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Merrell's performance was was sublime.
From: Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
How did you hear about this site? Searching info on Merrell
Happy birthday Merrell, you would have been 73 today. I listened to All Good Gifts twice just now to honor you, and I still melt every time. God please give him a hug and we thank you for giving us Merrell. May he bless you and sing your praises forevermore.
I love Merrell! What a beautiful soul God created! He appears to be the epitome of what every human being should strive to be! What a role model for the youth and for people of all ages! And you are so right. This is a person who could be so many peoples best friend! I love watching Godspell and I love watching Merrell!I can=E2=80=99t wait to someday meet h= im in heaven!
From: Niagara Falls NY
How did you hear about this site? Search!
Merrell's version of "Thank You, Lord" inspires me every time I feel like I'm taking life for granted. He was a great talent. He has inspired me since I was a child. Thanks, Merrell!
From: New Albany, Indiana
How did you hear about this site? A GodSpell website
I recently listened to the Godspell musical and was captivated by the music, so I searched for the movie and was astonished by everyones performances. I was sad to learn that Merrell had passed and hadn't gone on to act in another other movies, as other comments have said his voice and smile really shined and he was very entertaining and captivating to watch. Rest Well Merrell
I have seen Godspell many many times on stage and screen and especially the film version with dear Merell. What a dear soul and talented man he was. I watched it again today for Easter.
From: Bronx NY
How did you hear about this site? Google
God Bless Merrell and all of the Godspell family on and offscreen. Always ❤️
From: Lancaster NY
How did you hear about this site? Wikipedia
Thank you for this page. The way you have commented about Merrell is exactly the way I feel about his performance and aura. I love the music to Godspell- still gives me chills when I hear it ! 2/27/24
From: Toledo
How did you hear about this site? link from Wikipedia
Actresses and actors in this movie did their best.
From: S=C3=A3o Paulo, Brazil
How did you hear about this site? Google
I remember vividly the release of GodSpell. As a white guy who had lost my black mate to drugs, I was immediately enamored with Merrill; his voice, his mannerisms, his presence. Merrill=E2=80=99s innocence shown = through in GodSpell. As I write, I find myself in tears for the loss of both my mate and Merrill. The 1970=E2=80=99s seem so long ago now that I=E2=80=99m = 70, but listening to Merrill sing All Good Gifts brings all the love and memories flooding back. Rest in peace my love. Rest in peace Merrill.
Lovely tribute site, thank you! In case you didn=E2=80=99t know, = "All good gifts around us" is also known as "we plough the fields and scatter" - written in 1781 by a German composer and translated to English in 1860 (or thereabouts).
From: Barrow in Furness, uk
How did you hear about this site? Search on internet
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From: Barnaul
How did you hear about this site? Google
I'm so happy I found out his name...who he was. I love the film and the soundtrack of Godspell and one of my favourites is sung by Merrell "All Good Gifts". You are so right about Merrell being so natural and a loving person in this film. I hope to meet him some day up in heaven. I'd love to be his friend. He was and is a beautiful person...that is evident. He certainly had the Lord in his heart. The directors, choreographers, camera crew and fellow actors as well as the composer of most of the soundtrack had to be in awe watching Merrell's performance. He was truly blessed by God and he was mean't to play his part in Godspell. I thank the Lord for all his good gifts almost daily and I can often hear Merrell singing "I really want to thank the Lord" near the end of the song over and over in my head. Thank you for having this Tribute site. I'm 65 now, but grew up in the 70s and remember seeing "Godspell for the first time on TV. I ran out and bought the LP right away. Merrell and the rest of the cast and Godspell have touched me deeply throughout my life. Rest in peace Merrell and THANK YOU for YOUR GIFT to us all! Terry
From: South Hazelton
How did you hear about this site? Internet Search of Merrell Jackson's name=
Happy Heavenly Birthday Merrell 🕊️❤️🕊️
How did you hear about this site? Web
My 13 year old heart ❤ is ever present with me. I listened to this LP over 1000 times I'm sure. Feeling the Peace, Love, and Joy in the Lord brilliantly shared by the Godspell ll cast singing this song and the effervescent Merrill. It brings joyful tears to my eyes. See you in Heaven Mr. Jackson keep smiling on us and singing with the angels 😇
From: Palo Alto, CA, currently Living in Kapolei HI
How did you hear about this site? My brother and I were reminiscing about
Great talent. Gone too soon. Sad.
