PRAYERS! Bishop Michael Brooks has sadly passed away.
His wife, Lisa Page Brooks, had recently posted an emotional video message about her husband and his medical condition.
Lisa and Michael were married in 1997. His wife, Lisa Page Brooks, is part of the iconic gospel group Witness, which some have called the "female version" of Commissioned.
Subsequently, Lisa and Michael launched her solo career with the release of her critically acclaimed debut, More Than You'll Ever Know. Produced by Michael, the album received widespread praise, drawing nominations for Best New Artist at both the 1997 Dove Awards and the 1997 Stellar Awards.
Along with performing, Lisa and Michael are pastors, leading worship services at the Restoration Fellowship Church International in Detroit where Bishop Michael Brooks served as Senior Pastor.
Bishop Brooks was also one of the founding members of the hit gospel group, Commissioned, with Fred Hammond, Keith Staten, Karl Reid, Michael Williams, and Mitchell Jones. Marvin Sapp would join later.
Bishop Brooks played keyboards, synclavier, piano, and organ, and was one of the group's main songwriters and producers along with Fred Hammond.
Although it was a Christian group, Commissioned had a smooth, RnB sound that helped differentiate it from other gospel acts.
With various members, Commissioned recorded 12 albums and were nominated for both Grammy and Stellar Awards.
His other group affiliations included Michael Brooks & The Nation and Michael Brooks & Royal Priesthood. Michael also worked with young Detroit groups.
Bishop Brooks fell ill over a week ago and remained in the hospital.
Bishop Brooks and Lisa Page Brooks have 4 children. Their daughter, Tasha Page Lockhart, is a gospel singer and winner of Sunday Best.
The outpouring of love for Michael Brooks has been immediate and heartfelt.
Fred Hammond wrote: Last night, Park Stewart called me and told me what none of us wanted to hear. Very sad time so if I don’t answer the phone, just give me a couple days. 40 years of history rewound in my mind in five seconds and hit me like a ton of bricks. And it all bow down to this what we accomplished as 23-year-old young men was astounding in world changing. It will never be duplicated.
Marvin Sapp shared: With a heavy heart, I share that one of the founding members of Commissioned, a group I grew up listening to and later became a member of, has transitioned from this life to life eternal. His song catalog got many of us through the late 80s and early 90s, and it remains relevant and inspiring today. He will be missed but never forgotten. Through his music, his legacy will live on. Rest in power.
Deitrick Haddon wrote: My heart is heavy! Bishop Michael Brooks was a kingdom general and a musical genius! He changed the sound of gospel music!! I'll never forget when I got the call to record a song called "Choice To Rejoice" on the "Young Artist For Christ" album! This was my first national recording. I was blown away just to meet him because I was a super fan of the most incredible gospel group ever "Commissioned"!
Keith Staten shared: Bishop, we will miss you and never forget you. Please pray for his wife Lisa, and the entire family
Warryn Campbell simply wrote: Well Done!
Bishop Brooks was only 62 years old. He lost his father, Elder Alvin Eugene Brooks, only about a month ago.
Please keep the Brooks family and Restoration Fellowship Church International family in your prayers!