The faith music community is mourning the loss of Daryl Coley, who passed away in hospice care Tuesday at the age of 60.
Coley’s instantly identifiable first tenor tone, intricate vocal acrobatics and spirit filled live performances set him apart in gospel music over the course of his career – which spanned nearly four decades.
A native of Berkeley, California, Coley was a member of the nationally acclaimed ensemble Helen Stephens And The Voices Of Christ by age 14.
He began performing with Edwin Hawkins in the Edwin Hawkins Singers and then worked with James Cleveland, Tramaine Hawkins, Sylvester, Pete Escovedo and others. Albums of his include Just Daryl, He’s Right On Time: Live From Los Angeles, When The Music Stops and others.
Some of his most famous songs include “He’s Preparing Me,” When Sunday Comes,” “Beyond The Veil” and “When the Music Stops” – which was written by a then unknown Kirk Franklin.
Coley also founded the Love Fellowship Tabernacle in Los Angeles.
