John Alden Black

John Black Obituary

Name: Visitation for John Alden Black
Start: 2023-11-29T14:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-11-29T16:00:00.000Z
Location: Woods Valentine Mortuary Chapel

August 20, 1964 - November 6, 2023 Rev. John Alden Black, Jr. was born August 20th,1954 to John A. Black Sr. and DeLena May Black. His mother believed that he would be a great musician and often placed him at the piano during church services, making worshippers listen as the boy plucked out chords and learned to play. He soon revealed himself to be a musical prodigy, and by the age of nine was booking gigs and traveling the country, performing under the moniker "Wonderboy of the West Coast". Which, if you knew him as an adult, kind of explains a lot. By his pre-teen years, John was playing alongside such celebrated musicians as Billy Preston, James Cleveland, and Andre Crouch.
John joined the legendary Gap Band in 1979. He again found himself touring, but far from the wholesome church circuit of his boyhood he was now performing R&B and funk hits for sold-out crowds. John reached the heights of songwriting success, penning numerous gold and platinum records including, All of My Love, and Addicted to Your Love by The Gap Band and I Need You by The Pointer Sisters. But his most indelible hit was the gospel song That's When You Bless Me, recorded by the L.A. Mass choir in 1989. It instantly became a classic and a staple for choirs around the world, and signaled a return to his gospel roots.
Like his father, John became a traveling minister, preaching at hundreds of churches across the country. He was known as a "preacher's preacher," not just a virtuosic speaker, but academic in his pursuit of religious knowledge. John met the love of his life, his wife Angie, by walking up to her in church and saying, "I'm going to get your number, then I'm going to take you on a date, and then I'm going to marry you." True to his word, John and Angela married on Christmas day 1982, and in addition to his daughter Tisha from a previous marriage, they had Ashley, Jonathon, and Alden. He liked to amuse congregants, and often told funny stories about his family from the pulpit, much to the children's embarrassment. But one of them grew up to become a screenwriter, so don't worry, payback is forthcoming.
In 1997, John became the pastor of Victory Temple Church of God in Christ, where he was finally able to practice the pastoral care that eludes the traveling minister. Making sure the people around him were not only spiritually but also literally fed, Pastor Black was known to often invite people to his home to sample his highly touted culinary skills on the barbecue. Coming full circle from his Wonderboy days, John devoted much of his later years in life to mentoring young musicians. He would accept a call from any aspiring musician who needed advice, and some received a call from him offering it even when they didn't ask. Musicians who admired his playing style would sit next to him during service and record him playing the organ so they could study and practice his chord progressions. In this way, John's signature chords have become an enduring part of the Los Angeles gospel sound.
After a lifetime in His service, John Alden Black, Jr. went home to be with the Lord on November 6, 2023. John leaves behind a rich legacy of artistry and service to the Lord and humanity. Those who remain to continue the legacy are his wife Angela, children Tisha (David), Ashley, Jonathan, and Alden, sisters Elaine and Ursula (Richard), grandchildren Marie, Blake, and Ava, and many beloved nieces, nephews, family, friends, and mentees. He also leaves behind two loyal pets, Frankie and MJ who, since he was never done spreading the gospel, John trained to bow their heads in prayer before their meals.
A celebration of the life of Rev. John Alden Black, Jr. will be held at 11am on November 30, 2023 at Greater Emmanuel Temple in Lynwood, CA. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John's memory to pancan.org, an organization that provides comfort and resources to families battling pancreatic cancer. The Black community is at increased risk of pancreatic cancer, please take a moment to visit pancan.org and learn the early signs.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Nov. 21, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for John Black

11 Entries

Jace Harnage

November 30, 2023

John, you were always a delight! Your sense of humor was always loaded with wisdom. I still have the "Day-ta-Day" cassette filled with songs you had written given to me so many years ago! Thank you for the laughs and great music! Rest in peace, power, and love

Dr. Henry Jackson

November 29, 2023

Thank you John for playing on my album, "Again and Again." You made it a classic. My condolences to Angie and the family. I pray that God comfort you during this difficult time.

