow", "Let Everything Praise Him", and "Lift Those Hands And Bless Him" could not be, and were not, left out. Additonally, Thomas Whitfield & the Whitfield Company were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum Saturday (Oct. 23) in Detroit, as well as other 15 gospel greats including Willie Neal Johnson, the Clark Sisters, the Williams Brothers, Roberta Martin, Arizona Dranes, Dr. Margret Douroux, Al ("The Bishop") Hobbs, and Utah Smith. Towards the end of his life, Whitfield also produced current gospel sensation Yolanda Adams' debut album, appeared on Quincy Jones' 'Handel's Messiah' Christmas project and was planning some of the songs for The Whitfield Singers next album. Some of those songs such as 'Blessed Be The Ties' show up on the new 'Still... Whitfield' project. Although, Whitfield's brother Larry leads on 'Bless The Lord,' he sounds eerily like his late brother. And that's okay with the choir. Although, they want to build their own reputation, they never want anyone to forget their 'Maestro.'
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