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BORN
1942
DIED
2016
Otis Clay Obituary
Clay died of a heart attack Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, according to a statement made by his former manager Miki Mulvehill. He was in preparing for an upcoming gospel tour.
Born in rural Mississippi, Clay began singing in gospel choirs at a young age. His biography on Otisclay.net lists a series of gospel groups including the Blue Jays, the Holy Wonders, the Pilgrim Harmonizers, the Gospel Songbirds and the Sensational Nightingales.
While living in Chicago, he was approached by One-derful Records to record more secular music. After a series of singles that registered on the Billboard R&B charts, he was signed to Atlantic Records and recorded "She's About A Mover," which became his one song to crack the Billboard Hot 100 at No. 97 in 1968.
He continued to record and tour for the rest of his life, cultivating a devoted following among gospel, soul and blues fans not only in the United States, but also Europe and Japan. He was nominated for a Grammy for his 2007 gospel album, "Walk a Mile in My Shoes."
Clay was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis, Tennessee, in 2013.
Fellow Chicago blues musician Dave Specter remembered Clay in a Facebook post: "Otis conveyed power with soul music and with blues like very few people I've ever heard live. It was as good as it gets."
In addition to his musical career, Clay was an active part of Chicago's West Side community. He served as a board member for the nonprofit organization People for New Direction and often sang "When the Gates Swing Open" for funerals.
96 Entries
Ann Westbrooks
August 3, 2023
Just listening to the music that still ministering to our souls and is very relevant to our expectations today of the Christian Audience. We're still fighting that good fight and desire to be with JESUS!!! THE GATES SWINGING OPEN MEANS WELCOME LIKE IM SURE HES CONQUERED AND HAS DONE!! GOD REST HOS SOUL AS HE LIVES ON IN HIS MUSIC AND SPIRIT!!
Cheyenne Woodruff
January 7, 2023
Jan 8, 2023 - Still missing & remembering my friend Big O, whose departure was so sudden and way too soon! May God continue to rest your soul.
Janie Floyd Hunter
November 29, 2020
Wonderful songs and singing, God really blessed you and the world.
CHEYENNE WOODRUFF
January 7, 2020
Still seems like just yesterday that you were with us... Missing you as much now as when you left 4 yrs ago!
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Dee Led
December 4, 2019
His music was legendary
October 31, 2019
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's...My condolences
Al Bain
April 2, 2019
I would just like to say, I'm so greatful to have to witness a small morsel of the songs God placed on his heart. When the gates swing open, was an anthem in our house on sunday morning... Sleep on my Brother, I'll see you on the other shore...
January 18, 2019
Gone b ut not forgotten
The Wingate Family
November 6, 2018
I didn't know Otis had passed away .Long after... He looked so much like my brother. Who has passed on as well. My brother couldn't sing at all. But Otis could. To the family , I know I am late with my "Condolences, but I had to let you know that your love one could sing ! His singing lefted you up it gave me a push to hold your head up and keep trying. I believe that in order to lift people up like he did ... God gave him a wonderful gifts .To reach out to help people all over the world.. My husband and I really enjoyed his singing to day and until God call us home. When the gates swing open, Scending up my timber are our favorite. He's just resting,and waiting on " JESUS "to return . Oh what a wonderful day that will be. He will be miss.
Cheyenne Woodruff
January 8, 2018
Remembering Otis not only on Jan 8th but throughout the years he has been gone and for years to come! Great personality, singer and humanitarian. You live on in the hearts of many. Continue to rest and rejoice in your new home.
Russell Mills
April 23, 2017
You have our deepest sympathy he will be miss RIP Bro. Otis Clay we will meet you one day when the gates swing open you will be in that heavenly choir and i will enjoy myself listen at you sing. RIP!
Ruth Mills
April 23, 2017
I am so sorry for your lost of Bro. Otis Clay i just love his songs Precious Precious and when the Gates Swing Open my cousin sung it at my sister funeral Mar 4th 2017. And we love that sung about Bringing up my Timber and Got the Road somthing lile that. But we will miss him but God had a job for him up there he singing in that heaven choir.
Cheyenne Woodruff
January 7, 2017
January 8th marks one year that the great singer, Mr. Otis Clay, left us. Seems like only yesterday! I choose to remember him as he was the last time I saw him alive...laughing and enjoying the moment in MS. R.I.P. Big O!
Cheyenne W.
Minnie Hall
February 25, 2016
My Aunt Minnie Hall met Mr. Clay when he was only 7 years old and asked to sing on a program that she was promoting in Chicago, and he sang "When the Gates Swung Open" and even at that young age he was already a Super Star for the Lord. She is 93 but has fond memories of Mr. Clay and his beautiful voice and was so sad to hear of his passing. She sends her condolences to his family and all that loved him. His spirit and voice and his kindness will surely be missed.
