Perhaps one of the most well-known gospel/R&B tunes for a funeral, His Eye Is On the Sparrow was recorded by numerous artists over the years. Gospel singer and pastor Marvin Sapp grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he started singing gospel very early on. In 2015, he would release his second album, Intentional, and it topped the Billboard charts once again, coming in at #3 this time. Dubbed the Reigning King of Urban Gospel, Donnie McClurkin began to experience trauma very early on. The influence of gospel music stretches far and wide, and the best gospel singers, too, cover a wider range of styles, as this list shows. Harris, who has an awesome, powerhouse voice, now serves as one of the team pastors at dReam Center in Atlanta. Gospel singer Karen Clark Sheard is the youngest member of the gospel group, Clark Sisters. Thanks for stopping by and if you have any questions get in touch! Greenes desire to sing gospel was due to what he went through early in life and his home environment. Starting her music career as a background vocalist for singers such as Mariah Carey and George Michael, Kelly Price later made her mark in the industry with albums such as Soul of a Woman and Mirror Mirror. As well as being noted for his impressive vocals, Houghton is also a talented guitarist and keyboard player. Cash always had a reverence for the Bible since he was young, and this carried on to his music career years later. To date, his most successful work was his 2016 album, Sounds Of Revival, which included hits like It Is So and Life.. Music, however, was a passion for him, and so his journey began. He also earned a Grammy for his 2004 album Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs. For two of the artists, the extra tour dates, video tapings and recordings got to be too much and so after much thought and prayer, will be stepping away from Gaither . Soon, he explored a solo career and collaborated with other well-known singers, including Christan music star Sandi Patty and gospel singer Wintley Phipps. E.B.D. Amazing Grace was published as a Christian hymn in 1779. Though his career is still in the fledgling stages, hes already amassed five Grammy nominations and 13 Stellar Awards. It was with the group that he established himself as one of the best singers in the gospel industry, belting out hit songs like Jesus Gave Me Water and Peace In the Valley.. Sapps most recent album Chosen Vessel was released in 2020. Some of her most memorable songs include Gods Not Dead, Hes Yet Alive and Dont Drive Your Mama Away.. He was also more than just a huge name in the music industry. Perhaps his most beautiful song, Peace In The Valley, was written on a train in 1939 while he was passing through a valley and thinking about the war that had just begun in Europe. One of the most heartfelt gospel songs came from Johnny Cash, who recorded the first of several gospel albums with 1959s Hymns. A year later he bounced back to release the live album A Different Song. He was also notably known for producing Michael Gungors bestselling worship album Bigger Than My Imagination. Famous for teaching Aretha Franklin to sing gospel, he collaborated with her on the historic, award-winning album Amazing Grace. avalon campground phone number. 5. el. Later in 1996, Sapp first began his journey as a professional contemporary gospel singer. List of deceased gospel singers, died at a Virginia. Gospel singers deserve our listening attention. . Its what I was raised on. 1 Aretha Franklin (One of the Best-Selling Music Artists in the World & 'Queen of Soul') 22 6 Birthdate: March 25, 1942 Sun Sign: Aries Birthplace: Memphis, Tennessee, United States Died: August 16, 2018 Widely regarded as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was a singer-songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist. He also became a lead singer for another gospel group, Highway QC, during his teens. In 2012, he released his first single while he was still in college, No Gray. The song became an instant chart-topper, and its album Life Music ranked #3 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. Her film career, however, is another story. That same year, Mann released her debut album, and the lead single Speak Lord hit the Gospel charts, peaking at #4. A star that shone brightly for a short time, Williams influenced a host of superstars that followed in his rather large shoes. The following year, they released their self-titled debut album. He is dubbed as the Elvis Of Gospel, as he is known for his energetic and soulful performances and stage presence. Dead U.S. Astronauts: Mouseketeers, Alive and Dead: This is a hassle-free site -- no popups, no animations, no user IDs, no cookies, no spyware, and no . The gospel songs that Williams recorded, such as When God Comes And Gathers His Jewels, suited his maudlin, drawled delivery. Widely regarded