Rest in Peace: Farewell to George Michael

Rest in Peace: I am so sorry to hear of the recent passing of George Michael. Such an incredible talent (singer/songwriter/performer)! I loved his voice and his music. Truly gone too soon! The music community has lost another great one this year. I pray for comfort for his family, friends and all his fans. 

George Michael, Pop Superstar, Is Dead at 53

December 25, 2016: George Michael, the creamy-voiced English songwriter who sold tens of millions of albums as a member of the duo Wham! and on his own, was found dead on Sunday at his home in Goring in Oxfordshire, England. He was 53. (article by Jon Parelles for the New York Times)

 http://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/25/arts/music/george-michael-dead.html?_r=0

  

    

 

Thank you for your kindness!

 

A special thanks to all who sent their condolences, prayers, cards, flowers, and support to the family of John Henry Gooden. 

We had a wonderful homecoming service for him today! Thanks to all who were present and celebrated his wonderful life with us. We appreciate your support!

"I'd like to thank all my friends and fans for sending my grandfather birthday messages during his milestone birthdays! He was so excited to get all the cards and messages from people around the world. It meant so much for us to see him so happy." -- Benita Charles Music

He's at peace now...no more pain. His legacy  and precious memories will live on.

Thank you all for your kindness!

In loving memory of my beloved grandfather, Mr. John Gooden, 97 years old

Love never dies: Yesterday, God called home my beloved granddad, Mr. John Henry Gooden, at the age of 97 years old. 

He lived a righteous life and always tried to do the right thing. "Your word is your bond" are words he always said and lived by. If he said he was going to do something, he would do it no matter what. I will always remember his words as I continue to strive to live up to his standards. 

He was such a strong and courageous person. It was evident by the way he fought through his recent illness. It was time for him to go home. He's at peace now and is no longer in pain. I find that comforting. 

I'd like to thank all my friends who reached out to him and send him birthday messages throughout his milestone birthdays. Thank you for your kindness & thoughts. He loved getting those messages. 

He was a good man and I will always love him. I will never forget what an example he was to us at living a good life. 

He always asked about my music and my singing.  He told me, "You must practice!" When he noticed I wasn't practicing.  He would hear me practicing when I lived above him years ago.

 I am so grateful that my uncle Paul captured him expressing how he wants to be remembered. He will definitely be remembered as the greatest man I've ever known! 

Rest now, granddad. I'm so happy you're at peace now. I miss you terribly and I'll always love you!

My grandfather's video inspired me to make my own video of how I'd like to be remembered for my life. Here are my thoughts, unfiltered and raw. How do you want to be remembered? I encourage you to share your thoughts with your family.

Rest in Peace: Prince Rogers Nelson

Rest in Peace: It is with a heavy heart that I write this. Today, I learned that one of my all-time favorite artists, Prince (Prince Rogers Nelson) has died. He was more than a musical genius: He was a shrewd business man, a musical legend, a dynamic live act, a producer, an innovator, a pioneer, a visionary, an icon, and ahead of his time. I am so grateful for the wealth of music he left us.  There will never be another like Prince. We lost a great one. This one hit me exceptionally hard. I'm still processing it. One person can change the world.

I pray for his family, dear friends and all his fans, like me, who love him. May he rest in peace always. Goodnight, dear Prince.

Prince Performs “Purple Rain” During Downpour | Super Bowl XLI Halftime Show | NFL: https://youtu.be/7NN3gsSf-Ys

 

 

 

 

Rest in Peace: Denise "Vanity" Matthews

Rest in Peace: I am so sorry to hear of the recent passing of Denise "Vanity" Matthews. The beautiful singer was battling recent health problems and she's at peace now. She turned her life over to Christ several years ago. She went home on February 15, 2016. I send my love and prayers to her family, friends and all her fans who love her.

For more information: http://www.cnn.com/2016/02/16/entertainment/vanity-denise-matthews-dead/

Rest in Peace: Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire

1941-2016

Rest in Peace: I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Maurice White, founder and leader of Earth, Wind and Fire (one of my all time favorite bands) on February 3, 2016. His music will continue to inspire generations to come. USA Today has a nice video tribute of his life. Sending my prayers to his family, friends and his fans. ‪

Rest in peace: Glenn Frey of The Eagles

Rest in peace: I'm so sad to hear of the death of Glenn Frey, one of the founding members of the great rock band, The Eagles.

There was a great documentary on Showtime called "The History of The Eagles." It chronicled the band's rise to fame and not to mention all the great music they produced.

Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family, friends and all his fans.


CNN article: http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/18/entertainment/glenn-frey-obit-feat/

Here's a song co-written by Glen Frey to show you some of his great songwriting. The Eagles posted this on their website.

“It's Your World Now”

Written by Glenn Frey and Jack Tempchin
From the Eagles’ Long Road Out of Eden album

A perfect day, the sun is sinkin' low
As evening falls, the gentle breezes blow
The time we shared went by so fast
Just like a dream, we knew it couldn't last
But I'd do it all again
If I could, somehow
But I must be leavin' soon
It's your world now
It's your world now
My race is run
I'm moving on
Like the setting sun
No sad goodbyes
No tears allowed
You'll be alright
It's your world now
Even when we are apart
You'll always be in my heart
When dark clouds appear in the sky
Remember true love never dies
But first a kiss, one glass of wine
Just one more dance while there's still time
My one last wish: someday, you'll see
How hard I tried and how much you meant to me
It's your world now
Use well your time
Be part of something good
Leave something good behind
The curtain falls
I take my bow
That's how it's meant to be
It's your world now
It's your world now
It's your world now

 

Remembering Joan Rivers

I was so saddened to hear the news that funny lady, Joan Rivers passed away yesterday. She was truly a comic icon and will always be remembered for her quick wit and biting humor. It was always joy to see her in action. She wasn't afraid to laugh at herself and about her age. She was so incredibly funny! My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. May God rest her soul. #RIPJoan

Remembering the legendary Ruby Dee

Rest In Peace: I am sorry to hear of the death of the legendary actress Ruby Dee. She was an incredible actress and person. She lived her purpose and lived by example. She truly left a positive impact to the world. She will be greatly missed. I send my thoughts and prayers to her family and friends.

http://www.ebony.com/photos/black-history/ruby-dee-an-ebony-collection-look-back-333#ixzz34SUZcUQn

Remembering Dr. Maya Angelou

I'm so sorry to hear of the recent passing of Dr. Maya Angelou. 

We are so blessed to have witnessed her share her gift of words to the world. She was truly an example of what we are all striving for: to use your gifts to heal the world. She was a beautiful wordsmith and a phenomenal woman. She lived her purpose.

Her words have touched and inspired millions through the years. Her pen is now silenced and still but her words will live on for eternity and will reach future generations. Her life is a testament of how one person can truly change the world.

I pray for her family and friends for comfort. May she R.I.P.

Dr. Maya Angelou

1928 - 2014