One of my favorite pictures of my bestie friends; Otis Clay. I've always kept this one on dresser. I ve had to take it away until my heart gets strf
January 31, 2016
HD
January 30, 2016
To family and friends of Mr. Otis Clay
How sorry I was to hear of his passing
My condolences to all.
I hope you find comfort in the words
Jesus spoke at John 6:40 And 44
s c
January 25, 2016
may you walk through those gates you often sung about. your music has inspired a lot of folks. prayers being sent to the family
Ga
LEA MADISON
January 23, 2016
WELL DONE GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT OTIS CLAY!THE GATES SWUNG WIDE OPEN TO WELCOME YOU HOME!! YOUR FRIEND LEROY CRUME WAS SURELY THERE TO GREET YOU ALONG WITH ALL OTHERS WHO HAVE GONE ON BEFORE. WHAT A HOMECOMING FOR A BEAUTIFUL SOUL!!! YOUR LIGHT CAN NEVER BE DIMINISHED. YOU SHARED YOUR GOD GIVEN TALENT WITH THE WORLD TO THE END. THANK YOU!
MAY ALL YOUR LOVED ONES WHO REMAIN HERE ON EARTH TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING THAT YOU ARE SAFE AND AT PEACE IN THE ARMS OF GOD AND HIS SON JESUS CHRIST. YOUR REST IS WELL EARNED AND DESERVED. THANK YOU FOR THE 73 YEARS, ALL THE MUSIC YOU LEFT US WHICH HAS BROUGHT SO MUCH LOVE AND HAPPINESS, THE MEMORIES, THE FRIENDSHIP, THE LOVE, THE GIFT OF YOU.
T C
January 23, 2016
My condolences to the Clay family for the loss of Otis. May God's Word strengthen you during this time of mourning. (Isa. 41:10,13)
House of Blues in New Orleans
January 20, 2016
The Payton Family sends our condolences to the Otis Clay Family. May the sadness your hearts feel be soon replaced with joy, remembering the good times you shared with him. Otis will be missed just as our grandmother; Linda Wilson is also missed. Otis sang When The Gates Swing Open at our grandmother's Homegoing in 2008 and left a profound impact on our family. Our dad, Elvia Pete Payton loved and sang that song all the time until he passed in 2014 and Otis called to give his condolences. His kindness and generosity went above and beyond. Please remember those we hold closet to our hearts never really leave us. Otis Clay will live on in the great music he shared and the love and kindness he brought into our lives.
Our prayers are with you.
*The Payton Family*
Gwennett Gammons
January 18, 2016
Otis you will be well missed and your music will continue to feel our hearts.rip.Go ahead and sing in that heavenly choir....soul heaven.I'll miss you my friend ,we both standing on stage and I cheering you on..you and my brother Larry...Both of you now will see each other again.Give God all y'all got...when the gates swing open(pearly Gates)...Gammons family
Chad Barnes
January 18, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cappy
January 18, 2016
Thank you for being in my life. I will miss you my friend. Save a seat for me.
Sister Maggie Lee
January 17, 2016
I will miss your gospel concert my dear friend. RIP in heaven gates.
January 17, 2016
With sympathy. Charlie Pettis family
January 16, 2016
May God Bless your family at this time and hold you in his Good Graces!
Delores Collins
January 16, 2016
Sending prayers to the Clay family and friends. We know he had a great spirt and treated everyone as a friend. May God bless his soul. We will miss his beautiful gift. Chicago's loss and God's gain.
Helen Wooten
January 16, 2016
Too the dearest friend... I had so much respect for. .....You were the best with brotherly love..and insight along with your advice....Especially when you came to my rescue at the benefit for my daughter. Your light is not.out...it will be perpetual in my life....one day brother you will be able swing those gates open for me.
Rose Padilla
January 16, 2016
In Otis honor!!!! Heaven has gain a legendary singing Angel! RIP
Rose Padilla
January 16, 2016
My most sincere condolences to his son Carl and the rest of the family! May God place his arms around you and grant you strength at your time of need and give you peace and serenity!! Blessings to all the family!! Otis you left your mark, you will be missed by many!! RIP Legend!!
January 16, 2016
I want to extend my heart sympathy to Otis's family, extended family, and devoted followers of Otis's music. Otis brought joy and comfort to many with his songs. Otis will be missed more than I can say.
Bynum H Burnopp Jr
Baltimore MD
Darlene Acker
January 16, 2016
My prayers go out to my niece Chrissie and the clay family.
