Melvin Crispell III

Melvin Crispell III was an American gospel singer and songwriter, born in North Carolina on July 22, 1991. He gained immense popularity for his impressive singing talent and soulful voice and became the winner of season 9 of Sunday Best, a gospel singing competition show.

Crispell grew up in a family that was deeply involved in music. His father, Melvin Crispell Jr., was a composer and musician who had worked with renowned gospel artists, and his mother, Tunesha Crispell, was also a celebrated gospel singer who had recorded some solo projects and performed as part of a choir.

Crispell grew up in a musically nurturing environment, and at a young age, he began taking piano lessons, which laid the foundation for his music career. As a toddler, he traveled to Japan with his parents, and during this time, he assisted them in teaching music to other Japanese toddler students. Crispell's talent was evident from an early age, and he continued to hone his musical skills throughout his childhood and teenage years.

Crispell attended North Carolina A&T State University, where he earned a degree in music education. He then relocated to Washington, DC, where he worked as a minister of music at Reid Temple AME Church. During this time, he continued to develop his skills as a musician, gaining recognition for his songwriting and performance abilities.

In 2019, Crispell auditioned for Sunday Best, a popular gospel singing competition show. He quickly became a fan favorite for his powerful performances and was ultimately crowned the winner of the show's ninth season. Following his victory, he released his debut single, "Not the End of Your Story," which received widespread acclaim and amassed millions of streams and views on various platforms.

Crispell's hit song "Wonderful Is Your Name," written by his late father, earned him his first Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song at the age of 23. He also amassed over 1.3 million views on his self-titled YouTube channel.

Crispell was known for his charismatic personality, infectious smile, and genuine love for gospel music. He believed music was a way to connect with others on a spiritual level and spread the message of hope and love. His ultimate goal was to inspire others to pursue their passions and use their talents to make a positive impact in the world.

Although Melvin Crispell III's career was tragically cut short, as he passed away in September of 2020 at only 34 years old, his legacy lives on as one of the greatest gospel singers of our time. He will be remembered for his unique voice, his commitment to spreading the gospel, and his infectious passion for music.