Gospel Icon Rance Allen Dies At 71 [CONDOLENCES]

Gospel Icon Rance Allen Dies At 71 [CONDOLENCES]

Gospel legend Rance Allen has sadly passed away at 71.

Bishop Robert G. Rudolph of the Church of God In Christ (COGIC) announced the news Saturday (Oct. 31st).

He said in a statement:

“God, who is omnipotent and consistent, has surrounded His Servant, Bishop Rance Lee Allen, to eternal rest. Bishop Allen served as Prelate of the Michigan Northwest Harvest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Bishop Allen was a world-renowned gospel artist and affectionately known as the ‘Father of Contemporary Gospel Music.’ Bishop Allen’s unique vocal ministry was an indispensable sound within the Church of God in Christ and Christendom. His gift transcended the boundaries of musical genre as he remained a sought after personality called to perform on global venues.”

His cause of death has not yet been made public.

The statement continued and said that because of COVID-19 restrictions, Rance Allen’s family will have a private service. A public memorial will be held when coronavirus limitations are lifted.

Fellow gospel legend Kirk Franklin emotionally took to Instagram to grieve the loss and said the two had been working on new music.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

2020 just keeps breaking my heart…

A post shared by Kirk Franklin (@kirkfranklin) on Oct 31, 2020 at 6:52am PDT

Other fans of his music flocked to social media to share as well.

RIP Rance Allen ? pic.twitter.com/9ksqgh5A9B

— Bleenex and Blorox Bleach ? (@Nictheegr8) October 31, 2020

Rest In Peace to Rance Allen pic.twitter.com/7vwZVHAbpJ

— . (@jamnacho2) October 31, 2020

Sean Connery is gone and Bishop Rance Allen too!? pic.twitter.com/Y6Hp45nkoF

— Helen of Troy (@anthonyj_perry) October 31, 2020

Man…every musician and singer influenced by him is rocked right now. #RESTINJESUS #RanceAllen pic.twitter.com/OY5NON6NtV

— Jay Aaron (@_jay_aaron) October 31, 2020

Not RANCE Allen Chile pic.twitter.com/ASIch5AGAg

— Sham God? (@Simply_Shamaria) October 31, 2020

To the legend himself. A literal angelic voice. Rest In Peace, Bishop Rance Allen. pic.twitter.com/lPrNATZS2d

— Raekwon Latrelle? (@raekwon____) October 31, 2020

NOBODY like him!!!!!!!!!!#RIPRanceAllen #RanceAllen #SomethingAboutTheNameJesus pic.twitter.com/HosbdtFpAo

— E. Dewey Smith (@edeweysmith) October 31, 2020

Lord you done took Rance Allen home… pic.twitter.com/TMw48OUCYH

— J. Allen Walker, MPA (@thejallenwalker) October 31, 2020

Rance Allen ????????? One of the best to bless the mic with his unique voice; Gospel music won't be the same…Put on your ? and robe ??. 2020 is possibly the worst year EVER! #RIPRANCEALLEN ?? pic.twitter.com/uR8hplZmaQ

— JustAsSureAsMyNameIsWanya (@JJustITA) October 31, 2020

Sean Connery AND Rance Allen…

Two legends.

Rest peacefully, gentlemen pic.twitter.com/c5VaGMI1Iw

— S H E ???? (@Belle_Shelala) October 31, 2020

Condolences and prayers for Rance Allen’s family, friends, and fans.