DunAmis Awards announces winners, honorees; GMF wins Media Publication of the Year

DunAmis Gospel Awards logo

Congratulations to all of the winners and honorees announced at this year’s DunAmis Gospel Awards.  The 6th annual DunAmis Gospel Awards–conceptualized by Bishop Terry Young to honor independent gospel artists, pastors, pastor’s wives, churches, and other local and regional talent–was held Saturday, November 2, at Cornerstone Conference Center in Greensboro, NC.  

Our own Gospel Music Fever won this year’s award for Media Publication of the Year.  Below is the complete list of winners and honorees. 

 

Female Pastor of the Year
Apostle Carolyn Lazenby
 
Male Pastor of the Year
Bishop Kelly Derek
 
First Lady of the Year
First Lady Frenchie Dawson
 
Church of the Year
True Word Fellowship
 
Choir Director of the Year
Marshall Troublefield
 
Musician of the Year – Male
E.J. Stewart
 
Musician of the Year – Female
Vangie Alderman
 
Gospel Announcer of the Year
Darlene Vinson
 
Quartet of the Year
Michael Boykin and the Mighty Voices
 
Church Choir of the Year
Galilean House of Worship
 
Female Vocalist of the Year
Taliah Huntley
 
Male Vocalist of the Year
Darryl Murchison
 
Community Choir of the Year
Sir Jerry Saddler and Sounds of Praise
 
CD/Song of the Year
Bishop Stephen Williams
 
Holy Hip Hop Artist of the Year
Mike Teezy
 
Worship Leader of the Year
Kimberly Michelle
 
Group/Duo of the Year
The Woody Specials
 
Producer of the Year
Brandon Smith
 
Dunamis Song of the Year
Johnathon Parker Ashley and Higher Dimension Praise Chorale
 
Songwriter of the Year
Mike Astyn
 
CCM Artist of the Year
Mike Astyn
 
College Choir of the Year
Neo Black Society Gospel Choir – UNC Greensboro
 
Gospel Comedian of the Year
T-Roy
 
Praise and Worship Team of the Year
Kingdom Covenant Praise Team
 
Media Publication of the Year
Gospel Music Fever
 
Dance Ministry of the Year
Predestined Mime
 
Artist of the Year
Devine Sounds
 
2019 Living Legend Recipient
Dr. Dennis W. Bishop
 
2019 Lifetime
Achievement Recipient
Bishop Michael Penn
 
2019 Trailblazer Recipient
Apostle Dr. Annie Woody
 
2019 Achievement of Excellence Recipient
Pastor H.E. Dixon
 
For more information about the DunAmis Gospel Awards, visit www.dunamisgospelawards.org.

Lauren Daigle has huge night at 50th Annual Dove Awards

The 50th Annual Dove Awards was a night to remember, especially for Lauren Daigle.  Daigle took home three Doves, including the coveted “Artist of the Year” Award.  

Lauren Daigle (Photo Credit: Jules Wortman/Wortman Works)

Songwriter Jason Ingram was the night’s big winner with four awards.  Composer Wayne Haun and producer Paul Mabury also added three Doves to their trophy cases, while Gospel’s Kirk Franklin, Lecrae, and Tasha Cobbs Leonard added a pair each. 

The 50th Annual Dove Awards was celebrated among a sold-out audience at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville.  It will air exclusively on TBN Sunday, October 20, at 8pm EST. 

Read the complete list of winners here. 

North Carolina Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony to include performance by Shirley Caesar

 

(Kannapolis, NC)  The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame (NCMHOF) will hold its annual induction ceremony on October 17, 2019, at 7:15 PM.  The ceremony is presented by BankOZK and will take place at the historic GEM Theatre in downtown Kannapolis, NC, which was recently placed upon the official National Register of Historic Places.
 
Six are slated to perform live at the event: Kellie Pickler, Shirley Caesar, Mitch Easter, Elizabeth Cotten’s family, David Holt (on behalf of Merle Watson), and the Carolina Panthers PurrCussion drumline.  The event is open to the public and all ages will enjoy the ceremony. VIP and general admission tickets may be purchased online at www.NorthCarolinaMusicHallofFame.org or at the NCMHOF Museum.
 
Induction night will feature a pre-ceremony VIP reception, live performances, and the acceptance of each induction.  Those being inducted this year are Elizabeth Cotten, Mitch Easter, Big Daddy Kane, Merle Watson, and 9th Wonder.
 
For the first time, the NCMHOF will highlight two past inductees by featuring them along with the 2019 class.  Pastor Shirley Caesar and Kellie Pickler have been selected as the 2019 highlights.  Both were unable to attend their inductions in 2010 and 2016 respectively, due to unforeseen circumstances.
 
