The gospel music community is mourning the loss of Kevin Lemons, the founder and director of Higher Calling, a 100-plus member choir that received multiple award nominations. Lemons died on January 7, 2023, at the age of 44, after collapsing at his home in Union City, Georgia. According to OkayBliss Extra, the cause of death was a heart attack.
A Life Dedicated to Gospel Music
Kevin Lemons was born into a musical family and grew up surrounded by gospel music. His father, Wilbert Lemons, was the director of the historic Atlanta Masonic Choir, which was founded by Kevin’s grandmother, Annie Ruth Lemons. Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling was formed in 1996, when Kevin and a group of young singers came together for a special music event created by his father.
The choir soon became one of the most prominent gospel groups in Atlanta and beyond, with over 100 members from different states. The group released several albums, including “Destined for Greatness”, “The Declaration”, and “Third Round”. The latter album, which was released in 2021, received both Dove and Stellar Gospel Music Award nominations. The breakout single, “For Your Good”, reached No. 3 on the Billboard gospel digital sales chart.
Lemons also served as the vocal director for the Netflix film “Come Sunday”, which tells the story of Bishop Carlton Pearson, a Pentecostal preacher who was branded a heretic for preaching universal salvation. Lemons was signed to HezHouse Entertainment, a label founded by Bishop Hezekiah Walker, a renowned gospel singer and pastor.
Tributes from Fans and Fellow Artists
The news of Lemons’ death shocked and saddened many fans and fellow artists, who took to social media to express their condolences and pay tribute to his legacy. Bishop Hezekiah Walker said in a statement that Lemons was one of the kindest and most humble artists he knew.
“His love for God seasoned everything that he did, and his palpable love for people was an extension of that. Kevin Lemons was just a beautiful human being and he will be sorely missed,” Walker said.
Vincent Bohanan, Lemons’ labelmate and friend, said that Lemons was a light in the gospel community for many years. “His stance, leadership and command over the choir was like none other. There are many things in life we may not understand, but we trust the sovereignty of God. My prayers are with the family and Higher Calling. The gospel choir community will forever remember the life and legacy of Kevin Lemons,” Bohanan said.
Lemons’ fans also posted heartfelt messages on his Instagram page, where he had over 30,000 followers. One fan wrote: “You were such an inspiration to me and so many others. Your music touched my soul and lifted my spirit. Thank you for sharing your gift with the world. Rest in peace and power.”
Lemons is survived by his wife of 15 years, Tiunna Lemons, and his extended family. Details about his memorial service will be announced soon, according to his publicist.
