Wright would go on to record several projects for AIR before his groundbreaking career move to Savoy in 1988. His Savoy debut, Who’s On the Lord’s Side, along with his Myrna Summers collaboration (We’re Going to Make It) exposed Wright’s craft and musical abilities to an even larger audience and also earned him his first Grammy nomination and a Stellar Award. The next set of albums felt as if Wright was on an international tour staged with mammoth live recordings. Using a footnote from the handbook of Rev. James Cleveland, Wright brought together some of the world’s best choirs and singers to join with him on his newborn compositions. From Cincinnati’s B/J Mass Choir on the Grammy-nominated Been There Done That album to the Chicago Interdenominational Mass Choir (I’m Glad About It) to the London Fellowship Choir (Live in London) who also shared the stage with gospel luminaries Bruce Parham and LaShun Pace, Rev. Wright was sure to make an impact on the world by using some of the best trained and unexposed emerging groups to hit the gospel scene. But none of his past discoveries could match the greatness of his most prized achievement: the New York Fellowship Mass Choir.

After gaining inspiration in Indianapolis, Indiana after attending the 1993 Gospel Music Workshop of America, Rev. Wright sat down with Savoy Records’ president Rev. Milton Biggham to see if he could duplicate the same spirit of unity and brotherhood exemplified in 1,000+ voice choir of the 25,000 member convention using the community and professional choirs of New York. The task was sure to be tedious, especially since the city of New York had not quite experienced a large conglomerate of singers in gospel music. But Rev. Wright made it all possible with his breathtaking 1994 Savoy recording Come Thou Almighty King. The album, recorded at featuring a stellar set of choirs and groups that included Hezekiah Walker’s Love Fellowship (Crusade) Choir, Donnie McClurkin’s New York Restoration Choir, Albert Jamison’s Triboro Mass Choir, Robert Lowe’s Queens Community Choir, James Hall’s Worship and Praise and groups led by David Bratton, Eric McDaniel, Jae Nixon and Roger Hambrick. The spirit of unity floated like a butterfly through song selections like “Come Thou Almighty King,” the energetic “We Bless Your Name,” the heartfelt ballad “When We Reach That Wonderful Place” and David Bratton’s magnum opus “Revelations I.” What felt like a one-time event shocked the gospel community once again as the choir, larger than ever, united for a ten-year anniversary in 2004. This time, the album was flooding with superstar talent including Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson, Dottie Peoples, Hezekiah Walker, Valerie Boyd, James Hall, Kervy Brown, Danny Eason and Maurette Brown-Clark. The choir was even featured on Wright’s last two recordings: Let’s Celebrate (He Is Risen) and Jesus Jesus Jesus.

The song "Who's On the Lord's Side" also remains a benchmark in Rev. Wright's forty-year music career. In 1992, it was covered by CCM rock band Petra on their Grammy-award winning and best-selling Unseen Power album. R&B/soul legend Patti LaBelle also revived the song twice: on her PBS' Going Home to Gospel special in 1991 and on her MCA live recording, Live! One Night Only in 1998.

While traveling home after a church convention in July 2008, tragedy struck when Rev. Wright was involved in a fatal car accident caused by a drunk wrong-way driver. The accident silenced the lives of his wife, Betty, and his 14-year old grandson, D.J. Wright was injured and survived the devastating wreck. Rumors of his death began to plague the message boards, but were quickly diminished when Wright began the fight of his life while going through a number of surgeries and entering rehabilitation at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA. Due to failing health caused by the accident’s injuries, Rev. Wright, the beloved gospel singer, pastor and songwriter, succumbed to this life on April 23, 2009. He was 61.

Over the years, I have always considered Rev. Timothy Wright to be one of the most engaging individuals in the field of gospel music. His ability to bring a choir and congregation to their feet with his energetic resources and funky gospel creations has been a major influence on a number of gospel greats including John P. Kee, Kirk Franklin, Hezekiah Walker and Joe Pace. After dabbling through my albums, I have personally selected a few favorites and a few B-side sensations that best describe Rev. Wright's amazing musical tastes. Click on the song choice or the play buttons besides the songs to get a jolt out of the selections. Also, read the commentaries...it will help you get acquainted with the song selections. J Matthew Cobb, Editor

1) REV. TIMOTHY WRIGHT & THE TIMOTHY WRIGHT CONCERT CHOIR: Testify
From Testify (AIR, 1984) Also available on The Best of Timothy Wright 1983-1987

This energetic capsule of one of Rev. Wright's timeless funk grooves and irrestistible series of certified Brooklyn gospel modulations exemplfies the best of Wright's highly-seasoned church wreckers. The strong use of wavy synthesizers gives you a glimpse of how Wright brought in the Funkadelic/Parliament type of nastay funk influences into the gospel terrain. Years later, the song still bubbles with sheer excitement due to Wright's engaging ad-libs and the delicious funky rhythms.