From: Orangevale
How did you hear about this site? google
I saw the movie in '86,and Merrell had this sweet purity about him. He was handsome,too.
From: Pittsburgh
How did you hear about this site? Just searched
I got to thinking about where they were now in 2022 and started looking into on them. I remember the song Day by Day and often sing it while waiting.
From: Texas
How did you hear about this site? I just found it from searching for info.
Watching this movie - again.it has been a favorite since it=E2=80= =99s inception and Merrill=E2=80=99s portrayal, his voice, his smile, were the s= tuff of pure joy.
From: Rocklin CA
How did you hear about this site? I was researching the cast.
A great song!
From: New Brighton
How did you hear about this site? web search
Merril was so very talented. But also kind and giving. I was a teacher at Calumet and Merril took over the duties of the talent show and made it a success.
From: DEERFIELD
How did you hear about this site? Marsha Warfield
When I hear him sing my heart and chest fills with love
I've been watching Godspell my whole life and I just now looked up Merrell and was heartbroken and devestated to find out that Merrell passed he was always my favorite character to wtach perform in Godspell and All Good Gifts has always been my favorite song from that movie. Merrell Jackson looked like he was the nicest most ambitious and kind hearted person on the planet I wish I was born in time to some how meet him, if anyone can tell me stories or give me any information about him or what happened to him or what he did after godspell then please feel free to email me, R.I.P. Merrell Jackson, fly high...
From: Tampa Florida
How did you hear about this site? Looked up the Godspell cast
I am a huge fan of Merrell Jacksons from God Spell movie he had an incredible singing voice he was one of my favorites in that movie.
From: Flint
How did you hear about this site? from Google.
Beautiful.
From: Massapequa, NY
I sing in the Freshman Chorus and Acapella Choir with Merrell at Calumet High School many years ago. We also had an English class together. I was a great admirer of his and knew he would go on to do great things. His friend Brenda Farmer, who passed shortly after graduation, was also a friend. I loved all of Merrell's amazing performances. I wonder what he would be doing now.
From: Chicago, IL
How did you hear about this site? I was contacted by a fan who wanted to
From: Barrie
How did you hear about this site? Wikipedia
Rest In Peace Merril, you are truly miss, Love always your High School Buddy Mary
From: Chicago
How did you hear about this site? Online looking up Merrill=E2=80=99s name
I fell in love with Merrill Jackson=E2=80=99s beautiful voice and youthful innocence way back when the movie first previewed. I still love = =E2=80=9C All Good Gifts=E2=80=9D and wish he could have lived to fulfill his gift. G= od Bless You, Merrill.❤️
From: Philadelphia
How did you hear about this site? Research
When I was 11yrs old I played this song over and over. I'm 60 now and just introduced my husband to Godspell the movie tonight. I still love this song so much and the way it touches my soul. Merrell's infectious smile will stay in my heart forever!! A great talent gone too soon! 😥❤
From: Chicago
How did you hear about this site? Internet search
Wonderful to find this site! Yes, my infinite gratitude for Godspell, and for this tribute site, without which I would not have been drawn into Merrell, a superb dancer and singer. Beautiful soul.
From: Kobe, Japan
How did you hear about this site? Just stumbled onto this while googling.
Thank you so much for this tribute page. Merrell's musical and spiritual beauty in Godspell were so apparent and infectious. I am grateful to have this memory of him.
From: NYC
How did you hear about this site? Google
i have not watched Godspell for years and have not recalled much of this movie but I just watched this movie twice in one day as I am captivated by this movie and especially by Merell! You are so right! What a bright light of Christ Merell is in such a dark world as we are living in today!! And you are so right! What a truly beautiful soul He was! What an inspiration he is!
From: Buffalo NY
How did you hear about this site? Searched Merellls name.
I just watched Godspell and enjoyed Merrell's performance. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
From: Fort Wayne
How did you hear about this site? Goggle
Merrels smile was indeed infectious and I hope to meet and hug him one day in paradise.
From: Las Vegas, New Mexico
How did you hear about this site? Searching information on him via Gidspell
I love this site. Its a fitting tribute to such a beautiful Earth Angel. Im sure Merill is singing with the angels above.
