Legendary gospel singer Rance Allen dies at 71

Gospel star Rance Allen, whose Rance Allen Group was inspired by contemporary sounds for 1970s hits like “Ain’t No Need of Crying” and “I Belong To You” and anticipated gospel artists like The Winans and Amy Grant, died in 71 years.

Allen’s wife Ellen Allen and businessman Toby Jackson announced in a joint statement that Allen died on Saturday morning (October 31) while recovering from a “medical procedure” at Heartland ProMedica in Sylvania, Ohio. Allen was a longtime resident in Toledo, Ohio and, most recently, bishop of the Church of God in Christ for the Harvest Jurisdiction of Northwest Michigan.

“I am very sorry to hear of the passing away of the Great Gospel, Bishop Rance Allen,” tweeted singer Gloria Gaynor. “It will certainly enrich the celestial choir now.”