Clay Evans (pastor)

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Clay Evans
Also known asReverend Dr. Clay Evans
Born(1925-06-23)June 23, 1925
Brownsville, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedNovember 27, 2019(2019-11-27) (aged 94)
Chicago, Illinois, U S.
Genresgospel, black gospel, urban contemporary gospel
Occupation(s)Minister, Pastor singer, songwriter
Instrumentsvocals, singer-songwriter
Years active1950–2019
LabelsSavoy, Jewel, Paula, Meek, Blackberry, Pro-Arte
Associated actsCharles Jenkins

Clay Evans (June 23, 1925 – November 27, 2019) was an African American Baptist pastor and founder of the influential Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois famous for its gospel music infused Sunday service and choir.[1] Evans released his first musical project in 1984, What He's Done For Me with Savoy Records. All-in-all, he has had eleven albums that have charted on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart over the course of his career. He received a nomination for the Best Gospel Album at the 1997 Soul Train Music Awards.

Professional life[]

Evans was born on June 23, 1925, in Brownsville, Tennessee, to Henry Clay and Estanauly Evans.[2][3][4][5] He was a graduate of Carver High School, then he moved onto Chicago Baptist Institute for seminary education.[5] He attended Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, along with The University of Chicago Divinity School.[5] He was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1950, and he founded Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Chicago, Illinois, on September 10, 1950, with five founding members.[5] His sermons were broadcast on radio and television.

In 1965, Evans joined the Reverend Jesse Jackson Sr., to promote the civil rights movement in Chicago. In 1971 they founded the Operation PUSH coalition to encourage black self-help. Evans served as chairman of the organization from 1971 and 1976 and became its chairman emeritus.[5] He led his church until December 8, 2000, when Charles Jenkins succeeded him as senior pastor.[4]

Personal life[]

Evans married Lutha Mae Hollingshed on October 15, 1946; they resided in Chicago, Illinois. They have five children, seven grandchildren, three great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.[4] Evans's death was announced on November 27, 2019.[1] Evans's funeral was held on December 7, 2019.[6][7]

Music career[]

Evans' music career started in 1964, and he has released 38 musical projects, up until his latest release in 2006.[8] He has released albums and musical works with various labels; Savoy Records, Jewel Records, Paula Records, Meek Records, Blackberry Records, and Pro-Arte Records.[8] His album have charted on the Billboard charts at various times during his career.[9] He has had eleven albums chart on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart, during that time span.[9] He received a nomination at the 1997 Soul Train Music Awards for Best Gospel Album.

Discography[]

List of selected studio albums, with selected chart positions
Title Album details Peak chart positions[9]
US
Gos
What He's Done for Me
  • Released: 1984
  • Label: Savoy
  • CD, digital download
 3
Things Are Going to Work Out Somehow
  • Released: 1986
  • Label: Savoy
  • CD, digital download
 12
From the Ship
  • Released: 1987
  • Label: Savoy
  • CD, digital download
 4
He'll Be There
  • Released: 1988
  • Label: Savoy
  • CD, digital download
 16
Reach Beyond the Break
  • Released: 1990
  • Label: Savoy
  • CD, digital download
 8
I'm Going Through
  • Released: 1993
  • Label: Savoy
  • CD, digital download
 1
I See a Miracle
  • Released: 1994
  • Label: Savoy
  • CD, digital download
 28
I've Got A Testimony
  • Released: 1996
  • Label: Meek
  • CD, digital download
 1
Coming Home
  • Released: 1996
  • Label: Savoy
  • CD, digital download
 31
He's a Battle-Axe
  • Released: 1997
  • Label: Meek
  • CD, digital download
 36
Constantly
  • Released: 2001
  • Label: Meek
  • CD, digital download
 7

References[]

  1. ^ Jump up to: a b O'Donnell, Maureen. "Rev. Clay Evans, civil rights leader, evangelical broadcaster and gospel icon, dies at 94". Chicago Suntimes. Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 27, 2019.
  2. ^ Marovich, Robert M. (March 15, 2015). A City Called Heaven: Chicago and the Birth of Gospel Music. p. 162. ISBN 9780252097089.
  3. ^ Ankeny, Jason. "Rev. Clay Evans : Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  4. ^ Jump up to: a b c Staff. "Rev. Clay Evans". Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. Archived from the original on May 2, 2019. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  5. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Garner, Carla W. "Reverend Clay Evans (1925– )". Black Past. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  6. ^ https://abc7chicago.com/religion/celebration-of-life-held-for-chicago-icon-reverend-clay-evans/5738675/
  7. ^ https://wgntv.com/2019/12/07/rev-clay-evans-funeral-celebration-of-life-to-be-held-saturday/
  8. ^ Jump up to: a b AllMusic. "Rev. Clay Evans : Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
  9. ^ Jump up to: a b c Billboard. "Rev. Clay Evans : Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved March 22, 2015.
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