Keith Wonderboy Johnson, a renowned gospel singer and songwriter, passed away on September 30, 2022, at the age of 50. His death shocked and saddened his fans, friends, and family, who remembered him as a talented and passionate artist. But how did Keith Wonderboy Johnson die? What was the cause of his death? Here is what we know so far.
A Sudden and Tragic Death
According to US Day News, Keith Wonderboy Johnson’s cause of death was related to a car accident. He reportedly died from the injuries he sustained in the collision, which occurred in Atlanta, Georgia, where he lived. However, there has been no official confirmation from his relatives or the authorities about the details of the accident or what caused it.
The news of his death was first announced by his label, Black Smoke Music Worldwide, in a statement on October 1, 2022. The statement read:
One of the current kings of gospel quartet music, Keith ‘Wonderboy’ Johnson, has died suddenly at the age of 50. Johnson was found dead in his Atlanta, GA home this morning. An autopsy is scheduled. Johnson was known for big gospel radio hits such as ‘Let Go and Let God Have His Way,’ ‘Be Right,’ and ‘Hide Behind the Mountain.’
The statement also expressed the grief and shock of the label’s founder, Kerry Douglas, who said he was in “total disbelief”. Douglas signed Johnson in the early 90s after seeing him perform at the American Gospel Quartet Convention in Birmingham, Alabama. He said Johnson was the first major artist under his label and that they had a brotherly relationship.
A Legacy of Gospel Music
Keith Wonderboy Johnson was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1972. He started singing at the age of five and earned his nickname and stage name “Wonderboy” because of his powerful voice. He began his professional career with his father and uncles in the gospel group The Spiritual Voices.
He launched his solo career in 1998 with his debut album Through The Storm. He went on to release more than a dozen albums and singles, earning several Stellar Awards nominations and wins. Some of his most popular songs include “Let Go and Let God”, “Hide Behind the Mountain”, “Be Right”, “I Just Want To Be Right”, “It Was You”, and “12 Days of Christmas”.
He was known for his contemporary style of quartet music, which blended traditional gospel with R&B, soul, funk, and hip-hop influences. He was also known for his charismatic personality and his ability to connect with audiences. He performed at various venues and events across the country and abroad, including churches, festivals, concerts, cruises, and radio shows.
He was also a mentor and a friend to many other gospel artists, such as James Fortune, Kurt Carr, Rob Milton, Brandon J., and others. They paid tribute to him on social media, expressing their condolences and appreciation for his music and his spirit.
A Life Cut Short
Keith Wonderboy Johnson’s death has left a void in the gospel music industry and in the hearts of his fans and loved ones. He is survived by his wife Tammy Johnson and their three children: Keith Jr., Keshia, and Keionna.
He will be remembered as a pioneer of gospel quartet music, a devoted husband and father, a faithful servant of God, and a wonder boy who touched many lives with his voice.
May he rest in peace.