as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was a singer-songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist. Jeremy Camp is an American singer and songwriter who specializes in Contemporary Christian music and Christian rock genres. In 2007, he released his first single, The More. Three years later, he launched his first album, Stretching Out, which would become his first Billboard-charting album. In 1961, Jackson sang the US national anthem at the inauguration of President Kennedy. However, Williams battled demons. Grace reached the Top Gospel Album, and two of her singles in that album Break Every Chain and For Your Glory reached #1 on the Hot Gospel Song charts. Adams opened the Super Bowl LIV with her rendition of America The Beautiful and has received countless music awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award, bestowed by the then-president Barack Obama for her volunteer efforts. Walkers nickname is Star Maker in the industry, and celebrity gospel singers like James Cleveland, Shirley Caesar, and Bessie Griffin owe their start to Walker. 2014 - 2023 Marathi.TV - All Rights Reserved. Your email address will not be published. Moore is deeply involved in the Maverick City Music collective. She is the first black female gospel singer to receive not just one but 11 Grammy awards, and she also garnered several accolades during her seven-decade career. He led a fairly successful career for five decades before his untimely death in 2010 due to pancreatic cancer. After facing racism, while they toured around performing, Cleotha and her group ventured into Black protest music. True Cash fans know that for every ten songs he wrote, one had to be a gospel song that proudly linked him to his humble beginnings. Known mainly as a country singer, hes been inducted into the Country Music Hall, as well as the Rock n Roll and Songwriters Music Hall of Fame. Christian Singers Vestal Goodman Gaither Homecoming Glen Weldon Payne (1926 - 1999) - Find A Grave Photos Pentecost Songs Younce Then Sings My Soul Big Band Music Genres Christian Music Hot Actresses George Younce, legend in Southern gospel, dies at 75 Billy Graham Crusades Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Sing To The Lord Church Music He began his music career as part of a gospel group, Voices Of Unity, in 1995. Their group was quite successul, releasing several albums that always ranked on the Billboard charts. In 2002, he released The Rebirth Of Kirk Franklin to critical acclaim and topped the gospel charts for a record 29 weeks. Her incredible career spanned over 40 years, and she peaked during a challenging time in history when racial segregation was rampant throughout the US. Harris, who published his best-selling memoir in 2018, entitled Shaped Notes: How Ordinary People with Extraordinary Gifts Influenced My Life and Career, is also renowned for his duet work, having released hit singles with soprano Sandi Patty and Trinidadian gospel singer Wintley Phipps. Walker also recorded many solo projects with world-renowned church choirs like The Evangelical Choir, The Cathedral of Love Choir, and The Metro Mass Choir. They recorded an album, Love Alive, which from the 70s to the 90s sold well over a million copies. The album went platinum in sales and took the #1 spot for 42 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. . He is widely regarded as an important figure in country music history and his debut studio album, (Best Know for Her Role as 'Elly May Clampett' in the TV Series 'The Beverly Hillbillies'), Christian music singer Israel Houghton has won four, Tichina Arnold started as a child actor, working in films such as, (Gospel Singer-Songwriter and Guitarist Known for Using Heavy Distortion on Her Electric Guitar), (R&B Singer Famous for His Luxurious Baritone Singing Voice and Four-Octave Vocal Range), (Grammy Award-winning musician and singer-songwriter who incorporated jazz, blues, zydeco, and funk into his music), (Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Musician, Actor, Pianist), (One of the Best-Selling Gospel Artists of All Time), (R&B and Gospel Singer Known for Her Big, Powerful, and Emotional Voice), (Former Singer best known for his worship songs), (Gospel Singer Known for Her 1969 Duet with Mick Jagger on the Rolling Stones Song Gimme Shelter'), (Known for the Song When a Man Loves a Woman, a No. His song Thank You For It All was later nominated in 2021 for the Top Gospel Award. Houghton, who has a honeyed voice, is also a successful arranger and producer, having worked on hit albums by Michael Gungor. Your email address will not be published. Haddon went on to help produce albums for other gospel artists and worked with the likes of Mary Mary and Ruben Studdard. Kris Kardashian & Robert Kardashian Sr. (deceased) (1978-1990)Kourtney Mary KardashianKimberly Noel KardashianKhloe Alexandra KardashianRobert Arthur Kardashian