Order of Service
Scores of an Amazing Life
Celebrating the Life of Al “The Bishop” Hobbs Officiating Pastor Henzy Green, Jr. MDiv. Emmaus Christian Church - Indianapolis, Indiana 46254
Processional.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Trust Me .......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Richard Smallwood /How Great Thou Art Scripture Old Testament : Psalm 103 vs. 1-5................................................................................................................................................................ Rev. Eddie Long-Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Muncie, Indiana
New Testament: John 14: 1-7..................................................................................................................................................................................... Pastor Matthew Ball- Faith Apostolic Church, Carmel, Indiana
Prayer....................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Suff. Bishop C. Shawn Tyson, Christ Church Apostolic, Indianapolis, Indiana Selection.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Kathy Taylor – Medley Civic Leaders/Gov’t Representatives.............................................................................................................................................................................................. Congressman Andre Carson, US House of Representatives
Counselor Maggie Lewis, President of the City County Council
Selection – .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mimi Redd- “Order My Steps” Community Tributes – ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Bill Crawford; Jay Johnson; Don Jackson (Stellar Awards) Selection..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Pastor Yvette Flunder “Just Call Him” Raisin the Praise Album
Mass Choir – “All Is Well”
Kurt Carr –“For Every Mountain”
OBITUARY READING Acknowledgements........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Ruthie Motley – Proclamations
Bishop Ryan Warner- Acknowledgements
Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) Tribute �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������Mark Smith Gospel Announcers Guild-GMWA (GAG) Tribute........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ Bishop Sam Williams Gospel Industry Tributes................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Vicki Mack Lataillaide, Dr. Bobby Jones Selection.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. Angela Spivey –“ So You Would Know” ALEHO Tributes...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Tammy Taylor, Sanchez Harley Selection...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Byron Cage – “Royalty” Family Tributes.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Hobbs Family, Coleman Family, Hobbs Children Selection..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Mass Choir Clergy Tribute.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Bishop Tom Garrett Benjamin, Jr.; Bishop Larry Trotter Pastoral Tribute...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Rev. Melvin Girton Selection................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Oscar Williams – “Safety” Words of Comfort......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Bishop Albert Jamison
Pastor, Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
Chairman of the Board, Gospel Music Workshop of America Call to Discipleship Benediction
Recessional.......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... “Goin’ Up Yonder”
Obituary Alfonza Earl Hobbs was born June 4, 1943 to Clara Dean
Madden and Labodia Hobbs in Decatur, Alabama. At an early age, Al was destined to be a leader, with his take-charge nature, though at one point he was pressing forward in the wrong direction. While growing up Hobbs was somewhat of a leader of neighborhood mayhem. One Sunday, when coming home from Sunday school, Al stopped to participate in a huge crap game. The gathering was so big that one of his neighbors could not get into his garage, so he called the police. Hobbs was afraid and froze in his tracks while the others fled. He was arrested and released shortly thereafter. Having visions that this situation could happen to him again; his mother picked him up from the station, took him to the church and pleaded with the Pastor to get him involved with the choir. Hobbs often said, “Gospel music and my mom saved my life.” It was his love of Gospel music that led him to give his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized. Hobbs spent most of his time in the church, singing in the choir and honing his piano skills. Al grew in talent and was recruited to join “Lucille Jones and the Travelling Notes,” who he sang with for several years. After graduation from Central High School in Louisville, Kentucky, Hobbs left for Indianapolis to attend Butler University, but was unable to enroll because he learned that his mother needed his tuition money to fix the furnace. Being the enterprising young man that he was, he went looking for work. His first brief employment was at A & P Grocery Store where he sharpened his people skills, which then led him to 7-11 grocery store where he worked his way up to store manager; growing it to the most profitable store in the chain. Al was persuaded to leave 7-11 to join WTLC radio in its early days by then General Manager, Tom Mathis. Al quickly rose through the ranks, becoming an on air-personality and Sales Manager in 1974. He eventually became Vice President/General Manager and Partner in 1979. Hobbs’ Sunday afternoon Gospel program, “The Love Express” garnered huge ratings and exposed generations to quality Gospel music. It was here that he became affectionately known to his radio listeners as “The Bishop.” For 25 years, Hobbs helped grow WTLC into a major broadcasting outlet in Indianapolis and one of the nation’s leading Black radio stations. His never ending quest to serve led him to be a longtime member and original Board Member of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), the 30,000 member organization founded by the Gospel giant Rev. James Cleveland. Al organized the GMWA Gospel Announcers Guild (GAG), the largest association of Gospel announcers in the world. After the passing of GMWA President Rev. James Cleveland, he became the organization’s first chairman and insured the continuation of Cleveland’s incredible legacy.
