as he sought to energize the sit-in activism and push the limits of nonviolent dissent encouraged by the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. “We pleaded not guilty,” wrote Mr. Gaither, who died Dec ...

Mr. Gaither, who went on to play an important role in the 1961 Freedom Rides, died on Dec. 23 at his home in Prospect, Pa., north of Pittsburgh, his family said. He was 86. A little-sung catalyst ...

Three members of family gospel group The Nelons died in a plane crash last year. A surviving daughter is set to attend the Grammys on their behalf.

Four others who were onboard the plane also died in the crash ... brought to the hotel where artists were gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray, sing and embrace them in their grief ...