Eugene Smith Musical Tribute

On Monday evening May 18, the late great gospel pioneer and legend Eugene Smith would have been very happy with the celebration of his life.

Members of the "Chicago School of Gospel" came out to honor the man they affectionately called "Gene. " His God son the Reverend Maceo Woods said that "Gene would have wanted the celebration of his life to be like having church." And that's exactly what happened, the early moments of sadness because of the physical loss of Gene, became shouts of joy for the man who lived his life singing to the glory of God and loving the Roberta Martin singers.


Eugene Smith was the last surviving member of the original Roberta Martin singers. Gene was the business manager of the group and the first gospel narrator, renowned for his ability to usher in the spirit before the soloist would sing. Gene's ushering in of the spirit transported audiences to a level of joyous delight. He was a showman and excellent MC that only performed to the Glory of God.

As I sat in the celebration at Christian Tabernacle Church among Chicago Gospel legends Vernon Oliver Price, Reverend Issac Whitmon, Reverend Stanley Keeble, LuDella Evans Reid and former Roberta Martin Singers Deloris Barrett and Romance Watson. I was in awe as these great singers paid tribute to the man that had an impact on Gospel music worldwide.



I last saw Eugene Smith at the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses in Chicago. Mr. Smith was being honored along with other Chicago Gospel Legends and I sat next to him in the service then escorted him to his limo when the tribute was over. I will never forget that evening.


There must be something in the spirit of Chicago Gospel Artists as the tribute moved on each singer seemed to usher in a new level. Vernon Oliver Price ignited the flame and Reverend Whitmon, Stanley Keeble, LuDella Evans Reid added logs to the fire. However, it was the Romance Watson and Deloris Barrett Campbell with the Barrett Sisters that set the house totally on fire.



And for me I kept wondering what could happen next then Ron Barrett and Elder De Andre Patterson brought in the spirit to the point where music was not needed and shouts of joy echoed all over the sanctuary. Everyone felt good about the celebration of Eugen Smith's Life.

The evening was continuation of the "Gospel Tradition" in Chicago on a Monday night. After the final selection from the Christian Tabernacle Church Choir everyone exchanged pleasantries like at a family reunion. Eugene would have been very happy because we had some Church.