Hobbs’ entrepreneurial drive caused him to emerge as a force in Gospel music nationally. As a singer, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur, he also founded ALEHO International Music. Hobbs accepted his God-given charge to make music for the heart of the Church. His first artist the “GMWA Women of Worship” offered the world the Church standard, “Order My Step.” ALEHO’s roster of artists has birthed some of the most dominate voices in Gospel today. As a strong supporter of community-based initiatives, Hobbs became Vice-President of Public Relations and Marketing of Indiana Black Expo. He worked closely with Indiana Black Expo (IBE) President Rev. Charles Williams to help build IBE into the nation’s largest event of its kind. Hobbs’ event management company, ALEHO Enterprises, created the “StarQuest Talent Competition,” which became a regular staple at IBE; showcasing great Indiana talent and developing rising stars, who eventually became R&B and Gospel artist. ALEHO also created and managed major events for GMWA and the Circle City Classic. IBE honored Hobbs with their Trailblazer’s Award at the 2014 Corporate Luncheon. As demonstration to his passion for the Indianapolis community, Hobbs founded the annual Christmas Season event, “We Can Feed the Hungry.” This helping hand program provided groceries for thousands of needy Indianapolis area families. He has received numerous honors including, a Sagamore of the Wabash – Indiana’s highest civic honor; the Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association, and the Broadcaster’s Hall of Fame. In 2007, he celebrated 50 years in Gospel Music, and was honored by the Stellar Awards for his contributions to Gospel Music. Al maintained an incredibly hectic work schedule, but was blessed to find the love of his life through his work in 1987, Gabrella Coleman-Hobbs. Their marriage provided such stability, balance and happiness to Al’s life; however their 15 year union was brought to an early close when Gabrella transitioned to be with the Lord in 2002. Al cherished his three loving children, Alex, Asha, and Bridgett Hobbs. He was particularly proud that all three are college graduates and committed Christians. Al is preceded in in death by his wife, Gabrella Coleman-Hobbs and leaves his legacy to his children, Alex, Asha, and Bridgett; sister Betty; brothers, Benjamin, Jameel, Stephen, and Mark (deceased); cousin Mark Madden, and a host of close family and friends. Al will be remembered for jubilant personality and his many “Hobb-isms,” and one “ism” that is sure to bring laughter is: “SMILE…while you STILL… got yo’ teeth!”
We salute Al “The Bishop” Hobbs Don Jackson, CEO of Central City Productions-The Stellar Awards tapped Al Hobbs to coordinate The prestigious Radio Stations of the Year Award, which was launched in 2006. Don’s idea and Al’s leadership received tremendous response. This Award was established to recognize and honor radio stations in various markets for their commitment to playing Gospel music. These radio stations have assisted in building strong alliances between the stations and the communities they serve. It is the fan participation and their support of the radio stations in all of the markets that have made the most significant contributions to the popularity of Radio Stations, Gospel Music Artists, and Gospel Announcers. Al, who hosted his own radio show led The Radio Station of the Year/Announcers award for 8 years. To God Be the Glory.
We will remember Al “the Bishop” Hobbs during the 2015 Stellar Awards Radio Station of The Year March 28, 2015 30th Annual STELLAR AWARDS Orleans Convention Center Las Vegas, Nevada
In recogrnition of Al’s contribution to the gospel music industry, a scholarship has been established. The scholarship will be presented annually to a deserving student. Please direct contributions to: Al “the Bishop” Hobbs Scholarship Fund Old National Bank - 5550 Lafayette Road #200 Indianapolis, Indiana 46254 (317) 297-9021