Jr. Related questions What are the. The two worked together for some time, and in 1977, Albertinas hit record Please Be Patient With Me went gold thanks to Clevelands influence. Stars such as Kim Burrell and Richard Smallwood, and young singers such as BeBe and CeCe Winans, Chance The Rapper, Todd Dulaney, and Dorinda Clark-Cole, are all interpreting modern gospel in. The album went gold and featured We Fall Down and Stand, which became instant hits and were played on almost every mainstream radio in the US. Jeremy Camp's life and career have inspired the 2020 Christian romantic drama film, I Still Believe. The Barrett Sisters Helen Baylor Elder Charles D. Beck TY Bello The Blackwood Brothers The Blind Boys of Alabama Dante Bowe Rapper Huey, best known for Billboard-topping megahit "Pop, Lock & Drop It," has died following a shooting outside St. Louis. He is credited with writing and arranging over 400 gospel songs. The group recorded a reunion album, and this led Hammond working with big names in R&B, including Kenny Lattimore, Chante Moore, and Sean Combs. They are shown in the order of the . His career didnt begin as a singer but instead as a drummer. I Guiados pelo Esprito ou pela carne . Gospel musician William McDowell first began playing piano at the tender age of five. But she also recorded 46 songs for Hannah Montana and other 57 songs outside her albums, totaling 223 songs. From 1957 to 1964, Cooke managed to have 30 of his songs reach the top 40 hits list. Here are some of the most famous gospel singers that have ever graced the music industry. Georgia-born Sallie Martin was a contemporary of Dorsey and Jackson, and her show singing earned her the title of The Mother Of Gospel Music. This legendary gospel duo, Benjamin and his sister Priscilla Marie Winans, are credited with pushing gospel music beyond mainstream barriers. He began his career in 2007, launching his first album The More but didnt meet much success. Sapp, who has received 13 Grammy nominations, sings with passion, in a distinctive raspy voice. The singles Man Of Your Word, Voice of God, and collaborations with other notable gospel singers rose on the charts, crossing the boundaries set within the industry. Twelve-time Grammy-winning gospel singer Shirley Caesar is also known as The First Lady of Gospel. He is also a survivor of child sexual abuse, and he lived a turbulent home life following the death of his brother. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. Martin also influenced many singers beyond the gospel genre, including jazz vocalist Dinah Washington. During the mid-1950s, he crossed over to pop, and 29 of his singles charted the Top 40, catapulting his fame. Jonathan Pierce, the Nashville-based gospel singer, has died at the age of 49. The album took the #3 spot on the Billboard Gospel Albums charts. His life and career have inspired episodes of radio and TV programs like This American Life. The group recorded an album with one of the songs, Oh Happy Day, garnering attention. His songs have also been featured in several movies including The Color Purple, Free Willy, and the television show Amen.. In 2012 she was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall Of Fame. During this time, he was a part of the Radical for Christ church group. Several songs from her debut became instant hits, including The Lonesome Road and Thats All.. Moore also collaborates with other well-known singers like Justin Bieber and Tori Kelly, establishing himself as a singer worth mentioning. . The live recording of the Madison Concert became one of Elvis biggest-selling albums. He died at age 41, in an accident while on his way to a benefit concert. Multitalented gospel artist Deitrick Haddon was introduced to the world of gospel at a young age. He is also known for his chartbusting solo tracks such as In Harm's Way and I Wanna Be the Only One. Presleys recording of How Great Thou Art also won him his third and final competitive Grammy Award. Aretha Franklin was just 14 when she recorded the 1956 album Songs Of Faith at the New Bethel Baptist Church, where her father was the reverend. Just two years later, he would make the top 30 on the Billboard 200 charts. In 1950, he would later join a top gospel group called the Soul Stirrers. No Ira Tucker? Welcome to Hello Music Theory! how to trim music on instagram reels. He topped the Billboard charts yet again in 2012 with his album, Church On The Moon. List of deceased Gospel singers | Christian artists died dead Shelley Bryan Wee Husband, Age, Married, Family Bio How old, tall by David M Feb 10, 2023 Introduction : Personal Life, Parents and Family Details : Education : Qualifications, High School & College Info Church Work, Earnings and Net worth : Interesting Read More Looking for more? She is best known for her chartbusting tracks such as From This Valley. She has also penned a book on Christian life. R&B singers Lauren