Cornell McGriff passed away on Friday, April 25, 2008, in Santa Barbara.

Cornell was born on April l0, 1950, in Rentiesville, Oklahoma, to Roy McGriff and Clara Young. When he was still a young child his mother relocated to Fresno. At the age of ten his family moved to Bakersfield. He became a resident of Santa Barbara in 1974. Formerly of North Hollywood he has been a resident of Lompoc since 1984.

Cornell had a wonderful voice. Some people thought he sounded like Barry White or Luther Vandross. He toured the world as a member of the cast of "Up With People." He was a studio musician with Capitol Records in Hollywood and performed with many notable entertainers. He loved jazz music, and he loved to dress well.

Cornell was an encourager, especially to young people, helping raise money for various activities. He was a member of the Mt. Zion Church of God in Christ in Santa Maria, where he was often found helping in the kitchen or doing whatever the pastor needed him to do.

Cornell is survived by his daughters, Tamia Cortney McGriff of Lompoc, Eleanor Daniels of Stockton, and Nikki Duncan of Mississippi; his stepdaughters Alicia Redd of Van Nuys, and Carla Franklin of Fresno; stepsons, Cliffton Franklin of Fresno and Hakeem Christian of New York; brother Earl L. Smith of Santa Barbara; uncle and aunt, Fred and Lee Young of Bakersfield, aunts Mary Smith of Bakersfield, and Faye Amey and Betty Mayberry, both of Killeen, Texas; cousins, Donna Bernell Green of Killeen, Texas, and Tanna L. Smith of Fresno; a host of grandchildren, and his close friend, Vivian Green. He was recently preceded in death by his mother Clara Holland and his brother Oz Holland.