“Marvin McQuitty was just as concerned about his rhythm on drums as he was with the rhythm of life.” This is a quote from one of Gospel music’s most prolific producers Aaron Lindsey, and it is one of many profound moments in The Man, The Musician, The Mentor: a Full Length Documentary Of Marvin Mcquitty, Jr.
McQuitty’s wife and family worked painstakingly on this documentary as a way of honoring his life and preserving his legacy. As the name suggests, the documentary provides an intimate look at who McQuitty was when he was behind a drum set and beyond. The documentary will premiere this Friday, October 25 at 7 p.m. at Grace Church Garden Oaks Theatre in Houston.
The premiere is free and open to the public. Plans for further release of the documentary will be announced at a later date.
Marvin McQuitty’s discography is quite prolific, and the documentary features interviews with many of the award-winning artists and producers he’s worked with – including: Teddy Campbell, Fred Hammond, Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, Mary Mary and Mario Winans; as well as fellow drummers Alex Acuna, Gorden Campbell, Dennis Chambers, Cora Coleman-Dunham, Gerald Heyward, Will Kennedy, Bill Maxwell and Aaron Spears.
Marvin McQuitty, Jr. was a world-renowned musician who many considered the “Godfather of Gospel Drummers.”
Modern Drummer described him as “soulful and deep-pocketed” and in January 2013 he was posthumously honored with the BMI Trailblazers Lifetime Achievement Award. Throughout his career, McQuitty collaborated with a who’s who of artists, including Yolanda Adams; Gerald Albright; Sheila E.; Fred Hammond; Marvin Sapp; Jessica Simpson; Vanessa Williams; CeCe Winans, and Stevie Wonder. He also served a total of 20 years as a church musician – including seven years at Straight Gate Church in Detroit. He passed away just shy of his 25th anniversary of marriage to Kim McQuitty. They had two daughters – Marielle and Simone.
