Christian artists remember Mandisa, known for hit songs "Overcomer," "Good Morning," and an infectious personality that encouraged millions
Posted: April 19, 2024, 5:00 PM | Category:New Releases Artist Tags: Mandisa Source: NRT Staff Reports (KM)
Updated Saturday, April 20, 2024, 7:37 PM MTN
The Christian music world was rocked this morning with news that one of its own had passed overnight. Mandisa was one of the most commercially successful contemporary Christian and gospel vocalists of the late 2000s and early 2010s.
Her official socials confirmed the news of her passing at her home in Nashville, TN on Thursday, April 18, 2024, at the age of 48. "We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased. At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details. We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends during this incredibly difficult time. Mandisa was a voice of encouragement and truth to people facing life’s challenges all around the world. She wrote this song for a dear friend who had passed in 2017. Her own words say it best. I'm already home You've got to lay it down 'cause Jesus holds me now— And I am not alone.
Early sentiments and messages from fellow artists and Christian radio, where Mandisa was a staple artist, are already pouring in.
Christian Artists Remember
Longtime collaborator and labelmate, TobyMac–still mourning the loss of Diverse City Band member Gabe Patillo, said, "We lost a beautiful soul… I have never met an artist who is more encouraging and supportive to other artists than Mandisa. She was honest and authentic but I always left her side feeling better. She watched every act, every night on every tour singing along with a smile that made you feel alive. From “Lose My Soul” to “Bleed the Same” to “Good Mornin’” I was honored to call her friend. She was honest about her struggles and viewed her break throughs as an opportunity to let others know that they can experience victories just like her. She saw us as a family. God’s family. In all our diversity. All flawed. And all in need of the love of a Good Father, a Heavenly Father. I know her battle is over but I will always treasure her memory and that smile and infectious laugh that I had the pleasure of experiencing."
Steven Curtis Chapman shared his heartbreak over the loss of this "beautiful soul," continuing, "Her voice, her heart, her joy will be missed by us all this side of Heaven…and so thankful for the living hope that she sang (& now sings in the presence of Jesus) so powerfully about…it’s all true! Mandisa, we’ll see you in a little while."
"Devastated to hear about the sudden loss of Mandisa," shares Danny Gokey. "Not only did we connect over being American Idol alumni—we had a great time on the road doing several tours together. Her joy was infectious and I loved her heart to encourage people on and off stage! When I made my debut in Christian music she was my greatest supporter. It wasn’t easy coming off my first failed record deal after the show but she was the one who welcomed me first and loudest and rallied everyone to support me. Mandisa you left too soon—our community will never be the same without you."
Colton Dixon, another American Idol alum, shared "Mandisa was the sweetest, kindest, soul that Annie and I have met on the road. [...] What I remember most was her kindness and ministering spirit. She will be missed, but I know it's only for a short while, cuz it's see you again, not goodbye."
Matthew West shared about the first song he ever wrote with his friend. "I am so incredibly saddened to hear about the loss of my friend Mandisa. I will always cherish the memories of times we spent together hosting award shows, going on tour, and most of all helping her tell her story in the songwriting room. The first song she released after appearing on American Idol was a song we wrote called “Only the World” and the lyrics hit different right now."
Natalie Grant had trouble finding words. "When I learned of your passing yesterday, I begged God for it not to be true. I remember making our Opry debut together. We were so excited. But I remember our conversation so vividly. You belonged there. You always belonged, Disa. Your smile and infectious spirit lit up every room. You were a true champion of others. I was the benefactor of your encouragement more times than I can count. Thankful for your music, your honesty and testimony that helped thousands upon thousands of people find the hope of Jesus. I loved sitting by you at awards shows so we could geek out at every performance. We were both true Christian music fans, and unashamed of it. I remember when you FINALLY became a football fan. Your love for the titans rivaled my love for my Seahawks. I loved your laugh. You were a true beauty inside and out. There will be a hole in the heart of our community that will never be filled until we see you again. I rejoice that you’re in the arms of Jesus, whole in every way, and understanding just how completely loved you have always been. Love you, my friend."
Rapper Lecrae shared, "The world lost a beautiful soul but Heaven welcomed home a daughter. Mandisa ALWAYS supported me and sent encouragement my way. It’s the little things sometimes that go a long way. We’ll hang out again sis!"
Newsboys shared a special message along with a video of Michael Tait giving a touching tribute live on stage before a moment of silence, posted, "A devastating loss. Mandisa was a beam of light. Her joy was radiant and her kindness was incredible. Her laugh was contagious. And man, could she sing. Yesterday, while processing the news, it felt only right to honor her on a stage that we have shared many times before. As we remember our dear friend, we’re rejoicing knowing that she’s in the arms of Jesus now. Rest well."
Close friend, Michael W. Smith expressed gratitude for having known the artist. "I had the privilege of sharing the stage with Mandisa several times. She will always be THE voice of the song, "Christmas Day," and I won’t ever be able to perform that song without thinking of her. Mandisa was an overcomer. Her heart and spirit changed people for the better. I am so happy to KNOW that I will see her again. While we mourn, she worships in the presence of Jesus tonight. We lift up her family and all of those closest to her. So very thankful that God let us share space with her!"
