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“I’ve got more to go to heaven for than I had yesterday.” These words were penned some thirty plus years ago by one of our industry’s legendary songwriters, Jack Campbell. This is the sentiment of all of us who have known him through the years. Jack was born on August 6, 1927 and was promoted to his new home, on February 12, 2007. He has left a great void in the Gospel Music world.

I became acquainted with this gentleman, first through his music. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Gospel radio was filled with his music. Many of the industry’s top artists, including, the Rambo’s, the Inspirations, the Speer Family, the Kingsmen Qt., and soloist, Governor Jimmie Davis, filled their albums with Jack Campbell’s music. More recently, country legend, George Jones recorded his classic song, “I Know a Man Who Can.” His catalog of songs include other great gospel songs such as, “Oh What a Happy Day,” “The Best Is Yet to Come,” “The Next Step,” “I’m Going Up,” “Jesus Use Me,” “March Around the Throne,” and “I’ve Got More to Go to Heaven For Than I Had Yesterday.”

Having grown up in Northeast Arkansas, I had the privilege of working concerts with and hearing Jack and his group, the Ambassadors. His group, through the years, was often made up of himself, his wife, and an array of young people. In his forty plus years of traveling, he mentored over 45 teens and young adults, giving them their first opportunity to sing and play Gospel Music. His son, Chris, a great bass guitar player and songwriter, would go on to play for the Happy Goodman Family and would later join the McGruders, singing baritone. Keyboard player, Denny Autry, would join the McGruders and play an instrumental part in their early success, both as a musician and vocalist. Even a young Gene McDonald, the great bass singer of the Florida Boys, would spend time as part of the Ambassadors, singing tenor.

One of the greatest honors of my life took place in October of 2006, as I was able to present the Mid America Gospel Music Association, Lifetime Achievement Award to Jack Campbell. After reading a list of his accomplishments, a standing ovation greeted him as he came to the stage. With the classic Jack Campbell sense of humor, he quipped, “I never knew that I was such a big shot.” Well sir, you most certainly were in my life and to generations of Gospel Music fans.

To Ms. Charlene, Chris, and his extended Gospel Music family, please accept our deepest love and condolences. I’m sure that he is already marching around the throne.

I will close by quoting the chorus to one of his great songs. This should be the theme of Christians around the world.

“Jesus use me, and Lord please don’t refuse me,
Surely there’s a work that I can do.
And even though it’s humble, help my will to crumble.
Though the cost be great, I’ll work for you.”

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