Member of The Wades dies of heart attack

ONE OF THE pioneers of British gospel music, Derek Wade died of a heart attack in London on 6th January. As a member, together with brothers Denis, David and Lloyd, of R&B gospel team The Wades, Derek toured extensively and enjoyed successful recordings such as 'A Touch Of Heaven' (1994) and 'A Family Thing' (2000). The Wades also opened for such high profile figures as Andrae Crouch and the Clark Sisters. Derek was born on 30th March 1966 and was the second Wade brother to become a Christian, after younger brother Lloyd. The brothers initially attended Mount Zion 7th Day Church of God in Croydon, led by Bishop Eric Henry and Shirley Henry and after getting their big break in 1985 performing at Kensington Temple became an in demand group on the British gospel scene. Derek suffered a heart attack and was rushed to Lewisham Hospital where he subsequently died.