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Anthony Rayvon White, 68, singer and piano player

He opened for popular entertainers and played in churches.

Anthony Rayvon White
Anthony Rayvon WhiteRead more

IF YOU NEEDED musical entertainment for a special event, Anthony White would have been your man.

Anthony was a child prodigy on the piano, and in later years he was in demand everywhere, from funeral homes to churches to the performance halls where he opened for some of Philly's outstanding musicians.

"Anthony was always willing to play for any event you asked," his family said.

Anthony Rayvon White, who formerly worked for the Pennsylvania Unemployment Office and the University of Pennsylvania Science Center, a king of the barbecue grill who loved to entertain, died April 23 after a brief illness. He was 68 and lived in South Philadelphia.

Anthony could also sing, and his musical choices ranged from gospel to soul to R&B and rock 'n' roll. He opened for performances by the late Philadelphia singer Teddy Pendergrass and Philly's own Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, among others.

He was born in Philadelphia to David White Sr. and the former Edna Epps. He attended Peirce Business School and the Settlement School of Music and took training as a court stenographer and in computer science.

Anthony started playing the piano at age 9. He joined the United House of Prayer for All People, known as the "Mother House," and became an elder.

He organized a number of choirs, including the Echoes of McCollough and the Mighty Clouds of McCollough. Bishop William McCollough succeeded Bishop Charles Manuel "Sweet Daddy" Grace, founder of the House of Prayer, who died in 1960. McCollough died in 1991.

Anthony also founded the Young Peoples Choir of the United House of Prayer and the Ambassadors. He played the snare drum and marched with the color guards and flag line for the Pennsylvania State Band of United House of Prayer.

He also played piano for a number of Philadelphia funeral homes, including Slater, Terry and Francis.

Anthony wrote his own music and cut records in the 1960s.

In 1982, Anthony went to Mount Zion Baptist Church as a pianist. He played for the Gospel Chorus, Brotherhood Chorus, Gospel Heirs, Fellowship Mass Choir and Children's Choir whenever needed.

He led the Men's Day and Unity Day choirs, and played for the annual Usher Sermon March.

Anthony never married and had no children, but he had strong affection for nieces, nephews and godchildren and enjoyed having them over for his famous barbecues. He also loved his pet dogs.

He is survived by a sister, Barbara Ann Nichols, and a brother, David R. White Jr.

Services: Were Saturday. Burial was at Fernwood Cemetery.