Tracy Coley, 38; Actor and Singer Co-Founded Performing Arts School

Tracy Coley, 38, singer, actor, gospel choir conductor and co-founder of the Amazing Grace Conservatory, died Saturday in Los Angeles of complications after surgery.

Born in Atlanta, Coley grew up singing in choirs and earned a music degree at Morehouse College, where he was featured soloist with the Glee Club. Moving to Los Angeles, he appeared on such television series as “The Wayan Brothers,” “In the House,” “Martin” and “The Jamie Foxx Show” and in movies including “Blood and Concrete” and “Notes in a Minor Key.” He sang as an opening act for concerts by Whitney Houston and Natalie Cole.

But perhaps Coley’s greatest achievement was his work with young people, notably through the conservatory, a performing arts school he founded with actress Wendy Raquel Robinson in 1995. Coley also directed youth choirs at New Philadelphia A.M.E. Church and First A.M.E. Church in Pasadena.

Soon after its founding, the conservatory had enrolled 75 young actors, ages 8 to 20, and cast them in plays produced at the Los Angeles Theatre Center. Among the productions was the musical “Anny Mae and Asbury,” which Coley wrote and directed. The plot involves two orphans who find hope and true friendship as they are shuttled among foster and group homes.