The NCMHOF partnered with Come Hear North Carolina and the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources for Governor Roy Cooper’s proclamation of 2019 as the “Year of Music” in North Carolina.  Earlier this year, the 2019 class was announced in a press conference with NCDCR Secretary, Susi Hamilton. This year’s ceremony will be filmed for live stream by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
 
– From a press release
 

Celebrated documentary ‘Say Amen Somebody’ restored to 4K; chronicles rich history of gospel music

“SAY AMEN, SOMEBODY”
4K Restored Documentary Celebrates The Father of Gospel Music, Thomas Dorsey, 
Barrett Sisters, O’Neal Twins, Sallie Martin, Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith 
Explores Gospel’s Chicago Roots

The Barrett Sisters, L-R: Rodessa Porter, Delois Campbell, Billie GreenBey
One of the most acclaimed music documentaries of all time, Say Amen, Somebody is George Nierenberg’s masterpiece—a joyous, funny, deeply emotional celebration of African American culture, featuring the father of Gospel, Thomas A. Dorsey (“Precious Lord, Take My Hand”); its matron, Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith; and earth-shaking performances by the Barrett Sisters and the O’Neal Twins. When it was first released in the early 1980s, the film received an overwhelming critical response, garnering rave reviews around the world.
“One of the most joyful movies I’ve ever seen.”
— Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
“The film’s mood is never less than marvelously infectious.”
— Richard Schickel, Time 
“The music conquers doubt and unhappiness, and when it ends, you feel healed.”
— David Denby, New York Magazine
Unseen in cinemas for nearly thirty years, Say Amen, Somebody has been gorgeously restored to 4K by Milestone with support from the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Academy Film Archive. The new restoration features brilliantly restored 5.1 soundtrack!


For additional information and screening schedule, visit the website at www.sayamensomebody.com.

– From a press release

Nominees and honorees announced for the 2019 DunAmis Gospel Awards

DunAmis Gospel AwardsCongratulations to nominees for the 2019 DunAmis Gospel Awards.  Voting is now underway and open to the public.

Gospel Music Fever Blog and its founder Libra Boyd received nominations in two categories.  Gospel Music Fever Blog is nominated for Media Publication of the Year and Libra is nominated for Female Musician of the Year.

Devine Sounds, Michael Boykin, Mike Astyn, Mike Teezy, Stephen Williams, and Dion Owens & Renaissance are also among several artists with multiple nominations. 

The DunAmis Gospel Awards was conceptualized by Bishop Terry Young to honor independent gospel artists, pastors, pastor’s wives, churches, and other local and regional talent.  Click here to view the complete list of nominees and to vote multiple times daily.

The sixth annual DunAmis Gospel Awards will also recognize individuals with distinguished contributions to the gospel community.  This year, Dr. Dennis W. Bishop will receive the Living Legend Award; the Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Bishop Michael Penn; and the Trailblazer Award will be given to Apostle Dr. Annie Woody.   

The DunAmis Gospel Awards is a ticketed event that takes place November 2, at Cornerstone Conference IPHC in Browns Summit, NC.  Red carpet arrivals begin at 5 PM and the awards show starts at 6 PM.

“All Glory to the Lamb” – Michael L. McCants and ANSI Worshippers

“All Glory to the Lamb”
Michael L. McCants and ANSI Worshippers
From The Vows EP (2018)
www.facebook.com/mlmccantsministries

By Janie Sheeley-Torain
GMF Special Contributor
 
Get ready to get your praise dance on!  Michael L. McCants and ANSI Worshippers bring an island vibe to worship with “All Glory to The King.”  Bongos, maracas, and a hint of Caribbean flavor punctuate the contemporary praise and worship tune–not to mention vocal harmonies that even non-singers find
singable.
 
McCants is the founder of A New Start International (ANSI) Church of the Nazarene, Impact Church of the Nazarene with locations in Florence and Columbia, SC, WFMI iFaith Radio Network, and Faith on Demand Entertainment & Management Group.  He presently leads East Point Church of the Nazarene in Atlanta. 

______________________



Janie Sheeley-Torain, Ed.D, is a gospel music enthusiast, author, National Board Certified Teacher, and life-long educator. She is an advocate of invigorating gospel music that inspires, elevates, and encourages the listener. She has published and is currently working on manuscripts that embolden the musicians of gospel music.

 

Nominees for 50th Annual Dove Awards

50th annual Dove Awards nominee, Lauren Daigle
 
Nominees for the 50th annual Dove Awards have been announced.  Lauren Daigle (pictured) leads with six nominations, closely followed by For King & Country and Kirk Franklin’s five.  Tasha Cobbs Leonard is among three artists who received four nods.  The complete list of nominees is available here.

The 2019 awards show will take place October 15 in Nashville and will air October 20 at 8 PM ET, on TBN.