Rev. Melvin, Theresa Green

November 28, 2023

Our deepest condolence and sympathy to you and the family. John and I became brothers over time as he ministered to us here at the Lighthouse Cathedral Church. As the Pastor of Administration, it was my responsibility to complete John's travel and hotel plans. We talk about life, family, food, sports, music (secular or gospel). We were planning to do a podcast on all those various subjects that I mentioned previously. The plan of the Lord said no and we said Amen. I will miss him dearly, however, the plan is that we will see each other again in Glory.

Elder Melvin, & Theresa Green
Lighthouse Cathedral Church
Detroit, MI. 48227
[email protected]

Dr. Nawania Perry Campbell

November 27, 2023

My deepest and sincere condolences to wife, Angela, sister, Ursula Walker , and all his children and family members....

I first met John over 56 years ago when he traveled to Kansas City Missouri as a boy, musician for his dad, Evang. John Black Sr. who ran many revivals at the church I attended. In 1969 my family moved to California and joined Showers of Blessings (the first Church they pastored). I became the church nurse and John would always tease me about my all white uniforms and stockings!
Because our birthdays were two days apart, the Church members would always have a birthday party for us together.
It was always exciting to experience Eld. John Black Sr and/or Ursula singing as John Jr. played the organ and Mother Black played the piano.

Before moving to California, I had began learning to play the piano and organ but wanted John to show me some chords, and how to play better, but I was always too shy to ask him so I had to go elsewhere to learn. Watching him play the organ was both inspirational and intimidating because I knew I could never learn to play as well as he. I did take lessons elsewhere and played for my Parent´s Church once they started pastoring.

In later years, I was honored when Eld, John Black, Sr, and Pastor John Black Jr invited me to bring my youth choir to sing at Victory Temple Church.

I am praying strength for the family and friends, as he will be greatly missed by them, as well as many people whose lives he touched throughout his life´s journey.

On behalf of myself and my siblings (Lin French, Anthony "Big Tone"Marshall, Ricky, and Darry)

Rest in peace, our Brother and Friend!

Humbly submitted:
Dr. Nawania Perry Campbell

Deborah Nalls-Williams

November 24, 2023

My deepest condolences to Angie and the family.

As a friend for 55+ years, I will miss John's random calls of sarcastic humor and laughter. John took delight in catching you off guard with the most unexpected funny stories. He loved a good laugh.

He will be greatly missed, however, my joy comes in knowing that he knew the LORD; therefore, I will see him again.
Rest from labor my dear friend.

Barbara and Babette Black

November 23, 2023

Sending condolences to our family for the loss of our cousin, John Alden Black, Jr. May he rest well as an ancestor!!

James Brown

November 23, 2023

My most heartfelt, deepest, and sincere sympathies to the Black family as they grieve, mourn, and commiserate the loss of their family member, and my dear friend, John Black Jr. John and I both attended Harbor City Christian School (where we played for Mrs. Joy Massie, who was over the music programs), we´re both gifted musicians, grew up in Los Angeles, and most importantly we both accepted Jesus the Christ as our Lord and Savior. John was a gifted organist and I accompanied him on different occasions at his father´s church (Showers of Blessings) across the street from Fremont High school. I was the primary musician at the Youth Crusade for Christ, and John would, on different occasions, come and play at the services.

I have so many, varied, and fond memories over the years of the times I shared with John and my most fervent prayers go out on behalf of the family that GOD would strengthen, console, and comfort them as they traverse this very difficult and trying road. John will be greatly missed by his family and friends, because he touched the lives of so many.

Claudia Fawcett

November 22, 2023

Absolutely great obituary bravo a wonderful soul!

Margaret Washington

November 22, 2023

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Stephanie Hills

November 22, 2023

My Tribute to John Black Jr
After the shock of my childhood friend´s transition into eternity, I begin to think about his influence in my life and how I never got a chance to tell him and say thank you. We were about 15 years old when we met, he was the first organist I met that was my age that had such a passion for his music. I was so inspired!
Singing in his choir at Showers of Blessing brought out all my musical abilities from singing to playing the keyboard. John was a master of musical arrangement and was gifted at teaching vocals and we were good! He along with my sweet friend Ursula changed my life forever. As they shared their gifts of music and love for God. They are a part of my testimony and journey in Christ. So, my friend- with tears of sorrow, but yet feelings of joy that you are the presence of the Lord! I want to say what I should have said long ago. THANK YOU! Love you, John!

Brenda Lockridge & Family

November 22, 2023

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results