After more than seven decades, gospel legend, Inez Andrews, is still making history. Her soprano voice of steel can still call “Mary” like no other. Andrews penned the classic tune, Oh, Mary Don’t Weep, which was originally recorded with
After more than seven decades, gospel legend, Inez Andrews, is still making history. Her soprano voice of steel can still call “Mary” like no other. Andrews penned the classic tune, Oh, Mary Don’t Weep, which was originally recorded with the world renowned Caravans in the 60s. Since then, the song has been recorded by multiple artists including the No. 1 gospel selling album of all time by Aretha Franklin, as well as by Rev James Cleveland. Andrews resides quietly on Chicago’s South Side and singing is a celebrated family tradition. The Alabama native is the proud mother of Richard Gere, musical director for Aretha Franklin, and her cousin is Grammy Award-winner Clarence Fountain of the Blind Boys. “I have been singing since I was 7 or 8. I started with the Carter Coil Ensemble and I believe Alex Bradford had his singers as I sang around Birmingham with them. The musician for Dorothy Lovecoates and The Gospel Harmonettes was Evelyn Starks and we formed a group called the Inspirational Choraleers. I started traveling when Dorothy couldn’t go and we headed to Nashville to sing for James Cleveland and Robert Anderson. James heard me and told Albertina (Walker) that I should come to Chicago. I came to audition with the Caravans in 1956 and I’m still here,” said Andrews. Soon after auditions, Andrews became a fixture and began to tour with the popular female group. “I must have been what Albertina needed at that time-I became a lead singer. I sang with the Caravans until 1966 and then I formed my own group, the Andrewettes. After that, I decided to become a solo artist. I did that and I’m still a solo artist,” she explained. A word of wisdom to aspiring gospel artists: “My prayer is some of the singers who are singing today will keep doing what they are doing until they get 80. One thing about it…they have to put on the whole armor of God against the devil and his schemes. We have to learn that our struggles are not against flesh and blood-but against the ruler and the authorities. Determination is important. You’ve got to be determined to live what you sing as well as sing what you sing. God understands the process and difficulty that we go through for the truth. The Bible says your determination will be rewarded because God sees it when no one else does,” said the Andrews. The gospel diva will celebrate 81 years of life on April 14 and continues to travel with the Caravans, who received multiple honors for their reunion CD in 2007. “I enjoy going with the Caravans when we go,” said Andrews. “I don’t have any regrets and when I think of what God has done for me and what He has brought me from and to-I am so busy being grateful-I don’t have time to complain. God said I can have the best and I am blessed!” she said. Andrews is a member of Apostolic Church of God. Condolences to the family and friends of Bishop Norman L. Wagner of Mount Calvary International. The three-day service of the former recording artist and prelate of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World will climax today in Youngstown, Ohio. Bishop Dr. Horace E. Smith, current presiding prelate of the P.A.W. will deliver the eulogy. Wagner received Stellar Award nominations for the song he recorded with Marvin Winans, “Best for Last!” “Remember you are blessed by the Best!” Effie Rolfe is a radio personality and the religion entertainment columnist for the Chicago Defender. Email her at effie@theinspirationalcafe.com