The home-going services for Gabriel S. Hardeman, who died on June 16th, will be held at Hickman Temple A.M.E Churchin Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, June 23rd at 10 a.m.
According to a press release, Hardeman reached out to friends and associates over the last few weeks to tell them that he loved and appreciate them. One of his last requests was that friend and colleague, Bryant Pugh, play Richard Smallwood’s “I’ve Come Too Far” at his funeral.
Hardeman passed away from complications of interstitial fibrosis. He was 68 years old. He is survived by his wife, Annette Hardeman and his son, Michael.
Hardeman got his start in the church where his father was an African Methodist Episcopal pastor. After college he formed a group called The Delegation. “We were doing then what folks like Kirk Franklin are doing now,” he told the Inquirer. “We would go into these conservative churches, and they would tell us we were doing the devil’s music.”
The group eventually signed to Savoy Records where they recorded several albums including the self-titled album that included the song “Feels Like Fire” which earned a Grammy Award nomination. Hardeman’s 2001 CD, To The Chief Musician, received a Stellar Award nomination.
Hardeman and his wife wrote Stephanie Mills’ #1 R&B hit “I Feel Good All Over, “Mikki Howard’s #2 R&B smash “Love Under New Management” and “This is the Last Time” and “Truly Blessed” for Teddy Pendergrass
article courtesy of 1800Gospel.com