Jason Gray joined in the chorus of people mourning the loss and celebrating the life of Mandisa. "She was such a force of life in this world," he posted on his socials. "Our paths didn’t cross as often as I would’ve liked, but whenever they did, she was a great encouragement to me. We talked about writing and collaborating a number of times, but just hadn’t gotten around to it yet. That she was even interested was such an honor to me. She was always so generous and kind and in our interactions made me feel validated on such a personal level. I texted her not long ago and didn’t hear back… And she’d come to mind a couple times over the last few months. I wish I’d leaned in just a bit harder, been just a bit more persistent, and reached out again. Gotta listen to those promptings… Rest in peace kind and generous friend. I’m grateful that our paths crossed. Thank you for your inspiring authenticity and the ways that you made me feel special."
Ellie Holcolm posted a lengthy tribute along with a beautiful video. "I took a moment to cry , to thank God for Mandisa and for the hope of heaven, and the most natural thing to do to me was to keep singing scripture, to keep holding onto the light and the hope laced throughout the Bible."
Love and the Outcome shared a performance video with Mandisa, "At a loss for words, so heartbroken over the news of our friend Mandisa passing away. We were just looking back over these tour clips, our first one as a family of four. Milo called her "auntie Disa", and she often held Ziggy while we sound checked. He was eight weeks old. She loved singing "King of my Heart" and playing my drum, and she did it so well! I loved watching her rock out while I attempted the kit. She was such a light, radiated joy, and was also so honest during our tour bible studies about how she was doing day to day. Really can't believe she's gone."
Jordan Feliz, who recently toured with the chart-topping artist, said, "Beyond heartbroken to hear the news about my friend @mandisaofficial You were such an incredibly bright light to this world. You called me and screamed when Jesus Is Coming Back went Number 1 and the we talked about the goodness of God in both of our lives for an hour. You were such an incredible supporter of every single person in our industry. Im so glad for the time 1 got to spend with you as our neighbor. Lord, I'm gonna miss you friend."
Britt Nicole posted, "I love you Disa!! You were a bright light, and a beautiful friend. If we were together, we were dancing, laughing, and coming up with funny ideas…like to build a pyramid on stage in the middle of a show! We were always having fun!! But, I also knew you deeply cared for me and everyone in your life. You would send encouraging videos if you heard my music in stores, you would text me scriptures and prayers, and when you asked me how I was doing, I knew you really wanted to know. I love you my friend. You will be so missed by everyone. You made a difference in thousands of lives! There’s no one like you, not another Disa! Thank you for being you. One of my favorite tours was hits deep, when we all shared a dressing room, we became family. I’m just so grateful that I got to know you. I’ll miss dancing and laughing with you. My heart is sad today, but I know you are smiling."
Jonathan Traylor expressed, "This one hurts real bad, my heart is broken. Mandisa was a beautiful soul. Her smile could light up a whole room. She was a pioneer in this industry. She made a huge impact in this CCM space, and in the world. I love you Mandisa, you will missed."
Darren of We Are Messengers echoed the sentiments of many, posting, "is one of the most kind, caring, funny, encouraging and gentle people I have known. I didn’t believe the news was true when I heard it this morning. Thank you for caring about me, for smiling at me that day on the airplane on the way to a radio summit and for your beautiful pursuit of Jesus. Rest well friend."
Christian Radio Remembers
Z 88.3 FM in Orlando posted, "We are shocked to our core after hearing reports that our dear friend and Z artist Mandisa went to be with Jesus yesterday. Mandisa’s love for Jesus and beautiful smile would light up any room she walked into. We love you, Mandisa forever."
David Pierce, Chief Media Officer at K-Love/Air-1 Radio stated, "Mandisa loved Jesus, and she used her unusually extensive platform to talk about Him at every turn. Her kindness was epic, her smile electric, her voice massive, but it was no match for the size of her heart. Mandisa struggled, and she was vulnerable enough to share that with us, which helped us talk about our own struggles. Mandisa’s struggles are over, she is with the God she sang about now. While we are saddened, Mandisa is home. We’re praying for Mandisa’s family and friends and ask you to join us.”
Mandisa - 1976-2024
Mandisa, born Mandisa Lynn Hundley in 1976, grew up in Sacramento, California. She sang in her church and eventually studied vocal performance at American River College. Later, she continued her musical studies at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she was a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. After college, Mandisa found work as a session and backup vocalist for such name artists as Trisha Yearwood and Shania Twain.
In 2006, she competed during the fifth season of American Idol and gained a following through performances of Alicia Keys’ “Fallin’,” Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman,” and Mary Mary’s “Shackles (Praise You).” After her elimination from American Idol, Mandisa quickly plugged herself into the contemporary Christian and gospel markets. In early 2007, she appeared with Kirk Franklin on tobyMac’s Portable Sounds. Later that year, she released her debut album, True Beauty, on which she was joined by the Fisk Jubilee Singers and tobyMac. It topped Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart. She followed it with a holiday recording, It’s Christmas, and released her second proper studio album, the Grammy-nominated Freedom, in 2009. Her output became less gospel-oriented, rooted more in straight-ahead CCM. What If We Were Real, released in 2011, was also nominated for a Grammy, while 2013’s Overcomer took the award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. Out of the Dark arrived four years later.
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This is a developing story that will be updated as current information comes in.
