Paul T. Kwami, Director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Dies
Dr. Paul T. Kwami, who served as musical director of the Grammy-winning Fisk Jubilee Singers, has died. He was 70. Kwami, who was born in Ghana, passed away from an undisclosed illness
Kwami, a 1985 alum of Fisk, served as the musical director of the Jubilee Singers from 1994 to 2022. During his tenure, Kwami led the Fisk Jubilee Singers --- Nashville's longest-running musical institution --- into a celebrated modern era. Founded in 1871, the touring group was the first to introduce "negro spirituals" to an international audience. Over a century later, Kwami took them to unscaled peaks. The Jubilee Singers received a Grammy Award, a Dove Award, a National Medal of the Arts and an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Kwami directed performances at Carnegie Hall, the Ryman Auditorium, the Apollo Theater and the White House.
In a statement, his family writes, "It is with deep and immeasurable sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved husband, father, brother, cousin, uncle and friend, Dr. Paul Theophilus Kwami. His passing leaves a gaping hole in our souls as well as in our community and in our world."
In 2021, they won their first Grammy award for the "Celebrating Fisk" album, recorded live on stage at the Ryman Auditorium. They returned to the stage that same year to celebrate their 150th anniversary.
"Dr. Kwami was a real bridge for the Fisk Jubilee Singers from the past into the future," said Nashville music producer Shannon Sanders, a frequent collaborator with the troupe and a man Kwami called "my brother" from the Ryman stage earlier this year.
Tags : Paul T. Kwami Fisk Jubilee Singers Paul T. Kwami death Paul T. Kwami funeral Paul T. Kwami dies
Hot Trends
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Luke Bower Opens Up About How He Came to Christ As He Prepares to Release EP
-
Greater Vision Releases "Think About There" Today
-
Good Weather Forecast & Elijah Thomas Release New Song, "Can't Get Enough"
-
Lakewood Music Releases New Album, Appears on Fox and Friends
-
Michael W. Smith's Son, Tyler Smith,Talks About Growing Up with His Famous Dad & His Own Music Career
-
Here Are Lyrics to Cody Carnes' "Bless God"
-
Tasha Layton on Her Suicide Attempt, Singing with Katy Perry & Working on Her Own Music
-
Katy Perry Posts Throwback Family Photo with Evangelical Pastor-Parents
-
Bethel Music Announces New Single, "Holy Song (Live)," Feat. Brooke Ligertwood
-
Jason Singleton & The Sound of Destiny Choir Release Radio Single "I Feel The Spirit"
-
LIFE Worship Declares that There is "None Like Jehovah"
-
Jonathan Chu Leaves Skillet
-
Sherwin Gardner Honored At Caribbean Music Awards
-
Martin Smith Resurrects the Favorite Songs of His Former Band Delirious?
Most Popular
-
Here Are the Lyrics to Transformation Worship's "Yahweh"
-
Luke Bower Opens Up About How He Came to Christ As He Prepares to Release EP
-
Greater Vision Releases "Think About There" Today
-
Good Weather Forecast & Elijah Thomas Release New Song, "Can't Get Enough"
-
Lakewood Music Releases New Album, Appears on Fox and Friends
-
Michael W. Smith's Son, Tyler Smith,Talks About Growing Up with His Famous Dad & His Own Music Career
-
Here Are Lyrics to Cody Carnes' "Bless God"
-
Tasha Layton on Her Suicide Attempt, Singing with Katy Perry & Working on Her Own Music
-
Katy Perry Posts Throwback Family Photo with Evangelical Pastor-Parents
-
Bethel Music Announces New Single, "Holy Song (Live)," Feat. Brooke Ligertwood
-
Jason Singleton & The Sound of Destiny Choir Release Radio Single "I Feel The Spirit"
-
LIFE Worship Declares that There is "None Like Jehovah"
-
Jonathan Chu Leaves Skillet
-
Sherwin Gardner Honored At Caribbean Music Awards
-
Martin Smith Resurrects the Favorite Songs of His Former Band Delirious?