Thomas Whitfield (singer)

Thomas Anthony Whitfield (April 30, 1954 – June 20, 1992) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, arranger, pianist, choir director and producer. He was best known for helping to shape the fabric of contemporary gospel music with his elaborate choral arrangements and the merging of musical styles, ranging from jazz to classical, into traditional black gospel foundations.This style earned him the title of "Maestro" from many of his colleagues and supporters. Whitfield was best known for organizing one of the popular contemporary gospel choirs of all time, the Thomas Whitfield Company, and for producing best-selling records for Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Shirley Caesar, Yolanda Adams, Douglas Miller, Keith Pringle, Paul Morton and Aretha Franklin.