Kevin Lemons obit

Atlanta gospel singer Kevin Lemons dies at 44, family confirms

His family thanked those for their show of love and support during the difficult time. 

He was not on the list.

Atlanta gospel artist Kevin Lemons has died at the age of 44, his family confirmed on Saturday, calling it a "sudden loss."

In an Instagram post, the family said "it is with great sadness we announce the transition of our Founder - Kevin Lemons." They also asked to keep his wife, Tiunna, his family and his ministry Higher Calling in everyone's thoughts and prayers.

They also thanked those for their show of love and support during the difficult time, saying that are "appreciative and grateful for each of you."

Lemons was born and raised in Atlanta and began his music ministry in 1996, according to his website. After getting several friends together in a small church, he organized his now well-known community ministry -- Higher Calling.

Known officially as Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling, the ministry reached immediate success after they left an impact on the Atlanta community due to their unique sound and likeness, the website said.

The group is known for its album "The Declaration" which reached as high as No. 10 on Billboard's gospel charts, according to his website.

Now 27 years later, the ministry today now boasts over 70 members who are known for their "skillful vocals, energetic performances, trendsetting style and overall excellence in ministry."

Lemons' also gained recognition by playing the singing voice of Carlton Pearson in the Netflix film and soundtrack "Come Sunday."

According to the website, Lemons, along with his wife and ministry, were out on a mission to make choir music recognized and common once again.

Details about his memorial will be announced soon, according to a statement HezHouse Entertainment, his record label.

The group’s most recent recording, “Third Round,” received both Dove and Stellar Gospel Music Award nominations. The breakout single, “For Your Good,” garnered more than 100,000 streams and reached No. 3 on the Billboard gospel digital sales chart.

Lemons, who grew up surrounded by gospel music, served as the vocal director for the Netflix film “Come Sunday,” according to a release announcing his death.

Bishop Hezekiah Walker, in a statement, called Lemon one of the kindest and most humble artists he knew.

“His love for God seasoned everything that he did, and his palpable love for people was an extension of that. Kevin Lemons was just a beautiful human being and he will be sorely missed.”

Lemons was signed to the HezHouse Entertainment label.

His labelmate Vincent Bohanan said Lemons was “like none other. There are many things in life we may not understand, but we trust the sovereignty of God. My prayers are with the family and Higher Calling. The gospel choir community will forever remember the life and legacy of Kevin Lemons.”

Lemons was married to Tiunna Lemons for 15 years.

Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling was founded when Lemons and a group of young singers came together for a special music event created by Lemons’ father, Wilbert Lemons. Kevin’s father was the director of the historic Atlanta Masonic Choir, which was founded by Kevin’s grandmother Annie Ruth Lemons.

Kevin Lemons & Higher Calling had 50 Atlanta-based singers and 50 additional singers from other areas including Alabama, California, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, the Washington, D.C., area and New Orleans,.

Higher Calling’s albums include “Destined for Greatness,” “The Declaration,” which peaked at No. 10 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums Chart, and “Third Round,” which was released in 2021.

Over the last 25 years, Kevin’s creative approach to Choir Music has afforded him several opportunities to conduct clinics and workshops at various colleges, universities and churches both within the US and Internationally. His sound and vocal teachings have drawn the interest of various artists and producers within the music industry, which has led to countless collaborations, national commercials and shared stage performances with the likes of: Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Bebe Winans, Walmart, Donald Lawrence, Metro Boomin, The Stellar Awards, Tamela Mann, Erica Campbell, Kirk Franklin and many more.