(March 11, 2018) Nearly eight years ago I first heard the song “Miracle” by Abraham McDonald, and I simply stopped in my tracks. With a classic, dramatically soulful voice, “A.B.” ripped through the song, hitting the kind of climactic heights that we often heard from Luther or Donny, but not many others. Here was a singer with a unique gift. But tonight, SoulTrackers are in mourning as we report Mr. McDonald’s death, at age 41.
On McDonald’s Facebook page today, the following notice was posted: It is with the greatest heartbreak that I his sister @TheeCoachBreeze announce the passing of my brother @AbrahamMcDonald. He was loved by so many. Please allow time for our family to grieve. We will send out memorial information when we have all the details. Rest my love Heaven.
(March 11, 2018) Nearly eight years ago I first heard the song “Miracle” by Abraham McDonald, and I simply stopped in my tracks. With a classic, dramatically soulful voice, “A.B.” ripped through the song, hitting the kind of climactic heights that we often heard from Luther or Donny, but not many others. Here was a singer with a unique gift. But tonight, SoulTrackers are in mourning as we report Mr. McDonald’s death, at age 41.
On McDonald’s Facebook page today, the following notice was posted: It is with the greatest heartbreak that I his sister @TheeCoachBreeze announce the passing of my brother @AbrahamMcDonald. He was loved by so many. Please allow time for our family to grieve. We will send out memorial information when we have all the details. Rest my love Heaven.
Introduced to many via his amazing performances on Oprah’s Karaoke Challenge, McDonald was signed by Def Jam Records and teamed with legendary songwriter Diane Warren (who was a judge on the show) and producer Rex Rideout. He wowed urban adult contemporary radio with his auspicious debut song, "Miracle," and made additional appearances on Oprah. Unfortunately, an album did not follow, and we heard only sporadic singles from him over the years (most recently, 2016's "Better"), though he was able to tour the world as a performer.
The death of any man at such a young age is simply tragic, but it is particularly biting when it is an artist who touched us, even if briefly. And Abraham Mcdonald touched us. We send our condolences to his family, and we take a moment to listen to the glorious song that first stunned me in 2010 with its beauty. Rest in peace, Mr. McDonald.
By Chris Rizik