Solomon McDaniel, Sr.
12/06/1948 - 09/26/2022
Solomon McDaniel Sr. was born to the late Dossie and Gladys McDaniel on December 6, 1948, in Muskegon, Michigan.
He attended Muskegon Heights Public Schools where he graduated and later attended Muskegon Community College and Grand Valley University in Allendale, Michigan, where he obtained his degree.
Solomon accepted Jesus Christ at an early age at The Christ Temple Church. He started playing the piano at the early age of eight and began to love the sound of music. He continued to play all throughout his life until he had to put it on hold and was drafted into the military in 1968. He served his country for eighteen months in Europe.
After serving his country, he later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1976 where he started playing at New Harvest Baptist Church and Temple of Christ Baptist Church. He then started playing at two other churches, New Era Baptist Church and Lake Grove Baptist Church, where he played for over twenty years until he retired.
On December 31, 1980, Solomon married his beloved wife, Gwendolyn Gibson, along with his stepson, Vernon Gibson, and to their union, Solomon McDaniel II was born.
Solomon formed the band “The King Beez” in 1991 where they played at the historic B.B. King’s Club on Beale Street. He performed all over the world with nationally known artists like Shirley Brown, Rufus Thomas, William Bell, Carla Thomas, Ruby Wilson, Isaac Hayes, Al Green, Chaka Khan, and B.B. King. The King Beez had a unique sound where Solomon played the keys for over thirty years. Solomon was so determined that on October 4, 2014, he received a “Brass Note Walk of Fame” in front of B.B. King’s Club. He continued to play until he retired in 2021.
Solomon leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Gwendolyn; his sons, Vernon and Solomon II (Shauntel); his grandchildren, Kaitlin, Caleb, Solomon III, and Serenity; his siblings, Abner McDaniel of Memphis, TN, Darwin McDaniel, Dorothy McDaniel, Betina McDaniel, Oneata Bailey (Brian), Emma Sargent, Kristi Thomas, & Loretta Sargent, all of Muskegon, MI, Andrew McDaniel (Robin) & Nathaniel McDaniel (Gladiola), all of Detroit, MI, Debra Matthews (Jerome) of Indianapolis, IN, Mary Ross, Patsy McDaniel, Joyce McDaniel, Micheal May (Bonnie), and Samuel McDaniel (Linda), all of California; sisters-in-law, Linda, Shirley, Arberdella, and Martha; his brothers-in-law, Leroy and Joe Gibson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and friends.
Solomon will be truly missed by all of his loved ones.
The family will receive friends on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 4:00pm until 6:00pm at R. S. Lewis Funeral Home, 374 Vance Ave. Memphis, TN 38126. Homegoing services will be Saturday, October 8, 2022 at 11:00am at Lake Grove Baptist Church 265 Leath St. Memphis, TN 38105
Interment will be held on Monday, October 10, 2022 at 11:00am at West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.