2) REV. TIMOTHY WRIGHT & THE B/J MASS CHOIR: You Are My Everything (Part I & II)
From Been There Done That (Savoy, 1998)

Even though Rev. Wright was extremely noteworthy for scribing rollicking uptempo jams, he was just as skillfull and laid back on tranquil ballads. On his Grammy-nominated Been There Done That project, the Godfather of Gospel teams up once again with Myrna Summers (renowned songwriter of "God Gave Me a Song," the '80s reworking of "Uncloudy Day" and "I Found Jesus") on this moving, heartfelt modern hymn. The following reprise, which seques unabruptly from the full version, pounds the chorus into a highly-emotional spectacular; generating everything we have grown to love about Mattie Moss Clark's gospel workouts.

3) REV. CLAY EVANS & THE FELLOWSHIP CHOIR: So Glad I'm Here In Jesus' Name
From Reach Beyond the Break (Savoy, 1991)

The early '90s allowed Milton Biggham to explore wider avenues for his rapidly-growing roster. The DFW Mass Choir, the Anointed Pace Sisters, Dr. Jonathan Greer's Cathedral of Faith Choirs all had radio hits and were strong contenders on the gospel charts. Because of that, you expected to see each of the Savoy artists making appearances on one another's projects. Rev. Timothy Wright contributed his own cut and guest appeared on Rev. Clay Evans' Reach Beyond the Break LP. The churchy, uptempo track, spiced with Chicago's Jeral Gray, Sr. keyboard layouts, Bryant Jones' synths and Kamaron Jarmon drumwork along with a zesty parade of handclaps, is the perfect environment for Rev. Wright's contagious ad-libs and impromptu choral twists.

4) REV. TIMOTHY WRIGHT & THE N.Y. FELLOWSHIP MASS CHOIR II: He Lifted Me (featuring Maurette Brown-Clark)
From Live In New York (AIR Gospel, 2004)

After reviewing a little course of history, Maurette Brown-Clark once sung with David Bratton's group, Spirit of Praise, in the '90s before becoming one of the lead vocalists for Richard Smallwood's DC ensemble Vision and a best-selling solo artist on the AIR Gospel label. She also sung on the first New York Fellowship Mass Choir that Rev. Wright was responsible for. On "He Lifted Me," she reunites with Rev. Wright and the superstar cast. This time, she sings alongside Wright on what easily feels like a Myrna Summers-styled duet. The sweet, mellow gospel number, marinated with a charming melody and a set of modulations, is perfect for the two. While a bit raw on the surface and is loaded with enough spice to resurrect any worship service, the song proves a key element of Rev. Wright's enduring legacy. He believed in giving anyone with potential an opportunity. "He Lifted Me" is the returned harvest from Rev. Wright's labor of love.

5) COGIC INTERNATIONAL MASS CHOIR: Wash Me Over Again (featuring Dorinda Clark-Cole)
From Leaning on Jesus (World Class Gospel, 2004)

Rev. Wright delivers one of his greatest soul ballads on his chosen original selection for the COGIC International Mass Choir. The live recording Leaning on Jesus, contained a superstar list of COGIC luminaries including Walter Hawkins, Richard "Mr.Clean" White, Edwin Hawkins, Karen Clark-Sheard, Twinkie Clark and dozens more. But Wright's selection, done in worshipful purity and with a rare, sweet sensitivity, remains one of the album's standouts. Dorinda Clark-Cole, of the renowned Clark Sisters, guests on the closing minutes of the song.

6) REV. GERALD THOMPSON & THE HI-PRAYZE CRUSADE CHOIR: Jesus Saves
From Deliverance Is in the Praise (AIR Gospel, 1994)

It may not be Rev. Wright's song, but it sounds totally like something he would have concoited. On "Jesus Saves," Thompson duets with Rev. Wright on a funky R&B workout; layered with dazzy Gap Band synths and hearty bass lines. When the vamp enters the picture, While growing up, i can remember the smiles I had when I heard this song on the radio. You can easily feel the excitement and joy being executed from this rare groove. You almost don't want the song to end.

7) REV. TIMOTHY WRIGHT: What a Friend
From I Hear Music (Savoy, 2002)

Taking from one of his most underrated and overlooked projects, "What a Friend" is set a more intimate worship arrangement of the popular hymn. Rev. Wright's take, once again owning an enjoyable melody, allows each verse to soar as the culminating chorus and vamp brings home Rev. Wright's gravy gospel using punchy effects and a glamarious repeat formula. This is not the first time Wright has reworked this famiiar hymn. He recorded "What a Friend (He's a Friend of Mine)" with the COGIC AIM Convention during the '80s and remains extremely popular on YouTube.com.

