Gospel singer J.B. Mance dies in house fire in Jackson, Mississippi: Reports

J.B. Mance, who some called the "Godfather of Gospel," died in a house fire in Mississippi early Tuesday morning, according to multiple reports citing fire officials.

Mance, 97, died after his home on Newport Street in Jackson, Mississippi caught fire around 2 a.m., WJTV and WAPT reported. Jackson Fire Chief Willie Owens identified Mance as the deceased individual inside the home, according to WAPT.

Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Armon told WJTV that 50% of Mance’s home was damaged during the blaze and that most of the damage was in the front room. No other injuries were reported, he added, per the Jackson, Mississippi-based TV station.

Paste BN contacted the Jackson Fire Department, Jackson Police Department and the Hinds County Medical Examiner's Office on Wednesday but did not immediately receive a response.

J.B. Mance a 'pillar in the Jackson community'

Mance led a group called the Soul Consolators. The group's most popular songs included "Hold On" and "Don't Trust a Snake."

Pastor P.J. Williams said Mance was a member and the oldest deacon of Cornerstone M.B. Church in Jackson, WJTV reported.

“I want people to remember that legend and how he went around the country singing and praying and all of the things he done in the gospel field,” Williams said.

Mance's family told WAPT he was a "pillar in the Jackson community."