Sullivan Pugh of The Consolers dies aged 85

A MAJOR figure in old school gospel, The Consolers, came to an end on 30th December last year when founder Sullivan Pugh died at the age of 85 at his home in Miami. Singer and guitarist Pugh with his wife Iola Lewis Pugh started The Consolers in 1953. By 1954 they were recording for Nashboro Records and enjoyed a stream of successful singles including "Waiting For My Child To Come Home", "May The Work I Have Done Speak For Me", "Give Me My Flowers While I Can Smell Them", "Lord, If I Am Too High Bring Me Down" and "Thank God, Things Are As Well As They Are". In 1963 the album 'Waiting For My Child To Come Home' reportedly went Gold. In October 2003 The Consolers were inducted into the National Gospel Music Hall Of Fame And Museum in Detroit. Sullivan Pugh continued to tour under the name The Consolers after the death of Iola.

An article about The Consolers' career will be published on the Cross Rhythms website in due course.