Gospel music legend and pioneer Inez Andrews passed at the age of 83 on Wednesday, December 19th at 2:01pm CST, at her home on the South Side of Chicago. While the cause was not initially released, it’s been said that she was being treated for cancer.
Her legacy is rich and her contribution to gospel music is undeniable. She helped to lay the foundation for gospel music as we know it, especially as it relates to powerful women in the gospel music industry. She was slated to receive the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award at the upcoming 28th Annual Stellar Awards in January of 2013.
Most notably, Inez Andrews reached worldwide acclaim as a member of The Caravans and was known for a rich contralto with a range that could still impress well into her later years (check out the video of “Oh, Mary Don’t You Weep” below!). Many have said that she was the last of rich heritage in gospel music, which included greats like Albertina Walker, Delois Barrett Campbell and Mahalia Jackson.
The Caravans sat close together behind the pulpit of the Apostolic Church of God, 6320 S. Dorchester. Shirley Caesar, Delores Washington and Dorothy Norwood came together Friday to say goodbye to their friend Inez Andrews, whose songbird contralto blessed the Chicago gospel group between 1957 and 1962.The gathering of more than 300 included members of the Chicago Police Department and Chicago soul icon Otis Clay. The body of Mrs. Andrews was transported to Oak Woods Cemetery, 1035 E. 67th St., in a white, early 1900s replica open-hearse carriage, led by a jet-black horse.
The family and friends of Inez Andrews are in our prayers! Thank you for sharing her with the world.
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