From: San Diego, Ca
How did you hear about this site? Google
Gone far too soon.
From: Washington
How did you hear about this site? link from relate GodSpell search
Thank you for creating this site. Watching Godspell again and in awe of Merrell=E2=80=99s angelic voice. His smile lights up my heart.
From: Cleveland Ohio
How did you hear about this site? Google search
just re-watching the movie (for the 30th - 50th time)
From: Melbourne Australia
How did you hear about this site? google
He was my favorite in Godspell. Thanks for sharing about him.
Merrell sang like an angel and when I was cast in the same role and I had to sing all good gifts I always wanted to make him proud. He IS An inspiration, truly memorable. Thank you for having this page.
From: Toronto, Canada
How did you hear about this site? I googled Merrell as I wanted do know
Agree that Merrel had an infectious smile and angelic innocence. He was also gifted with a beautiful voice. A special light left too soon, blessed he was cast in Godspell.
From: Orig Dayton, Ohio, now live in Orange County, California
How did you hear about this site? Researching cast of Godspell
He got into my soul and made me grow!
From: Everywhere?
How did you hear about this site? Stumbled on to it
How did he die?
From: San Diego
How did you hear about this site? Wikipedia
Remembering Merrell from Chicago,IL. He was considered both friend and family. He graduated w/my sister (Cheryl)from Calumet HS/Chgo,IL. Both have passed on within 6 yrs of each other, Merrell '91 and my sister '97. RIHP Merrell and my dear sister Cheryl🕊
From: Chicago
How did you hear about this site? Thru Google
Didn't he passed way and I am very sad about it.
From: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
How did you hear about this site? all good gifts song on youtube
From: Boston
How did you hear about this site? MJ search
Learning more about Godspell- it was big when I was in the 6th grade
From: Dallas by way of Nashville, San Diego and Madison WI
How did you hear about this site? Wikipedia
I love the song All Good Gifts! I didn't see the Godspell movie until 4 years ago on TV. I loved it and bought the DVD. I hope it will be played on TV more often. The story of God's love for mankind, the beautiful songs, and the casts heartfelt performance is inspirational, and so needed today. Thank you Godspell for bringing us Merrill, he had a big beautiful smile and a gifted voice!
From: Vallejo
How did you hear about this site? Godspell Search online
From: Cardington
How did you hear about this site? Google search
Does anyone know if Merrell lived on 78th and Lowe Ave, when he was going to Calumet High school?
just such a beautiful performance, and one senses that Merrell was as beautiful himself.
From: Providence
How did you hear about this site? just looking to get more info about
I love that guy
From: Brooklyn
How did you hear about this site? Google
I love the movie GODSPELL. I remember when the movie came out when I was a child. The movie and the songs are so beautiful.I love this web page you did for the cast.Thank you very much. I want to know how did MERRILL JACKSON die? He was so talented, so young.
From: I was raised in Brooklyn, New York.
How did you hear about this site? I just looked it up on GOOGLE and there
Many thanks for this tribute page to Merrell Jackson. I just watched Godspell (again) and loved Mr. Jackson and his rendition of "All Good Gifts," and was saddened to learn of his early death.
From: Vancouver, BC
How did you hear about this site? By reading about the movie and the actors
Matthew 6:25-33 was the scripture theme for our wedding. After 50 years I keep rediscovering the blessings in this music.
From: Sharon PA
How did you hear about this site? browsing
He has a beautiful voice that God enjoys today!💝💝💝
From: fort worth
How did you hear about this site? TCM
Thank you! Godspell was the very first musical I saw and hilds a very special place on my heart.
From: Baltimore/West Hollywood
How did you hear about this site? Google
I love everything about the movie GODSPELL.
From: Grand Rapids
How did you hear about this site? Google
I loved Godspell so much. Merrill Jackson's voice was amazing and still gives me chills.
From: Grand Valley, PA
From: Templeton Ca.
How did you hear about this site? Looked up Merrel Jackson
Today would have been Merell's 66th birthday, so sad he was lost to us so young. Seeing and hearing him does brighten the day.