Hill and Tanya Blount performed His Eye Is On the Sparrow for the movie Sister Act II. Her approach pioneered the emergence of the electric guitar style that influenced British Blues. He began singing at four years old at church, and by the time he was a teen, he was singing with gospel groups. Franklins 1972 Amazing Grace album was one of her best-selling albums, cementing gospels appeal as a commercial force in a rock era. He graduated from The Royal Academy of Music in 2012 and then launched Hello Music Theory in 2014. His parents were very much into religion, disallowing Walker to engage in certain activities like dancing. He eventually went on to form another gospel group yet they had only minimal success. In December 2020, Tasha Cobbs Leonard was named Billboards Top Gospel Artist of the Decade. On March 20, 2020, country music's Kenny Rogers peacefully passed away at home in Georgia, surrounded by his family, according to a post from the artist's family on his Facebook page. 1. Gospel music falls under the Christian music umbrella, but it doesnt do so lightly or quietly. It even reached #1 on the Billboard Gospel hits. His rsum includes working on a list of over a thousand songs, producing, arranging, and writing. His lyrics often focussed on sin and redemption, torment and release, shown in masterpieces such as the 1948 song I Saw The Light, which has become a gospel standard. Against his parents wishes, Walker started a choir in 1985 called the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir (LFCC). Christian Singers Vestal Goodman Gaither Homecoming Glen Weldon Payne (1926 - 1999) - Find A Grave Photos Pentecost Songs Younce Then Sings My Soul Big Band Music Genres Christian Music Hot Actresses George Younce, legend in Southern gospel, dies at 75 Billy Graham Crusades Billy Graham Evangelistic Association Sing To The Lord Church Music Four years later, he had another brush with death, falling from a four-story building, but was fortunately resuciated. These men are a true inspiration, and they continue to trailblaze their way up to this day. The iconic singer Aretha Franklin set the world on fire with her 1972 album Amazing Grace, which firmly planted gospel onto the music scene, shoving the rock era over a notch. He was 81 years old and died from natural causes under hospice care, the family revealed. Lou Rawls was an American singer, composer, record producer, and actor. The group later became known as The Commissioned, and eventually, Hammond left to go solo. He has also collaborated with many celebrity gospel singers like Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams, and CeCe Winans. She started as a backup singer in 1985 before she ventured into her solo career. The voices in this list might vary, but theyre never less than impassioned when it comes to singing about their faith. . He has been nominated several times, but it was only in 2017 that he had landslide wins: a Grammy Award for Top Gospel Song for his single Made A Way and seven Stellar Awards all in a span of one year. 80 of her singles have been featured on Billboard's music charts, making Warwick one of the most-charted female singers in history. Outside of the music world, Winans had a radio show and starred in The Color Purple on Broadway. Contemporary gospel singer Israel Houghton was born to a mixed race couple in 1971. His mother was the choir director and an avid gospel music lover. Summing Up Our List of Inspirational Gospel Singers, 11 Of The Greatest And Most Famous Jam Bands, 10 Of The Most Famous Musicians From New Mexico, 21 Of The Best Songs About Rivers And Streams, 12 Of The Greatest And Most Famous Swedish Rock Bands. BeBe also contributed his production skills to Whitneys soundtrack for the film The Bodyguard.. Best known for his collaborative workwith his sister CeCe, BeBe Winans is a Grammy-winning gospel and R&B singer. Ordained Pastor Marvin Sapp has been crooning at his church since a young age. He got his start in the gospel industry when he formed his ministry band, New Breed, in 1995. Years later, in 1995, Walker and LFCC won a Grammy for their album, Live In Atlanta At Morehouse College. Beginning in the 1920s and 1930s, gospel artists became some of the most popular singers in the world. He was raised by his aunt, who encouraged him to develop his musical talents. In a 2020 interview, Sapp said that gospel music was providing a message of hope during an era of pandemic worry. It came in at #65 on the Billboard 200 and #1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Charts. Im Dan and I run this website. Greenes music has also ranked on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums and Top Gospel song charts. On this page we provide a list of those artists who have died during 2021, and a link to our tributes to them. Cash had issues with drinking and drug abuse. Before crossing over into the world of mainstream