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Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for BET

Gospel legend Bishop Rance Allen passed away Saturday morning (Oct. 31) at the age of 71.

Photo by Moses Robinson/Getty Images for Stellar Awards

The five-time Grammy nominee best known for “Something About the Name Jesus” passed away while recovering from a medical procedure at Heartland ProMedica in Ohio; according to a joint statement posted on Facebook by Allen’s wife of 49 years, Ellen Allen, and manager Toby Jackson.

“I wasn’t expecting to hear this news this morning,” said the president of Allen’s record label, Tyscot Records. “This is a great loss to us personally but also to the church community at large.”

Bishop Robert G. Rudolph of the Church of God in Christ revealed in a statement that his family will hold a private memorial but a public ceremony will be held once COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted.

“Bishop Allen’s unique vocal ministry was an indispensable sound within the Church of God In Chris and Christendom. His gift transcended the boundaries of musical genre as he remained a sought after personality called to perform on global venues,” Bishop Rudolph said in a statement.

Affectionately known as the Father of Contemporary Gospel Music, he formed The Rance Allen Group in 1969 with the help from two of his 11 siblings, Tom and Steve. Nine years following, Bishop Allen was ordained and served six and a half years as Associate Pastor in his hometown of Monroe, Michigan.

We’ll continue to lift his family and friends in prayer

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