by J. MATTHEW COBB
Founder, Editor-In-Chief of PRAYZEHYMN Entertainment

o one could ever imagine a figure during the creative spark of the contemporary gospel era to rise to a level of distinction and innovation like the Maestro. And while he is no longer with us in the flesh, he continues to reside with us in spirit through his prolific arsenal of musical compositions, through his meaningful lyrics and his universal ministry; which has greatly shaped the modern sounds of today from various styles of music including jazz, R&B and progressive contemporary gospel. Thomas Anthony Whitfield emerged onto the recording scene in 1977 with his unique brand of traditional interpretations and his hunger for artistic excellence. Using the Whitfield Company, an aggregation of Detroit's finest singers and musicians, Whitfield left an unforgettable blueprint on the face of gospel music that would alter the way most individuals would perceive authentic gospel music. This blueprint has been simply nicknamed by Whitfield critics as being the "Whitfield style". Who would have thought that one man could inherit his own style of music? Well, one listen to some of his most memorable gems like the glorious "I'm Encouraged", the simple, yet affectionate "Hallelujah Anyhow", the interesting movements found on "Lift Those Hands And Bless Him" and the heartfelt passion delivered on "With My Whole Heart" could probably prove that notion into a solid, concrete definition that everyone can understand. And from his very first introduction into the professional music halls of gospel recordings with "Brand New" to his final released album on the Benson Records' label "Alive & Satisfied", his career reflected a form of progressive drive that showed no signs of "wear and tear". Whitfield songs have been glorified into a celebrated institution that people still to this day attempt to recreate or mimic.

Thomas Whitfield, a Detroit native, began playing the piano at the age of five, creating polished chords at the age of six, developing his love for the organ at the age of eleven and was soon making his share of appearances all over Motown thereafter. Powered by the musical influences of Herbert Picard's organ skills, his mother Jacqueline Whitfield, Lanora Robinson and organist Timothy Heard, Whitfield was already labeled a child prodigy, but with the help of these great encouragers, brighter days were straight ahead. Immediately after graduating from the Detroit Conservatory of Music, Thomas began teaching at Finney High School. But his desires to jump into gospel music were strong. So strong that he began contributing material to Rev. James Cleveland and making his way around Detroit's music circles. He was already becoming a local hero. Then in 1977, Whitfield along with his friend, Tyrone Hemphill, founded the Whitfield Company. A year later, they released "Brand New" on the Sound of Gospel recording label and then came the two-volume collections of "Things That We Believe". All three projects created a significant position for his career and allowed him the amazing opportunity to record a live project with his "babies"; the Company. The end result of this monumental occasion was "Hallelujah Anyhow"; which was released in 1983 and remained on Billboard's Gospel charts for over a year. Benson Music Group released "Hold Me" that same year. Both were received with welcome arms. From 1983 to 1990, Whitfield produced, arranged and recorded with some of music's greatest stars including Aretha Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, Edwin Hawkins, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, the Winans, Douglas Miller, Keith Pringle, Anita Baker, Paul S. Morton and the Soul Children of New Orleans. Also during this period, the well-received "I'm Encouraged" (1986) stormed its way up the Billboard Gospel charts to the #1 position and his production for Vanessa Bell-Armstrong's "Peace Be Still" debut began his series of Grammy nominations.

Benson desired to once again sign Whitfield in 1990 to their label and released "My Faith" (1990) and "Alive & Satisfied" (1992). He also worked with Quincy Jones on the Handel's Messiah Christmas project and began work with the Whitfield Company on an upcoming project. Unfortunately, Whitfield passed away on June 21, 1992.

His music lives on today like never before from those that adored his music the most. Artists including Byron Cage, Donald Lawrence, Fred Hammond, the Clark Sisters, Beverly Crawford, Rodnie Bryant, Daryl Coley, Tarralyn Ramsey, Rudolph Stanfield, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Sr., Marvin Sapp, Mark S. Hubbard, Vickie Winans and Shirley Murdock have all recently re-recorded some of Whitfield's musical treasures. It goes to show you that the death of a life doesn't mean their work is undone. Whitfield is still working on us - through his dynamic creations from God and we are so thankful to God that Thomas A. Whitfield will be greeted at that Great Day with these words: "Well done, thou good and faithful servant". His works and accomplishments are a living testament to that truth.