Keith Wonderboy Johnson was a gospel singer-songwriter who died on September 30, 2022, at the age of 50. He was born on May 17, 1972, in Brooklyn, New York, and was nicknamed Wonderboy for his vocal talent. He sang with the Boys Choir of Harlem and his father’s quartet group before launching his solo career. He was known for songs like “Let Go and Let God Have His Way,” “Send A Revival,” and “Hide Behind the Mountain”.
The cause of his death is unclear, as some sources report that he died at his home , while others claim that he died from a car accident. His death certificate is still pending. His death was announced by the Black Gospel Radio and mourned by his fans and family.
Biography
| Name | Keith Wonderboy Johnson |
|---|---|
| Birth date | May 17, 1972 |
| Birth place | Brooklyn, New York |
| Death date | September 30, 2022 |
| Death place | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Occupation | Gospel singer-songwriter |
| Nickname | Wonderboy |
| Label | Black Smoke Music Worldwide |
| Awards | Stellar Award for Traditional Group/Duo of the Year (2009) |
Musical career
- He began singing professionally with his father and uncles in the gospel group The Spiritual Voices.
- He launched his solo career in 1998 with the album Through The Storm.
- He had hits including “Let Go and Let God,” “Hide Behind the Mountain,” and “Be Right.”
- He was also known for his holiday favorite, “12 Days of Christmas.”
- His most recent hit was “It Was You,” released in the spring of 2022.
Tributes
- Kerry Douglas, the founder of Black Smoke Music Worldwide, said he was in ‘total disbelief.’ Douglas signed Wonderboy after seeing him perform and move the audience at the American Gospel Quartet Convention in Birmingham, Alabama, in the early 90s. Douglas said Johnson was the first major artist under his label. “Keith was like a brother,” Douglas said.
- Glinda Perkins, the program director for WXVI, a gospel radio station in Montgomery, Alabama, praised Wonderboy’s bubbly personality. She said: “He was very personable and very serious about music. He was his own best pitchman and even though he had people who worked for him, he was always the best promoter for his music.”
- Kurt Carr, a gospel musician and producer, tweeted: “Keith ‘Wonderboy’ Johnson was truly a Stellar. If you know Quartet you certainly know this singing preaching man right here. I’ve had the opportunity to meet him in person and he blessed my heart. My prayers and my heart are with his family and friends.”
- James Fortune, a gospel singer and radio host, tweeted: “My brother Keith Wonderboy Johnson was the first person to take me under his wing and teach me on the road. This hurts! Rest in Heaven my brother!”