Who was Benny Cummings?

Benny Cummings was a Gospel recording artist from the late 70's to mid 80's. From New York, he was one of the premier choir directors of his time. He never experienced mainstream success but influenced most of the choir directors thereafter. Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence, James Hall and Hezekiah Walker all credit Benny Cummings as inspiration. Donnie McClurkin started out singing with his choir. Benny Cummings passed away in 1988 shorty after the release of his last album "With His Stripes".