When the trumpet stops playing...

Mourning the loss of our friend Little Benny

by: Jennifer Angellatta-Moore

It was Tuesday morning, after along weekend. I was trying to focus on getting back in the grind at the office when a friend stopped at my desk with a solemn look.

"Did you hear about Little Benny?" he asked me.

I searched his face for any look of surprise or jokingness, but none appeared.  "He was found Sunday morning...he passed in his sleep."

;i was stunned and silenced by the news. My eyes automatically filled with tears at the memory of Benny's laugh and thoughts of the family members, friends, and fans that loved him.

I grew up listening to Benny blow the horn and bellow out lines with his unmistakable, powerful voice with Rare Essence, and later as leader of the Masters.

When I started writing for TMOTTGoGo Magazine, I had the pleasure of making Benny's acquaintance.  I always admired his talent, but I soon also loved his spirit.

He was truly a man of the people.  Benny was real.  He was seldom seen without a smile and he always had time to stop and speak and gave much of his time helping others.

Knowing nothing about me other than I was writing for TMOTTGoGo and dealt mainly with the gospel bands, Benny ensured me that while I was in his presence, there would be no words or actions that would be offensive. 

That gesture of respect for me proved to me what a genuine heart Benny had.