Gospel music industry figure Al Hobbs dies in Indianapolis aged 71

ONE OF the most important figures in post-war gospel music, broadcaster, gospel artist, composer, record label owner and one time vice chairman of the Gospel Music Workshop Of America, Al "The Bishop" Hobbs died of cancer on 31st July in Indianapolis. Al was born on 4th June 1943 in Decatur, Alabama. He grew up in church and in the 1960s sang with Lucille Jones & The Traveling Notes, a Louisville, Kentucky-based group. Hobbs later made his way to Indianapolis where as a radio announcer for station WTLC became an influential figure on the gospel music scene. In the 1980s Hobbs opened Circle City Records and began to write songs. He also began recording and released various albums with The Music Masters, The Indianapolis Mass Choir and Eternal Light. In 1992 Hobbs founded Aleho Records which released over 30 albums including projects by DeWayne Harvey, comedienne Sister Cantaloupe, GMWA Women Of Worship and Angela Spivey. Probably Hobbs' best known composition is "So You Would Know" featured on the 1999 album 'High & Lifted Up' by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir which won a Grammy. On 29th July this year members of the Gospel Announcers Guild of the Gospel Music Workshop Of America saluted Hobbs with a special music programme, held at the GMWA Convention at Atlanta, Georgia. The performers included Dottie Peoples, Rev Milton Biggham and Dorothy Norwood. Two of Hobbs' children were present for the tribute.