Walter Turnbull, the founder of the famed Boys Choir of Harlem, died Friday, his brother said.

Turnbull died just after 3 p.m. in a New York City hospital, said his brother, Horace Turnbull. He didn't provide further details.

The Boys Choir of Harlem, founded with 20 boys in the basement of a Harlem church in 1968, has performed at the White House, at the United Nations and for Pope John Paul II. It has released albums and been heard on the soundtracks of films such as "Jungle Fever," "Malcolm X" and "Glory.