Grandfather of Jazz Fest Gospel Tent
Gospel lovers and musicians across Louisiana are mourning the loss of a legend this week. Sherman Washington Jr., Boutte resident and founder of the Gospel Tent at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, passed away on Monday, March 14 after a three-year decline in health.
Washington, 85, was the leader of the Zion Harmonizers, a New Orleans gospel vocal group that he first joined in the 1940s, and the host of a Sunday morning gospel show on WYLD-AM for the past 30 years.
In 1970 the Zion Harmonizers performed at the first Jazz and Heritage Festival, and in 1972 Washington was put in charge of the Gospel Tent, a new addition to bring the colorful, Godly music to the masses.
“He was a sweet, loving man and the Gospel was his life,” his wife, Shirley Washington, said.
Even when he started having health problems, Washington still made it a point to be at the festival and other Gospel events. A tribute to Washington is expected to take place during this year’s festival.
Washington was the son of a minister at the Morning Star Baptist Church in Thibodaux and a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Boutte.
“Gospel was a part of his makeup. He was totally committed,” said Joyce Jefferson, his sister-in-law and assistant at the festival. “Helping people was also an asset in his life – it made him happy.”
Washington’s niece, Kentrell Boyd, said that he inspired people through every aspect of his life.
“He was inspiring to everyone in every way – through music, through conversations, through just being Sherman,” Boyd said. “Even when he was sick, there was a smile on his face.
“Besides his music, he worked hard at whatever his target task was. He was a good, hard-working man.”
Washington also held many other jobs during his singing career, including being an Army truck driver during the Korean War and a truck driver for Boh Bros.
He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Shirley Washington, seven children: Sherman Washington III, Denise Washington Jolly, Byron Washington, JaNice Scott, Ardine Boyd, Myron Boyd Sr. and Avery Boyd; 10 grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother and fellow member of the Zion Harmonizers, Nolan Washington. Funeral arrangements are underway.
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