8) REV. TIMOTHY WRIGHT & THE TIMOTHY WRIGHT CONCERT CHOIR: Who's On the Lord's Side
From Who's On the Lord's Side (Savoy, 1989)

There is no denying the power of this gospel rollercoaster. From the very opening of the piano arpeggios to the choral chants of "GET UP" on the closing vamp, the song has easily become the key ingredient that defines the exciting sound of Rev. Timothy Wright's music. Not only has it been served during countless Sunday morning services and gospel musicals, but soul diva Patti LaBelle isn't ashamed to let her audiences know who's side she's on.

Rev. Timothy Wright touched so many people through his Christ-centered compassion, unique love for ministry and through his songs of Zion. So many people have openly discussed how Rev. Wright's love for people and his music has made an Indelible impact on their lives. And although he will be greatly missed in the natural, the flood of unforgettable memories and experiences of the Godfather of Gospel linger with us.

Now it's your turn to voice your comments and appreciation. Submit your precious memories, kind thoughts and words of rememberance on the legacy of Rev. Timothy Wright.

Email your responses to us at admin@prayzehymnonline.com.

Your comments will be posted after careful review.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rev. Timothy Wright while I worked in radio. I've been in radio for over 35 years and Rev. Wright's music has taken me and many listeners through a lot of hard times. But the thing I remember the most about Rev. Wright is that he came to one of my radio anniversaries with EYCB Radio and sang "Wash Me Over Again" and set the place on fire with his choir and his voice and his message that he left with the audience which was "If You Are a Witness, Just Let God Abide." He will truly be missed along with Rev. James Cleveland. RAYNETTA RAY RELIGIOUS ANNOUNCER WASHINGTON, D.C.

I thought that he would get well and write more dynamic music, but the Lord said “No – he has suffered enough.”  My own personal story of Rev. Wright goes back more than 35 years ago when I was a teenager.  Rev. Wright was a local gospel artist in the New York City area.  At the time, my family belonged to a church called Saint's Union Church of Deliverance in Jamaica, New York, pastured by Bishop McNair.  Rev. Wright would often come to the church to fellowship and play the organ, as Bishop McNair's sons (we all know Nate from Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship fame) and some of the other young men would take lessons from him.  He was always the type of person who loved people, and that love came through his music.   Our choir sang “Sunshine In My Soul” while he was in the audience – we had a lot of nerve! I followed him from concert after concert, bought all of the music he recorded with Washington Temple, until his album “Moving in the Spirit” came out.  This recording was so dynamic that I believe that it is the one that propelled him to national attention.   The rest is history. I married and moved to the Charleston, South Carolina a few years later.  For a while, I was a radio announcer in Moncks Corner, SC on WMCJ Radio, an all day gospel station.  There I continued playing the best music on the planet, and Rev. Wright's music was always requested by the listeners.  There is something about his music that is comforting and encouraging.  In fact, I have been told by choir directors that his songs are the easiest choir songs to duplicate!  A few years ago, I last saw him  when he came to do a concert in North Charleston for one of the local pastors.  Rev. Wright not only sang but this time I had the privilege of hearing him preach.  Oh, how he encouraged our hearts that evening.  My daughter, who grew up listening to him, was in awe.   One of his instructions to the saints was to take out a piece of paper and write on it I HAVE THE FAVOR OF GOD .   I always kept that paper to remind me of the wonderful time we had, and to affirm my belief with Rev. Wright that the Lord is with me.  He sang “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus” that evening, but we had no idea it would be the last time we would actually see him in a live concert .  We wondered how he and his wife wrote a song with just one word and a simple melody with so much meaning. We watched him sing for Bishop Gilbert Patterson's funeral, particularly “God Be With You Until We Meet Again.”  Little did we know that such incredible loss would follow in Rev. Wright's family.  We watched his strength as he told the world that he didn't know why his wife was gone, or his grandson.  But he said, “I'm here.”  Thank God for gospel music icons and others who donated and held programs to help with expenses of the tragedy that befell him. So I cried when I heard the news of his passing.  His life is so intertwined within mine, and yet we never formally met, he never knew me as a fan, or as a radio announcer, but we just spoke in passing.  His life proves that gospel music is more powerful that could ever be imagined. CHARA WILLIAMS-HAMPTON RIDGEVILLE, SC

I belong to the Community Church of God in Christ. I can remember the fun times with Tim. He came to my church one time and sat in the back seat , when he went to get up, he was stuck and the ushers had to pull him up.  At the time the entire seat lifted with him.  We were all laughing.  He will be miss so much. VIVIAN DUPONT