January 16, 2016
Diane berry famliy and mcclellam family keep your family in pray god bless
Evangeline Lowe
January 16, 2016
The gates of heaven are surly swinging open Otis take your place we will miss you but god loves you best.
Mary Ross Cunningham
January 16, 2016
Otis keep singing up there i no God have his gate open for you to his Family stay strong hate to see you go. rest well.R.I.P.
January 16, 2016
Your a shining light that will be much missed
Ebonie Boyd
January 16, 2016
To the family let your sadness drift for now he's in heaven. May your pain get better with time. Otis Clay always and forever.
Joyce Williams
January 15, 2016
You will be missed. GOD has his gate open for you to walk in. Take your rest my brother.
Henderson Yarborugh Sr.
January 15, 2016
Our sincere condolences to the Clay family in the loss of your family member, Otis Clay. Although, Otis was known as a brilliant recording artist, he was also a very good friend to many, many people. We loved him but we know God loved him best. Rest in peace my friend.
Cheyenne Woodruff
January 15, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Clay Family (especially Antonio & Tawanna). A great voice and humanitarian has been silenced! His legacy will live on; his great service to many will serve as a great remembrance. May God keep you in his care and cover you eternally.
Susan Smith
January 15, 2016
Sincere condolences to the Clay family. I used to see him perform often. A talented artist but beyond that, a lovely man. God has been given one of his angels back. RIP.
January 15, 2016
Chrisena, Hollis, Clay family and friends:
We pray that God will cover you with peace, surround you with HIS strength and love, and that HE will keep all of you in his loving arms during this sorrowful time.
Auntie Gloria & Uncle Ricky Jacksonville, Florida
Lorena Hanks
January 14, 2016
RIH Otis Clay. You will be truly missed at Clinton Chapel AMEZ Church. We always looked forward to your visits. Prayers to the family that God will send a comforter.
H. KING
January 14, 2016
Going to miss sharing the stage with u.THE GATES R OPEN NOW WALK ON IN...
L. Walters
January 13, 2016
I would like to express my condolences to your family during this most difficult time. I can see that Otis was such a talented person. May you be strengthened by the fact that God can be our comfort in distressing times if we can turn to him who loves us. [Jeremiah 29:12,13]
January 13, 2016
I'm sorry to hear about the loss of Otis Clay may he Rest in Peace. My prayers are with Him and the rest of the Clay family and friends.
Rich Lenart
January 13, 2016
Otis Clay will be well missed. He song at numerous occasions for the Crume family,
because of his friendship with Leroy Crume of the Soul Stirrers. R.I.P. my dear friend and enjoy the company in heaven...
January 12, 2016
I am truly sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort give you peace and strength during this difficult time. Psalms 29:11
Teresa Gary
January 12, 2016
R.I.P. MR. OTIS CLAY. HE SANG AT MY GRANDMOTHER'S FUNERAL IN CHICAGO AT JACKSON FUNERAL HOME IN 1988. GIRTHA HARDWICK GARY. HE SANG WHEN THE GATE SWING OPEN. HE ALSO WAS A FRIEND OF MY LATE COUSIN DELLA. MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY.
Kosher Crume-Gillespie
January 12, 2016
RIP Mr. Otis Clay. You will be missed.
Kosher Crume-Gillespie
January 12, 2016
We truly loved this man...RIH...The Crume Family!
January 12, 2016
By kimberly and the family we will always listen,hear,and cherish his music until the very end.
JOYCE SIMON-GREEN
January 12, 2016
MY MOTHER ETHELENE SIMON PASSED AWAY ON AUGUST 4, 2015, MR. OTIS CLAY SANG AT MY MOM'S FUNERAL AND ALSO BROUGHT FOOD FOR THE REPAST!! THAT WAS THE FIRST TIME I HAD EVER MET HIM, HE KNEW MY MOTHER. I JUST WANT TO SAY I'M SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE MET HIM AND I APPRECIATE EVERYTHING HE DID FOR MY FAMILY DURING OUR TIME OF BEREAVEMENT. YOU ARE LOVED BEYOND WORDS AND MISSED BEYONG MEASURE, THE CURTAIN GOES DOWN , BUT THE APPLAUSE IS FOREVER. REST IN PEACE OTIS CLAY , GOD BLESS YOU. JOYCE SIMON-GREEN AND FAMILY.
January 12, 2016
We thank God for the sweet gift of music. May we all join Mr. Clay in songs of praise to God in Paradise.
January 11, 2016
May the lord receive you into his kindom...
robert goodwin
January 11, 2016
Elder robert l. Goodwin
Brenda Carter
January 11, 2016
It is an act of love to get to know God and His Son. (John 17:3) Otis tried to express his love and appreciation for his heavenly Father through song. My petition is that Otis gains a more intimate relationship with them when he enters Paradise!