From: Sacramento, CA
How did you hear about this site? Follower
I am still touched when I hear songs from the original Godspell, and All Good Gifts was on my mind tonite.. I long for joy, especially what seemed so evident in Merrell. God bless you, whoever you are. Gs
How did you hear about this site? Browsed
pretty sure I met him 80s newyork ,showed me around had drinks and laughs,did not know who he was,a few weeks ago saw the movie and relized omg I spent the day with this guy years ago. such a nice friendly person.wow my eyes are filled with tears
From: philadelphia
I always listen and look for Merrell in the movie as I enjoy his smile on the screen. I feel he epitomizes the innocence of that period and conveys that in his part as one of the Disciples.
From: Shamokin, PA
How did you hear about this site? A link from IMDb
I Love your tribute page to him he was my favorite in Godspell movie.
From: Flint MI.
How did you hear about this site? I was searching on Google for the cast
I love visiting this site. I am a former classmate and choir member of Merrill Jackson. I remember him as bein very talented and ambitious. Though he is no longer with us, his music and memory live on. I am glad I was able to know him.
From: Chicago, Illinois
How did you hear about this site? One of his fans contacted me and proposed
Love GODSPELL always have since seeing it at 17 in =E2=80=9873. G= ood music & a timeless message never die. RIP & good music Merrell.
From: Denver, CO
How did you hear about this site? Wikipedia
It has been many years since Merryl's death, And many years since I first head him sing...but I just wanted the people who loved him most to know, I still listen to him through his performance in Godspell. His solo in Godspell(the movie) is my quitessential performance of "All Good Gifts". I lisen to him often...and none can compare! Don't know why he was taken from you so soon in his life...but wish he could have lived to tell more stories!
From: Richmond, B.C. , Canada
How did you hear about this site? Looked him up on Google.
A beautiful voice that's serve as meditation for me when I need uplifting
From: Howell
How did you hear about this site? Google search
WATCHING GODSPELL ON THE MOVIE NETWORK CHRISTMAS NIGHT...ALONE BRINGING BACK MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD. THIS WAS A FAVORITE AS WERE THE CAST.
From: STATEN ISLAND
How did you hear about this site? GOOGLE
I saw "Godspell" on film today and was spellbound by Merrell Jackson's rendition of "All Good Gifts." It motivated me to find the inspiration of the lyrics, and I think I did. "Every good gift and every perecat gift is from above . . . ." (James 1: 17, ESV). I'm saddened to see that he passed away but glad that his legacy lives on in "All Good Gifts."
I allway's loved that movie and "all good gifts".Your right, Mr jackson gives off waves of love and kindness all through the film.
From: San Diego
How did you hear about this site? found it.
I knew Merrell personally because he was a singer in my band The Mantations. We one the talent show at Grand Crossing park in Chicago and He had to leave the band because he had got the scholarship and was on to bigger things, he was at my house all the time and my whole family LOVED him.
From: Chicago,Il
How did you hear about this site? Browsing the internet
Grief stricken to learn of such a great talented young man passing. Very saddened. Learned 26 years later today
From: Philadelphia
How did you hear about this site? by Google
Merrill touched more than my life. He touched my soul."All Good Gifts"is always on my mind and in my ❤ heart.Merrill was God's instrument to touch so many lives in so many different ways. I am now one month short of being 72. Whenever I am down or lonely, I remember Merrill and the joy he brings to my heart every time I listen to his song. I know that he is forever young and is singing his song to the multitude of Heavenly Hosts. God love you,Merrill, and thank you for many years of joy, happiness, and peace.
From: Gardena, California
How did you hear about this site? Google
I am so sorry to have found out God had brought Merrell home. All good gifts is so beautiful. It has helped my get closer to God. I want his family to know how he touched my life. He
Thank you soon much for you hard work...great job on godspell I watched it 100 times thank you
From: Trinidad and Tobago
From: chicago
From: elmsford ny
much love for Merrell!
From: Portland, OR
How did you hear about this site? i watch Gspell 3 times a week and just
What joy-filled notes Merrell gifted us with. His voice touched my very soul and ministers grace. All good gifts was Godspell's joy clima for me
From: York, Maine
I love all the songs, but ALL GOOD GIFTS is one that I feel most comfortable singing. Merrell's hair was the best...and his personality was so adorable.
