Remembering the Legacy of Bishop Rance Allen

Columnists, Kim's Kronicles — By Kim Webster on November 4, 2020 at 8:48 pm

By Kim Webster

On Saturday morning, October 31, 2020, I was listening to 102.3 KJLH radio when it was announced that Bishop Rance Allen, 71 years old, founder of the Rance Allen Group had made his transition.  According to VIBE on-line he was recovering from a “medical procedure” at Heartland ProMedica in Sylvania OH when he passed away.   He resided, with his wife Ellen, in Toledo OH where he founded and ministered the New Bethel Church of God in Christ in the mid 1980’s until his death.

The multi-talented vocalist, songwriter, guitarist and pianist was born in Monroe MI and created The Rance Allen Group in 1969 with his brothers Steve, Thomas, and Esau according to “Soulville, USA, The Story of Stax Records,” by Rob Bowman.  They were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998, received several Grammy nominations, and were awarded Quartet of the Year and Traditional Group/Duo of the Year at the 2012 Stellar Awards.  In 2019 Snoop Dogg received the BET Award for Best Gospel/Inspirational Song, titled “Blessing Me Again” which featured Bishop Rance Allen.

It was always exciting when the The Rance Allen Group graced any event.   How wonderful that they performed at the White House for President Barack Obama in 2015. Memorable songs like “I Belong To You,” “Miracle Worker,” and “Something About The Name Jesus,” coupled with the release of over 20 albums cements The Rance Allen Group into gospel history.   Additionally, “Im So Glad It’s Christmas” was just released on October 30, 2020.  On a personal note, this photojournalist will truly miss Bishop Rance Allen’s smile on the red carpet.   Sincere condolences to his wife Ellen and his relatives.  May Bishop Rance Allen rest in eternal tranquility and peace…