Gospel Singer Fatally Stabbed

Beloved Singer Jubilant Sykes Dies After Fatal Stabbing

The music community is mourning the loss of Jubilant Sykes, a Grammy-nominated baritone whose voice bridged gospel, opera, jazz, and sacred music with remarkable power and heart. Sykes died on December 8, 2025, at the age of 71, after being fatally stabbed in his home in Santa Monica, California. Authorities have arrested his 31-year-old son, Micah, who is expected to face homicide charges as the investigation continues.

Sykes first emerged on the national music scene in 1981 with his debut album Number of the Lord, produced by Light Records, a label also known for gospel pioneer Andraé Crouch. Even early on, critics and music historians recognized the extraordinary quality of his baritone, noting its richness, range, and emotional depth.

Rather than staying within one musical lane, Sykes’s career was defined by its genre-crossing breadth. He performed gospel and spirituals with radiant devotion, captivated opera audiences at institutions like the Metropolitan Opera, and showcased his adaptability across jazz, classical concert halls, and sacred music venues worldwide. In 2009, his performance as the Celebrant in Leonard Bernstein’s Mass earned him a Grammy nomination, underscoring the artistic respect he commanded from peers and audiences alike.

Colleagues and fans alike often spoke not just of Sykes’s technical brilliance, but of the way his music seemed to emanate from a deep personal faith. He viewed every performance — whether in church or on a global stage — as an act of worship. That perspective helped him collaborate with a wide range of musicians, from classical figures to contemporary worship artists.

Sykes was also a familiar presence at Grace Community Church in Southern California, where he served in the music ministry for decades and built long-lasting relationships grounded in fellowship and faith.

Beyond his musical legacy, Sykes was remembered by friends and family as a humble, generous spirit whose life reflected a sincere devotion to God and to others. As tributes continue to pour in from around the world, his influence — both artistic and spiritual — endures through the many lives his music touched.