From: North Augusta SC
How did you hear about this site? wikipedia
Merrell's voice is Soothing to my Soul. I have seen Godspell often throughout the years, and each time I am captivated by Merrell's smile and sweet persona. Rest in Paradise Merrell. We'll NEVER forget you! :-)
From: Ypsilanti, MI
How did you hear about this site? I Google'd Merrell's name :-)
His smile lit up that screen, and when he sang, his spirit warmed our hearts. Merrell Jackson's in heaven, singing All Good Gifts.
From: Bound Brook NJ
How did you hear about this site? Google
Just discovered merrell jackson but can honestly say that i have fallen in love with his spirit, smile and essence!
From: Washington dc
Hi everyone me again, Merrell's sister, just saying thaks agin for remembering my brother. He is surely missed and yes the sonng he sang, "ALL GOOD GIFTS", HE SANG FROM THE HEART AND FROM HIS SOUL. I cry everytime I listen to this song because I feel it in my heart. love you guys.
From: Dallas
How did you hear about this site? been here before
Thank you for taking the time and putting forth the effort to help remember a great guy and performer.
From: Manado, Indonesia
I've grown up with this amazing movie. When I was really little I would watch it on repeat every single day, much to the delight of my religious parents :P. However, I have only just found out about Jackson's fate and cannot believe he was taken so early. His voice in All Good Gifts gives me goosebumps every time. Thank you for taking the time to make this page.
From: Wigan
How did you hear about this site? Wikipedia
All Good Gifts is my favorite song from Godspell. This movie and music keeps me close to my Lord!
From: Mtn . View
I have always loved the 1973 movie Godspell. So many reasons, but two spring to mind. The new and inventive way the Gospel of St. Matthew is presented, and the powerful performance of All Good Gifts from Merrell Jackson. I was unaware until I found this site that he had passed, and I am deeply saddened. The wold lost a much needed light when he left us. Our loss, is Heavens gain. God Bless.
From: Cinnaminson, NJ
How did you hear about this site? google search
I GREW UP WATCHING THIS MUSICAL AN MERRELL WAS A SPECIAL PART OF IT,HE WAS A GREAT PERFORMER
From: FAIRFIELD
How did you hear about this site? JUST WATCHED IT AND THOUGHT TO LOOK HIM U=
I loved the musical Godspell. Merrell Jackson's role is sweet and loving.
From: Mt. Vernon
How did you hear about this site? Wickpedia
Hello everyone =3D) Just passed by to sign the guestbook in honor of Merrell Jackson. I didn't know him in this life, but he was a man who had wonderful talent before he crossed over into the spirit world. In Godspell, he was, to me, the only one that actually stood out in the movie even though he was not the main character. In fact, he was the star more than Jesus was lol! =3D) Thanks for letting me come on here to sign your guestbook. I never get tired of watching Godspell =3D). By the way, I found some awesome vids of Merrell on YouTube when he was on "Chicagoland '71: The New Performers" before he landed the role for Godspell. There's like 4 of them, listed below =3D). Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DoDTBZrG0-D8 Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D4JgKqaEtEnU Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DdFNNZ_PpqRU Part 4: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DjQF_yGdHd7g God Bless, and please feel fr= ee to follow me on any of my websites ;). _________________________________ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Erica.N.Barton YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/NYCSalsera7 Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/candlesbyerica Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/candlesbyerica
From: Bronx, NY; now in Rahway, NJ, but moving back to NY in Oct. 2014
How did you hear about this site? Wikipedia and some research
Hair was awesome
From: Pittsburgh
How did you hear about this site? gko
I remember singing along to the LP of Godspell when I was a child. I just saw the movie version on TV tonight. Merrell expressed such purity, joy, and authenticity, it was beautiful to see. Reading of his passing brought tears to my eyes. Such beauty, talent and wonder lost so early. I envy those who knew him - he must have been a rare and exceptional human being. (Does anyone know the cause of his death? Was it HIV-related?)
From: Pasadena, CA
How did you hear about this site? link from Wikipedia website
I just watched Godspell tonight on TV for the first time in many many years. It was one of my favorite movies that I had watched over & over again. I also had the album and knew every song by heart. I am so sad to hear that 4 of the original cast have passed away. How did I not connect for so many years and know this? Thank God for letting me see this wonderful movie again tonight. My heart is sad for Merrell & David & Lynne & Jeffrey, but they are now Angels watching over so many people that loved them. God Bless you for this site & I will always keep you all in my heart! Patti
From: Plainville, CT
How did you hear about this site? Search after watching Godspell