Benjamin Moore Jr., who famously became a member of the gospel group Blind Boys of Alabama, has died. He was 80.
Rolling Stone first reported the devastating news, saying that representatives for the gospel group confirmed Moore's death.
Initial reports disclosed that the lifelong musician passed away at a hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Moore Jr.'s cause of death was said to be due to natural causes.
His bandmate, Ricky McKinnie, has since paid tribute to him as he expressed his heartbreak over the tragic event.
"The Blind Boys family is deeply saddened by Ben's passing. He was an integral part of our group, not just as a talented singer but as a kind and dependable friend. Although he will be sorely missed, I'm grateful for the years of memories," he said.
Organizations, fans, and colleagues also sent heartwarming messages to the late singer while remembering his contribution as a gospel singer.
Our hearts are with the Blind Boys of Alabama family today, as we remember Mr. Benjamin Moore, Jr., and all the joy he brought to all of us and so many others over the years. ❤️ @blindboys pic.twitter.com/Sekapi1pun
— Preservation Hall (@PresHall) May 18, 2022
Benjamin Moore Jr.'s Journey as Singer
Moore became part of the Blind Boys of Alabama in 2008. But he had been a music genius decades before that.
The Atlanta native first joined the gospel group Echoes of Zion, which his father, Benjamin Moore Sr., led. He began singing and playing guitar at the age of 14, making his way to several gigs with the Moore Family Band and events for Martin Luther King Jr.
He then played in several R&B groups, including Jimmy Tig and the Rounders. In 1968, he founded Ben and Spence with Spencer James.
Moore also became the replacement of Bobby Purify and worked with James Purify on two albums and several tours.
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After collaborating with bands and groups, he eventually decided to become a solo artist by releasing an R&B album and three gospel records. Among his masterpieces, his "He Believes in Me" got the nomination for Best Soul Gospel Performance - Traditional at the Grammys.
Amid his skyrocketing career, he began to lose his eyesight until it wholly disappeared due to glaucoma.
His 2014 profile in Tampa Bay Times divulged that, aside from losing his music career, he also lost his house.
"He told me, 'Don't sit your ass around, you've got a voice, use it!'" Moore said. "And you know what? I think his words pulled me out of that deep thing that I was in, that fear where I wouldn't even leave the house."
From there, the Blind Boys of Alabama began to conquer the music industry.
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