A memorial service is planned May 4 for Timothy Wright, a pastor known as "the Godfather of Gospel Music," who died April 23 in a New York hospital, according to the Associated Press. He was 61.

Wright, founding pastor of Grace Tabernacle Christian Center Church of God in Christ (COGIC) in Brooklyn, N.Y., had been seriously injured in a July 4, 2008, car accident that killed his wife, Betty Wright, and their 14-year-old grandson, D.J.

Along with The N.Y. Fellowship Mass Choir, Wright was nominated for a GRAMMY award for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album for 1994's Come Thou Almighty King (Savoy Records). Wright has released more than a dozen gospel recordings, including Jesus, Jesus, Jesus (Koch Records), which was released in 2007. He also wrote a book, Who's Really on the Lord's Side (COGIC Publishing House)-based on his award-winning 1995 CD, Who's on the Lord's Side (Savoy Records).

Wright is survived by five sons.

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