I can count on one hand the number of video tributes I’ve written at GospelPundit.com after an artist has passed. In fact, only Bishop Walter Hawkins and Rev. Timothy Wright come to mind.
But when I heard that gospel pioneer Delois Barrett Campbell, of the Barrett Sisters, passed to Heaven at the age of 85 yesterday, I knew that I would need to do some kind of special feature.
Having grown up in Chicago, I’d always known of the Barrett Sisters and was familiar with their music. I enjoyed Rodessa Barrett Porter’s energy, was put at ease by Billie Barrett Greenbey’s smile and smooth tone and, of course, was blown away by the sheer power of Delois Barrett Campbell’s voice and presence.
Over the years, I came to appreciate Delois’ kind and genuine demeanor off-stage as well. I can recall seeing in Chicago several times. On one occasion, when I was a teenager, I saw her backstage at a gospel event after she had performed. She was heading home, clearly exhausted. As fans passed her in the hallway and waved, however, her eyes lit up and and her smile beamed, as if to say “I’ve still got enough energy for YOU.”
I’ve always been proud of Delois Barrett Campbell, which is funny considering that I’m much younger and wasn’t even alive for much of her battle to be all that she became in gospel music. But I’ve admired her presence, her tenacity, her ministry.
My favorite glimpse into her life came through a scene in the incredible documentary, Say Amen Somebody (if you enjoy gospel music, you MUST see this film… own it, even!). Delois is in the kitchen, preparing breakfast for her husband, who is the pastor of their local church. While talking about her upcoming European tour, he makes a comment that would had to have stung a bit, urging her to come off the road with her sisters and handle music for their local assembly. Full of grace and humility, but certain of her calling, she reminds him that traveling the world to minister the gospel through music has always been her dream– and that it’s happening. It’s a compelling moment!
She will be missed on Earth, but I’ll be glad to see her in Heaven. Let’s pray for her family during this time, as we thank God for her.
Below are some of my favorite performances by Delois Barrett Campbell with the Barrett Sisters.
Check them out and enjoy the incredible gift that God gave us in the incomparable Delois Barrett Campbell…
Barrett Sisters – “No Ways Tired” from Say Amen Somebody documentary
Barrett Sisters – “He Brought Us” from Say Amen Somebody documentary
Barrett Sisters – “I’ll Fly Away” from Going Home To Gospel w/ Patti LaBelle on PBS
God bless!
For me Delores Barrett Campbell was, and will forever be the premier Gospel "Grand Duchess" of song! Her vocals were still anointed, vibrant, rich, strong in pitch, tone, and conviction, right up until she went home to be with the Lord on yesterday! She was an example of what a consummate gospel singer who takes care of their vocal instrument consistently sounds like in maturation, and only getting better with age! I can imagine Sis. Delores on yesterday singing as she journeyed home ....[ Father I Stretch My Hands To Thee] .... For my God? He's Everything To Me .. Lord? ... "I've Gotta A Feeling" everything is gonna be alright! ..... Thank You Lord for (Giving Me) two (Wings) so that I can "Fly Away" somewhere & be at rest! Well done! Thy good and faithful servant!
I love your commentary about Delois Barrett Campbell EJ!!! I remember watching Say Amen Somebody one time when I was a teen and I loved the entire movie, but when it came to the Barrett Sisters part...OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There was something so electrifying about their voices and energy!!!! I can watch, just their part, over and over again!!!! Even just recently I became a huge fan of theirs all over again. She will surely be missed! I pray for her sisters as they seem like such a close bunch. I know this may be devastating for them, but I know Sister Delois is somewhere singing and her voice is illuminating the heavens!!!!!
Delores Barrett Campbell A truly great and , unique voice. A kind spirit by nature. Our loss is Heaven's Gain. To our younger singers of today take note of what a complete singer should be. No Humility, No Believability.
