Cleophus Robinson was a legendary gospel singer and preacher who hosted a gospel television series for over 20 years. He was often referred to as “The World’s Greatest Gospel Singer” by his fans and peers. He died on July 2, 1998, in Saint Louis, Missouri, at the age of 66. But what was the cause of his death? And how did he live his life as a gospel icon?
Early Life and Career
Cleophus Robinson was born on March 18, 1932, in Canton, Mississippi. His mother, Lillie, was a well-known gospel singer in the region. Robinson first performed solo as a teenager at St. John’s Church in Canton. In 1948, he moved to Chicago, where he sang at churches, as well as appearing with the Roberta Martin Singers and Mahalia Jackson. In September 1949, he made his first recordings for Miracle Records as Bro Cleophus Robinson. He then relocated to Memphis, where he began a weekly radio show, The Voice of the Soul. During this time, he began collaborating with pianist Napoleon Brown, in a partnership that would span several decades.
Success and Struggle
In 1953, Robinson joined Peacock Records, releasing the single “In the Sweet By and By”. After several more unsuccessful releases, he decided to pursue acting, but found his studies interrupted by record promotion, and after a year he returned to music. By 1956, Robinson’s career had stalled. A year later, he moved to St. Louis, Missouri, working at the Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church as pastor for over 40 years. His on and off recording schedule with Peacock ended with the 1962 release of Pray for Me, recorded with his sister Josephine James. Robinson also hosted his Hour of Faith weekly radio program. In 1964, he started a gospel television show that ran for over two decades.
In 1962, Robinson signed with Battle Records, a subsidiary of Riverside. He returned to Peacock in 1964. His first new release with them, “Solemn Prayer”, was a sermon record that became a major seller. Later that year, he switched to Savoy Records, releasing the hit “How Sweet It Is to Be Loved by God”. At the end of 1965, he again returned to Peacock, and changed his style to one more blues-influenced. He toured Europe and switched to Nashboro Records in 1969. With Nashboro, he released his biggest hit, “Wrapped Up, Tied Up, Tangled Up”. The single enjoyed crossover success with a white audience.
Death and Legacy
Robinson continued to record and perform until the late 1980s. He also mentored many young gospel artists, such as Shirley Caesar and Albertina Walker. He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1994. He died on July 2, 1998, in Saint Louis, Missouri. The exact cause of his death was not publicly announced, but according to Gospel Music Fever, he had suffered from diabetes and kidney failure.
Robinson is survived by his wife Bertha and six children: Cleophus Jr., Josephine Jr., Lillie Mae Jr., Napoleon Jr., Bertha Jr., and Cleophus III. His son Cleophus Jr., who followed his father’s footsteps as a gospel singer and preacher, died on December 23, 2014. His grandson Cleophus III also died on August 8, 2022.
Robinson is remembered as one of the most influential and versatile gospel singers of all time. His voice was powerful and soulful, blending traditional gospel with blues and R&B elements. He sang with passion and conviction, delivering messages of faith and hope. He inspired generations of gospel fans and artists with his music and ministry.
Cleophus Robinson cause of death may not be known to many people, but his legacy lives on through his songs and family. He was truly the world’s greatest gospel singer.
