Professor James W. Wade II celebrated his 75th birthday in grand style at Imani Temple Ministries, 2463 North Taylor Road, in Cleveland Heights. Professor Wade has inspired many musicians over the years.
By JAMES W. WADE III
Staff Reporter
Professor James W. Wade II celebrated his 75th birthday in grand style at Imani Temple Ministries, 2463 North Taylor Road, in Cleveland Heights. Professor Wade has inspired many musicians over the years.
The program had who’s who of Cleveland list of attendees who just came out to enjoy a spirit filled service. Danita Harris Pratt served as the Mistress of Ceremony and so was blessed by the tribute that she got her dance in for the Lord.
Mr. Robert Gabrielle open by saying how much Wade meant to him, how through the years he became like a dad to him.
Music was provided by Imani Temple Ministries choir, Morning Star Baptist Church choir, Sister Lucretia Bolden, Nawassa Brown, and Rochelle Woods to name a few.
Elder Gonelcha Askew gave a brief talk about how Wade influenced his life.
While talking, he was encouraged to play something on the organ and that was start of the praise session. Other speakers included one of his long time friends the Rev. Dr. Earl Preston and George Qua.
Longtime friend and original Wade Singer, Gwen Gabrielle, did a special medley of hymns for him and Polly Askew sung the “King is Coming.” Chris Delk spoke about how the Lord has blessed Wade after his stroke.
Vivian Wilson, from Karamu House, presented Wade with a plaque from them honoring him at the gospel musical “Black Nativity.” The choir from Imani Temple Ministries presented him with many gifts as well as a fruit basket from the church.
Many remembered the nights at Temple Baptist Church with the broadcast where they could hear Wade tuning the Hammond B3 organ up with “The Lord is on my Side” which was the theme song for the church.
Wade is a talented musician. He began playing at a very young age at Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church. After a few years, he took his talents to Temple Baptist Church where the pastor was Rev. Eugene W. Ward Sr.
James Wade II was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a graduate of East Technical High School and Baldwin Wallace College where he majored in Finance.
Wade worked for Central National Bank and also for the Minority Business Development Agency as a manager where he certified minority businesses.
Wade has ruled the Hammond B-3 organ, which gained him the nickname, Professor Wade. He revolutionized the instrument, showing it could be creatively used in a church setting as it uplifted most who heard him play. He has dedicated his life to playing gospel music.
Wade is renowned as a pianist, organist, and keyboardist. He has played with the late Rev. James Cleveland, Charles Fold and other gospel greats. He has taught music, conducted choral groups and managed large concert musicals.
He has performed for the Cleveland Chapter of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. He has been seen and heard live on Temple Baptist Church’s Sunday night broadcast, on recordings, and on television playing on the “I’m So Happy” program for years.
He directed the Hour of Consolation Choir at Temple Baptist Church where he served as the Minister of Music for almost 50 years under the senior Rev. Ward and Rev. A. E. Campbell, Jr.
The Jubilee Committee did an outstanding job putting the program together.
Michael Harrison’s idea of honoring Professor Wade was a blessing for everyone in attendance. Other members of the committee included Yulanda Lloyd, Henrieta Kearse, and his namesake James W. Wade III.
James Wade II currently serves as a staff musician for Imani Temple Ministries where the pastor is Rev. Rodney Thomas.
