The sudden death of soulful singer Thomas “TC” Clay sent shock waves throughout the music community that were off the Richter scale.
The exceptional singer/musician, was found unresponsive in his hotel room this Sunday after what was said to be yet another amazing performance at the Community Worship Center in Jamaica Queens that took place Saturday, October 15th.
It was evident, on every prominent social media platform, the pain that many movers and shakers in the gospel industry and beyond, were experiencing once this news began to spread. Post after post after post reflect the wounds of a hard blow as well as heavy hearts looking for peace and resolution.
So who was Thomas Clay and why was his impact so profound?
Robert Hasan James, DJ at WIMG 1300 AM deemed him “the prince of gospel” and “a genuis.” His posts reflect not just a music relationship but a true brotherly relationship that ended way too soon. 
If you were to check out his social media pages even now, you would sense the frustration he seemed to have for how people (especially the church) treated one another at times. Rising music star, SheNice Johnson, reflected on Thomas Clay as one who showed empathy and compassion, unlike too many well noted talents that grace this industry. According to Shenice (also the daughter of R&B artist Tweet and a bgv for Tye Tribbett’s SoundCheck), TC desired unity among artists.
So who was he? He was loved…he was respected…he was admired…and he has left gaping hearts with a lot of questions, none of which can currently be answered. He experienced homelessness and rejection, which often spoke of during his live performances and on social media, which resulted in deep and powerful worship experiences communicated to his audience during every performance.
His pastor, Jason Nelson, posted earlier today a video admonishing the public to dispel rumors that cannot be confirmed…ranging anywhere from suicide to music industry conspiracy theories, none of which can be confirmed. (Below is a post from his pastor’s brother, Jonathan Nelson).
What’s eerie is this post TC posted just days before his last performance on his social media page:
What’s encouraging and comforting is this post just a few days before that:
What can be confirmed from one person to the next and even from his own thoughts and life reflections is that He loved God. He loved life. And he was genuine. With the love being shown to him from his friends and loved ones, surely we know him “after the spirit.”
2 Corinthians 5:16
Thomas Clay leaves behind a six year old son (Tahir). His family is asking for your prayers.
The hashtag used to show condolences and see many of his worship experiences on social media is #allwillmakesensesoon. The following is a video of his performance. You can feel the anointing (those of you who are truly in the spirit know what I mean). The lyrics? both fortelling and heartfelt…Wow!
“I didn’t know you but I can feel you. Rest in peace warrior.”
-Kimberly M.M. Lyles of Indie Gospel Revealed
BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN, ABOUT OUR FAMILY FRIEND, A BEAUTIFUL BROTHER IN CHRIST, THANK YOU FOR YOUR POSITIVE, AND KIND,CANDID INSIGHT ON T.C. I LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR FUTURE POSTS. CONTINUE TO PRAY FOR US AS WE PREPARE TO CELEBRATE OUR BROTHER’S HOMEGOING. GOD BLESS AND CONTINUE TO BLESS AND KEEP YOU.
Yes ma’am. I will.thank you for extending encouragement at a time of bereavement. That means a whole lot. God surround you with His angels, His peace, His sound mind. In Jesus Name.
This brother had a true relationship with his God – God spoke to him, cause he knew….
I appreciate you sharing this
Beautiful…
☺️ thank you
I remember seeing him in Nashville about two years ago. As he ministered, there wasn’t a dry eye in the place. God really used him and we were blessed.
Wow! Smh
This is truly a reflection of who my cousin was exactly. I appreciate you for the respect and honor of his life, legacy, gift and memory, many of the other articles I read over the years on his passing still evoke an indignation in my spirit. Folks really will say anything for clicks, or attempt to make messy allegations, or disrespectful comments; some act as if they forget or don’t know how sacred losing a family member and loved is. This gave me peace and left a good taste in my mouth because you edified him and my heart is lifted because of your thoughtful and heartfelt words.
I love you for being a reflection of the God we serve as well as being an example of how we are to speak of black men and father’s who are no longer on this side of heaven. God’s blessings shower you exceedingly in the fullnes thereof with overflowing abundance my sister.
Wow sir! I must have been up talking to the Most High so I could see this word of encouragement. I thank you. What many of you may not know is me and countless other musicians couldn’t rest well the night the news was told about his passing. I found out later that a lot of us was up at 2 and 3 in the morning crying … spirit all kind of disturbed over someone we never got the pleasure of even seeing perform personally. God don’t give me peace until I wrote this… Sir I thank and honor YOU. I’ve been talking to his brother about talking about his life over an online radio show. I told him that I didn’t feel right asking earlier but it seems to be the right thing to do now. Please connect with me at Kimberly.bluelite@mail.com when you can please. God bless you even the more.
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