AMERICA'S gospel community were shocked by the sudden death of gospel star O'Landa Draper. The 34-year-old choir director, writer and arranger died on July 21st in Nashville. Draper, who had come to Nashville to perform at the annual Bobby Jones Explosion, July 10-11, died of a short-term illness of kidney failure at Metro Nashville General Hospital. Draper, who lived in Memphis, Tennessee, was known for his energetic and talented direction of his 60-voice choir, The Associates. Gospel artist Ronald Winans described him as "unique, energetic and vibrant," while Draper's cousin, gospel singer Ann McCrary, said he was "on the cutting edge of contemporary gospel music." Formerly with Word Records, O'Landa Draper & The Associates signed with Warner Alliance in 1994. Their second Warner CD 'Reflections' was recently released. A five time Grammy nominee, Draper had worked with numerous artists including Billy Joel on the hit single "River Of Time". Draper was finalising plans to establish a conservatory of music in Memphis.
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Thursday 1st October 1998
Reader Comments
Posted by Charlotte Walker in St. Louis @ 03:49 on Jul 7 2019
Oh how I miss Minister O'Landa Draper Expressing thru directing the importance of conveying and articulating the all important messages in song. I learned a lot from him. He was also quite the humorous character as well...…..sweet rest
Oh how I miss Minister O'Landa Draper Expressing thru directing the importance of conveying and articulating the all important messages in song. I learned a lot from him. He was also quite the humorous character as well...…..sweet rest
Posted by Dennis Fraser in Michigan @ 07:09 on Aug 29 2016
Such a star
We miss you O'Landa Draper
Such a star
We miss you O'Landa Draper
Posted by Kay'Neisha in Mi @ 14:07 on Sep 30 2011
He was a very powerful singer in a short spand of time. I truly love the song "Take My Yoke". May God continue to rest his soul and bless the Choir He established
He was a very powerful singer in a short spand of time. I truly love the song "Take My Yoke". May God continue to rest his soul and bless the Choir He established
The opinions expressed in the Reader Comments are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms.
I really, really miss Olanda Draper's music. Whenever I was depressed or felt alone, I would play his songs and I would feel so much better. God rest his soul. I loved Olanda Draper and his talents.