entertainment, Franklin was a talented gospel singer (in the same way as Amy Grant, for example) and her voice was able to cope with the demands of the high and powerful notes needed to become one of the best gospel gospel singers on record. Dan Farrant, the founder of Hello Music Theory, has been teaching music for over 15 years, helping hundreds of thousands of students unlock the joy of music. Her performance earned the attention of EMI Records. Jul 13, 2013 - Explore Gail Carlisle's board "Christian Singers who have passed", followed by 478 people on Pinterest. Rosetta Tharpe, raised by her mother, a travelling evangelist with The Church Of God In Christ, was performing from the age of six. The Reverend James Cleveland, who taught Aretha Franklin to sing gospel, was hailed as the Crown Prince Of Gospel. Their hit song Shackles is a crossover gospel, and as an R&B song, it charted on the Billboard Hot List. A year after their disbandment, Franklin began his solo career and was met with much success. kr Best overall; bb Best for beginners building a professional blog; xq Best for artists, and designers; . He also had a recurring role on the TV series Tyler Perrys House of Payne.. Vestal Goodman died peacefully in her sleep at age 78, near Orlando, Fla., after falling ill with influenza just before the Christmas holidays. She followed in his footsteps and became a singer. This led to Winans working with notable artists like Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder, and Warryn Campbell, who all had a hand in Winans album in 2000, Love & Freedom. She began her career singing for friends and family, and later on, she joined the legendary Caravans. Manns third studio album, Best Days, is certified Gold, and the single Take Me To The King is a melodious Grammy-nominated song in the Best Gospel category. American singer Miley Cyrus has recorded songs for eight studio albums, five soundtrack albums, two EPs and other album or singles appareances.Part of her songs are credited to the fictional characters she has played: Hannah Montana and Ashley O.She recorded 120 songs for her own albums. Another man, whom news sources kept anonymous, was shot and wounded. With its origins being traced back as far as the 17th century, Gospel singers have preached the words of the good book for centuries and are making some of the best gospel and Christian songs of 2018.Gospel singers for a long time had to sing without musical accompaniment outside of clapping and stomping - Black gospel music has a strong . In 1998, he started his solo music career with the release of Through the Storm, published by World Wide Gospel Records.He released fourteen albums, over the course of thirteen years, with World Wide Gospel Records, Worldwide Records, Verity Records . Lets explore the lives and careers of some of the most famous male gospel singers of our time. Their soulful vocals and devotion to their beliefs and talent are inspirational, and they are well-deserving to have more attention in the music industry. However, this didnt hinder his music career but rather made it more distinct, as he became known for his raspy singing voice. No Tommy Ellison? Mann is best known for her role as Cora Simmons in Tyler Perrys House of Payne, an American sitcom. The siblings were able to record several hit songs, including Ill Take You There and Lost Without You. They also won three Grammy awards among many accolades they have received. In 2011, McDowell would top the Billboard charts again with his live recorded album, Arise. Their crossover music style also made them famous beyond the gospel and Christian audiences. She went on to release several other albums, which were also met with much success. In 2018, he survived a serious car accident after wrecking his vehicle during a drive in the early hours of the morning. One of his hit songs Take My Hand was actually the last song on Martin Luther King Jr.s mind before his assassination in 1968. No Mavis Staples? As well as his heartfelt baritone gospel singing, he was a pianist, composer, arranger and producer. Related: Check out our post on the most famous gospel singers here. The Reigning King Of Urban Gospel Kirk Franklin crossed the boundaries with his revolutionary talents as a renowned gospel singer, songwriter, musician, and producer. Hes also the first gospel singer to receive a Hollywood star, and is credited with blending traditional black gospel with soul, pop, and jazz sounds for mass choirs. After being discharged, he signed a contract with Sun Records, spurring his music career. Their songs Let The Praise Begin and Power won awards for Best Contemporary Gospel Song. In 1999, she was honored by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation with a Pioneer Award. He was also renowned for his charity work; in 2004, he was honored by the popular philanthropic organization United Negro College Fund for