Love, love, love this precious sisteer and all she did in and for Gospel music. Many timestheir songs of praise and inspiration lifted me from despair to hope. I consider my self to be a follower of much of what they did. I know there's a crown of life awaiting her and I am so grateful a lot of what they recorded is part of my collection. Those desiring to become Gospel singers need to know the example and sacrifice she gave to be who God called her to be.
EJ, yes. You are a true Chicagoan. Great tribute, I think we all loved Say Amen, Somebody and their version of Jesus Will on Trinity United Church of Christ. Their music is still played on the radio. Great timeless music and humbleness in this pioneer.
I will miss seeing this Chicago gospel legend. She had a beautiful spirit and like you mentioned it showed through her smile. It was always good to see her and her sisters at a musical around Chicago. They all had a glow on their faces while they sang. She will be missed.
Thank you EJ for keeping the memory and the legacy of my family alive! Delois was not just beloved by us but appreciated and treasured by so many across the country! Keep us lifted in prayer, thank you! Ron Barrett
Your Tribute to Delois Barrett Campbell is so on point. I remember the many times she came to Harlem to sing at Emanuel A.M.E. Church where I was once a member. Her and her sisters would sing until the Glory of God came down, but they would always take time out after the service to greet the members. I have always loved and admired her for that.And her smile was so wonderful, I would always wait to tell her how much I admired her service to God and she would smile and give God the Glory!!! So grateful for those opportunities. She truly was a legend in the Gospel music industry and she will be sadly missed!!! Rest In Peace Delois Barrett Campbell!!!
I have just learned of Delois Barrett Cambell's death and it has brought such sadness to my heart. The Barrett Sisters are my favorite all time gospel group since the 1980's. The quality of their voices, even in senior years, surpasses what we hear today. I will never forget the impact that they made at a concert in England back in the 1980'S. Their music transcends all cultures, ages, and religious affiliations. Deloris, thanks for allowing God to use you in such a remarkable way. You may not have been appreciated totally down here but now you will fly away to receive your great reward. Heaven will be even richer with you on the choir stand and I'm sure the angels will be folding their wings as you sing HOW I GOT OVER... Revd K Clarke England
WOW WHAT BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES...THE BARRETT SISTERS HAVE AND WILL ALWAYS BE MY FAVORITE GOSPEL GROUP NEXT TO THE FAMOUS DAVIS SISTERS OF PHILLY. TALKED TO HER RIGHT BEFORE HER 85TH BIRTHDAY....SHE CAME ON THE LINE AS IF SHE HAD KNOWN ME ALL MY LIFE...INVITED ME TO COME..HER DAUGHTER MARY INVITED TO COME AND VISIT WITH THEM...MY BIGGEST MISSED OPPURTUNITY TO DATE>>>>.KNOWING THAT SHE WAS THERE , EVEN THOUGH SHE WASNT PERFORMING...MADE A GREAT DIFFERENCE....KEEP MARY AND SUE AND THE SISTERS IN YOUR PRAYERS. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SHARING WITH US. GARY
Delois était ma Mère Spirituelle ! Je la connaissais depuis avril 1985, lorsque ses soeurs et elles donnèrent cinq incroyables concerts au Théâtre de la Ville à Paris. J'ai longtemps suivi les Barrett Sisters aux USA et en Europe (où elles sont très célèbres, particulièrement en France et en Suisse), et partagé avec elles trois, des moments inoubliables;-) Nos familles respectives se connaissaient et s'aimaient, malgré la barrière de la langue. Aujourd'hui, je reviens à Chicago pour leur dire à tous combien Elle manque. But we must not be sad, for now, She's in a better World !
The Barrett Sisters (especially Deloris) is what gospel music is all about. "Say Amen Somebody" was my introduction to them. I agree, I have watched their singing section over and over again. It saddens me that they do not have more CD or DVDs for sale. i've seearched the internet looking and hoping to find more--but have not. I did see them on a Gaither Gospel series but have not found the dvd they appeared on. May her family continue to prosper and enjoy life.