On Thursday, May 29, 2014 gospel music and truthfully music at large, lost one of the most prolific musicians and composers of our time. Professor Melvin Crispell died at Carolina Medical Center in Pineville, N.C. Mr. Melvin Crispell, Jr. of Rock Hill, S.C., and formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y. was most widely known for his ground-breaking and prolific skill on a church organ. Gospel artists worldwide have taken to social media to express this enormous loss. Yolanda Adams remarked via twitter "Melvin Crispell is a legend whose music influenced choirs & musicians. His legacy will live on through the music God birthed through him." And that music is ringing out today in celebration of the life and musical legacy. Songs like "Jesus Is My Help" recorded by Hezekiah Walker, and "Wonderful Is Your Name" also recorded by Walker as well as Juanita Bynum. There are countless songs recorded by James Hall Worship & Praise, among them "Caught Up" and "He Took My Place", from Crispell's early days and life in New York. In recent years, he had relocated to the Charlotte-area. Sharing musically in ministry at The Life Center and presently at Freedom Temple in Rock Hill. Melvin had quickly left his mark here and had released and worked on several projects while here including a choir project with group, Testimony and as musician on Tye Tribbett's Stand Out. Artists like Kurt Carr, JJ Hairston, Jonathan Nelson, and James Hall are expressing sadness at this musical loss, but also at the loss of a FRIEND. Melvin, known to be a comedian, always had a smile on his face – even when he was fussing at the choir. Many are also celebrating what Melvin taught them. Unselfish with his gift, he'd share a chord, technique or tip with anyone who'd listen. He is survived by son Melvin Crispell, III, of Charlotte, NC, his mother Carolyn Crispell, of Brooklyn, New York, the mother of his son Tunesha Crispell of Charlotte, NC; and many other relatives and friends. Celebration of life service will be held 7:30 Thursday, June 5, 2014 at Freedom Temple Ministries in Rock Hill, South Carolina with Burial taking place on Monday June 9, 2014 in Brooklyn, New York. Viewing will be at Freedom Temple Ministries on June 5, 2014 from 6:15 PM until 7:15 PM. In lieu of Flowers the family would like gifts in memory on Melvin made to Melvin Crispell, III. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Christopher Kings Funeral Home, 703 Old York Road, Chester, S.C. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.christopherkingsfh.com.