his work with the organization for more than 25 years. However, he found solace in the church and God. A staunch Civil Rights Movement advocate, he formed friendships with Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X. Cookes blossoming career, however, came to a tragic end in 1964 when he was shot and killed at the young age of only 33. His mother and father are both pastors, leading Deitrick to begin preaching at only 11. Her solo album Finally Karen became a tremendous hit in 1998, spurring hits like Just For Me and Nothing Without You. Finally Karen also won the Lady of Soul Best Gospel Album award. Regarded as one of the 20th century's most influential vocalists, Mahalia Jackson is credited with inspiring rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and soul singing styles. By merging hip-hop with gospel, Kirk Franklin has created some controversy on his way to becoming perhaps the best-selling gospel artist of all time, with more than 13 million album sales. Contemporary Christian music artist Rich Mullins was also a multi-instrumentalist, with skills in the piano and the guitar. Her debut album, Abanye bayombona, came out in 2000 and sold more than one million copies. Though hard to separate from the success of his family group, Winans is an accomplished organist, pianist, songwriter, performer, and producer. Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Aretha was ranked number one on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list in 2010. Mahalia Jackson Mahalia Jackson "Just a Closer Walk with Thee" from "Louis Armstrong at Newport 1970" No list of the best gospel singers is complete without Mahalia Jackson. After several projects and accomplishments, they eventually disbanded in 2000. The death of an R&B great can create in us . Stephen Hill was 55 years old. Mary Mary has since released seven albums, earned many Grammy and Stellar Awards, and became the top female gospel duo. Despite only singing professionally for less than ten years, he left us with many hit songs, including You Send Me, Good News, and A Change Is Gonna Come.. Moments before Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated, in 1968, he asked to have Dorseys best-known song, Take My Hand, Precious Lord, performed. This collaboration catapulted him to the recognition of every purveyor of contemporary gospel music, and it transitioned him into the CCM segment. His rsum also includes working with Chante Moore and Sean Combs and receiving many Grammy, Dove, and Stellar awards and nominations. He then joined another gospel group, The Soul Stirrers, this time as a lead singer. His songs He Turned The Water Into Wine, It Was Jesus, and Lead Me Father are testaments to his continued commitment to God. Franklins exceptional talent earned him a recording contract offer three years later, although his aunt turned down the offer. By. Hiriam Williams, more popularly known as Hank Williams, is one of the most influential singers of the 20th Century. After a 13-year absence, Clarks music debuted at #2 on the Billboard Gospel Chart and #98 on Billboards Top 200 album. Also known as Pastor Shirley Caesar, one of her greatest achievements as a singer includes performing at the White House for George Bush and delivered a speech at the US Treasury Department. Some of her most notable singles are "The Battle Is the Lord's," "Open My Heart," "I Believe I Can Fly," and "Be Still.". He also managed to establish his record label and a publishing company during that time. Since then, he's been working to make music theory easy for over 1 million students in over 80 countries around the world. The five-time Grammy Award-winning singer and producer Israel Houghton, who is usually credited as Israel & New Breed, was born in Carlsbad, California. Having the distinct honor of being called The Father Of Gospel Music, Thomas Andrew Dorsey is an influential Christian evangelist who is also the co-founder of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. Warwick is also remembered for being one of the first openly gay singers. here comes an Artist she is called Stacious Rose, a Us based Liberian Gospel Artsit; i see her making it to the legendary list her site is staciousrose.com. Sister Rosetta Tharpe was an American recording artist, guitarist, and singer-songwriter. During his long career, Crouch worked on projects with Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, Elvis Presley, Madonna, Paul Simon, Elton John, and the gospel group the Winans. Aside from his work with other artists, some of his most notable songs are Samson and Delilah, If I Had My Way, and Death Dont Have No Mercy, to name a few. He began singing gospel as a child and later joined The Soul Stirrers. Years later, he got his start in the gospel industry after his brother and friends formed a gospel group, Greater Anointing. She also established a non-profit to serve the needy.