THE MUSIC INDUSTRY TO MOURN THE PASSING OF
COMPOSER OJI PIERCE
WITH SPECIAL CELEBRATION MEMORIAL

For those who knew him, songwriter / musician Oji Pierce was more than a chart-topping composer.  Co-penning platinum-selling hits like " This Is How We Do It,"  working with music's greats like Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones, and producing acts like Ruff Endz didn't make him a big headed or boastful guy.  He was the quiet type. A soft spoken musical genius of sorts, Pierce was a true and supportive friend to those who knew him. 

        Pierce, age 46, passed away August 6, 2006.  Suffering from complications brought on by sarcoidosis, a disease that inflames the lungs, his passing is still sending shocks through the music industry. 

        His life will be celebrated Tuesday, October 3, 2006 as friends gather to offer their respect at the VanGuard La, located at 6021 Hollywood Blvd. (east of Gower) in Holllwood, CA.  Organized by Donnya Banks, a long time friend of Pierce's, the service will begin promptly at 6:00 p.m. with prayer and a choir performance.  Forty-six doves will then be released to the heavens, followed by a tribute from family and friends.  An all-star jam session is being planned from 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.

        "Oji was such a dear friend," offers Banks.  "Most of us had no idea he was ill.  He was driving from Atlanta to Los Angeles when he stopped at a rest stop.  His body was found in his car in Gallup, N.M.  The car was still running and he had his doctor-prescribed oxygen tank with him.  The loss we feel is pretty unbearable, but we know Oji is with his Maker now."

        To participate in this special celebration, Banks can be reached at RememberingOji@yahoo.com or at (773) 807-4651.  Contributions to cover tribute cost can also be made per a special "Remembering Oji" account set up at Washington Mutual Bank.   Banks is also seeking video and audio clips of Pierce for the presentation.

        Oji Pierce, a native of Statesville, NC, who grew up in Washington D.C. was buried in Statesville at the Mt. Pleasant AME Zion Church on Saturday, August 26, 2006.