Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon’s Baby Father, Cordell Reagon, Preceded Her in Demise!
Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon, an American singer and civil rights activist, passed away on July 16, 2024. While her baby’s father, Cordell Preceded, passed away from a still unresolved homicide.
The American singer’s daughter confirmed her demise; however, the prime reason behind her passing remains concealed.
Bernice founded Sweet Honey in the Rock, an all-black woman a cappella ensemble based in Washington, D.C., in 1973.
Her commitment to using the power of collective singing and powerful voice spread the message of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s.
Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon and Cordell Reagon Were Married For Four Years!
The celebrated American singer and activist Bernice Johnson Reagon and her baby father, Cordell Hull Reagon, were founding members of The Freedom Singers.
Born as the youngest of 14 children, Cordell was also an activist and singer; hence, their common ground strengthened their relationship.
He was the founder of the quartet The Freedom Singers, which sang gospel freedom songs in support of the civil rights movement.
Dr. Bernice married Cordell Reagon in 1963. However, their seemingly blissful marital life didn’t last long and took a turn after a couple of years.
Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon's commitment to using music and rigorous study to understand Black life set the path for the framework of DJ Scholarship. She has a songbook that can push us through find her voice, then let her rest. pic.twitter.com/2fEhAvSMwK
— DJ Scholarship (A Framework) (@lynneedenise) July 18, 2024
Bernice and Cordell, her baby’s father, divorced in 1967. The precise reason behind their failed relationship remains unknown.
Bernice and Cordell married for four years and welcomed a daughter, Toshi Reagon, on January 27, 1964.
Born to a musician household, it wasn’t uncommon for Toshi to follow in her parents’ footsteps. She now serves as a musician of multi-genre, including rock and funk.
Later, Cordell married his second wife, Merble Harrington of Connecticut, after his divorce from Bernice.
Reportedly, Cordell and Merble met for the first time when Cordell performed at Smith College, where Merble was a student.
He lived with Merble in New York City from 1965 until 1988. Nonetheless, the American singer Cordell experienced two failed marriages in a row.
In addition to sharing Toshi with Bernice, he had two children, Mar Reagon and DaLisa Regaon.
He passed away on November 12, 1996, in Berkeley, California, at the age of 53. Cordell remained an activist until his last breath.
Additional Information
- Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon earned her doctorate degree in history from Howard University.
- In addition, to sharing a daugter Toshi with Cordell, Bernice had a son named Kwan from her other relationship.
- Bernice and Cordell Reagon’s daughter Toshi Reagon, a singer, is a lesbian.
