Elder C James Starks, Father of Derrick Starks, Passes Away

Members of the Gospel Music community at large offer prayers and condolences to the Starks family in the untimely passing of the family patriarch, Elder C James Starks on Monday, April 14th.  Pastor Starks is also the father of multiple Dove and Stellar Award nominated composer and producer Derrick Starks.

A loving and devoted husband, father, spiritual leader and "man by example", Pastor Starks was a mentor and inspiration to many, both young and old. 

"Dad was my hero, "said Derrick Starks.  "I would not be the man or the musician I am today had it not been for his example.  Over 54 years of marriage and 80 years of life,  his loss is felt throughout our entire close-knit family, but through it all, we trust in the providence of God. God is a sustainer and the Holy Spirit is a comforter. The LORD Jehovah will lead us safely through."

Arrangements are being finalized for the visitation and home going celebration. Cards and condolences can be sent to the family electronically via [email protected] or via mail.

The Starks Family

29171 Birchcrest 

Warren Mi.48093 

Derrick Starks decided to officially birth Today's Generation in 1991 after having grown up singing together with many of its members in church. Three years later, Starks and the choir recorded and released a self-titled independent project for a local label, Aaron Records. Soon afterward, word began to circulate throughout the industry regarding this talented musician. The door opened up, allowing Starks the opportunity to work with artists such as John P. Kee, Shirley Caesar, the late James Moore, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Walter and Edwin Hawkins, Yolanda Adams, Rance Allen, Rev. Timothy Wright, as well as former Entertainment Tonight co-host John Tesh. Starks has also had several of his songs recorded by the COGIC International Mass Choir, Ron Winans Family & Friends Choir, and Charlene Bell.

What he learned while under the music tutelage of the late legendary Dr. Mattie Moss Clark afforded Starks the opportunity to travel across the country and abroad as a bandmember/music director with Vanessa Bell Armstrong, the Clark Sisters, and the Whitfield Company choir.

Starks and Today's Generation signed with Crystal Rose and released the album He's on Time in 1999. In 2001, Starks and the choir released their sophomore project for the label entitled Sacrifice.

 

 

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