Iris Burrell
January 11, 2016
Rest In Heaven.
Thank you for the joy of your music.. It will live on as your legacy to the world.
Henry King
January 11, 2016
Mr. Otis clay A Great Legend
R&B And Gospel.The King Family; Says A Prayer For Your.
January 11, 2016
January 11, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Barbara Siplin
January 11, 2016
Dearest family & friends,
Please accept my deepest condolences. Mr. Clay was truly a beautiful voice that touched many with his wonderful singing. Among many songs, I am inspired by his song If I Could Reach Out (and Help Somebody). Thanks for being a voice to many generations with touching and meaningful songs about faith, love, and helping others.
B. Siplin
January 11, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Clay's passing. I truly enjoyed his music. What a treasure we received via his many contributions to Gospel as well as R&B music by way of a wonderful voice.
January 11, 2016
A powerful soul voice. Music truly is a gift from God. May you find comfort in Psalm 119:76.
C. Wilson Jacksonville Fl
January 10, 2016
My deepest sympathy to the Clay family. Thank you Mr. Otis for your contributions to music and the community.
Jesse and Lesia Lee and family
January 10, 2016
Family, keep your head up. Mr. Clay has finish his race here on earth. Our Dear Heavenly Father has spoken. Come and rest cause your work down here have spoken for you, life you lived to give peoples all over the world good old gospel songs. You song when the gates swing open. Now it is your time to come to the light and let me, Jesus lead you to Heaven. So , don't worry about Mr. Clay, he has made it to Jesus to see him face to face. Gone sang to the Lord up in Heaven, a brand new song, cause he have moved from the old house to a brand new home, Heaven. Prayers to the family. He will always be in our hearts . Rest in Peace Mr. Otis, you'll be missed.
Bev Grier
January 10, 2016
Your music will live on. May God help the family in their time of need.
ara austin
January 10, 2016
To the clay family I am sorry about otis I spoke with him 1/6/2016 about singing at my aunt home going on 1_15/2016 the betts family send our deep sympathy to the clay family god you all.
P Kennedy
January 10, 2016
Wow a lot of memories. When the Gates Swing open I'll walk in,Lord teach me how to love my neighbors. Much prayer for the Clay family
January 10, 2016
May the Almighty God of comfort be with family, friends and Fan at this time of deep sorrow. God love and care for you.
PAULA BRIDGES
January 10, 2016
SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS FROM MERDIAN MS. PRAYING IN THE NAME OF JESUS
G. Freeman
January 10, 2016
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
L. Bentley
January 10, 2016
PJ Celi
January 10, 2016
Thanks Otis.
RIP
Shiene Barnes
January 10, 2016
We would like to express our sympathy to the family of our beloved brother Otis Clay. Our prayers are with you at this time. May God give you strength and comfort.
January 10, 2016
Otis was a dear friend and will be missed dearly. Keith Leblanc MILLIS Ma
Henrietta Holmes
January 10, 2016
To the Otis Clay family,God cares.
Henrietta L. Holmes( Chicago,Il)
January 10, 2016
Clay Family,
Sorry for your loss. He will be missed for his music and friendship. Our prayers are with the family. May the god who gives peace be with all of you.
January 10, 2016
For there will come a time when all sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised.
January 10, 2016
Sorry for your loss. He will live on through his music. May God provide you with comfort during this difficult time.
Newton Collier
January 10, 2016
He will be missed. Georgia Legacy Foundation
H. Jean Hall
January 10, 2016
With Deepest Sympathy
Scott Chamberland
January 10, 2016
Rest in Peace
Helen Millender
January 9, 2016
To the family of Otis Clay,
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal. Just to hear Mr. Clay sing "When The Gates Swing Open", especially the part "Lord I'm tired and my soul need resting". That's enough for me. This is one of my favorite songs and Mr. Clay did it right. RIP Mr. Clay
Delores Scott
January 9, 2016
To the Otis Family:
I send my deepest sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Your gospel song, "When the Gates Swing Open" was my husband and I favorite. Whenever we would hear it, we would listen to it because it was such a heart wrenching song. In fact, when my husband passed in December, 2009, I had my classmate sing this song at his funeral. Mr. Clay, may God bless in Heaven as He did on earth.
January 9, 2016
surprising you at POP the GATOR has always been a cherished memory for me......sherwin, kirby and bernie and seymour
January 9, 2016
My condolences to the family .
Dwayne Bickham,Sr.
January 9, 2016
In God's care, rest in peace.
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