Congratulations to all nominees!

Dorinda Clark Cole to appear in Charlotte production of Summerville play 'Spare the Rod'

Spare the Rod Part 2 flyer
 
Tall One Outreach Ministries presents the award-winning gospel play, “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child – Part 2,” written and produced by Dr. Mildred Summerville and directed by Trina Jeffrie (aka Sister Cantaloupe). The event takes place at Ovens Auditorium, 2700 East Independence Boulevard in Charlotte, NC, on August 10, 2019, at 7:30 PM. Gracing the stage are Grammy award-winning artist Dorinda Clark Cole, gospel singing sensation Shawn McLemore, Tra’Lesha Willis, Rhonda McLemore, “Queen of Gospel Comedy” Trina Jeffrie, and renowned preacher, teacher, and author Apostle Aaron McNair.
 
A must-see story, the play is alternately a moving drama and a side-splitting comedy that will be talked about in families and generations to come. These insurmountable challenges have been encountered by most families. In this gripping and engaging dramatic piece, a woman is simply known as “Grandma” serves as the pillar of her surroundings. Her son’s family is in crisis, and those within her neighborhood are drowning in chronic troubles of their own. Through it all, Grandma seeks God on behalf of those who are not spiritually inclined enough to seek Him for themselves. Even those who resent her, such as her son’s sometimes-rigid wife, Linda, ultimately end up on Grandma’s prayer list. And when the walls of the lives of those around Grandma seem to come tumbling down, they know who to turn to for guidance and sound counsel. It’s not always advice that they want to hear, but it is consistently the precise word needed to steer them in the right direction.
 
“Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” portrays issues within the community such as family dysfunction, peer pressure, substance abuse, and other pertinent matters that are too often inadequately addressed or considered taboo altogether. Extraordinary drama, corrupt karma, a supportive pastor, and a praying grandma all come together to make “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” a must-see theatrical production. Infused with foot-stomping gospel music, this is soul-stirring entertainment that will warm hearts, tickle funny bones, uplift the spirits, and search the souls of all those who experience it.
 
The 2019 Charlotte production of “Spare the Rod, Spoil the Child” is sponsored by The Rock Worship Center in memory of Gabriel Michael Jacobs. Gabriel, the son of  Pastor Frank and First Lady Kimberly Jacobs, passed away
unexpectedly at the age of 12. Because Gabriel was best known for his big heart, his parents founded the Gabe’s Heart Foundation in his honor. The foundation recognizes individuals who display a giving spirit and a compassionate heart. A portion of each ticket sale for the Charlotte production will be donated to Gabe’s Heart Foundation.
 
– Excerpt from press release

'Spiritual Awakening' TV host Terence Jenkins to return with 'Gospel Awakening'

Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Fans of the defunct Sunday morning gospel music television program Spiritual Awakening will be delighted to know that Bishop Terence Jenkins, the show’s host since 1993, has plans to kick off January 2020 with a new show called Gospel Awakening.  

The new TV program is set to air Sunday mornings at 8 AM ET on 11 ABC’s Disney (D-2) and WITN-2 and will spotlight a featured artist during the half-hour broadcast.  With twice the viewing area of its predecessor, Gospel Awakening can be watched from Guilford County to North Carolina’s Atlantic coast.

Bishop Jenkins hopes to continue the legacy of the show’s forerunner, The Sister Gary Show, which premiered in 1942 and later became Spiritual Awakening.  Believed to be among the longest-running gospel music TV shows on the East Coast, Spiritual Awakening aired its final broadcast March 31, 2019, ending a historic 77-year run.

Gospel Awakening is viewer supported and currently booking talent to appear on the show.  To make a contribution or to sign up to perform, visit www.gospelawakeningnc.org.

Lauren Daigle earns multiple wins at Billboard Music Awards

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Lauren Daigle collected a trio of trophies for Top Christian Artist, Top Christian Album, and Top Christian Song at this year’s Billboard Music Awards.  The CCM singer and songwriter continues to enjoy success from her third studio album Look Up Child and performed her crossover hit “You Say” during the awards show, which took place at MGM Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 1.

Lauren Daigle
Lauren Daigle

The winners in each of the CCM and gospel categories are highlighted below.

Top Christian Artist
Cory Asbury
Lauren Daigle
For King & Country
Hillsong Worship
MercyMe


Top Gospel Artist
Kirk Franklin
Koryn Hawthorne
Tori Kelly
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Marvin Sapp

Top Christian Album
Cory Asbury, Reckless Love
Lauren Daigle, Look Up Child
For King & Country, Burn The Ships
Hillsong Worship, There Is More
Zach Williams, Chain Breaker

Top Gospel Album
Snoop Dogg & Various Artists, Snoop Dogg Presents Bible of Love
Aretha Franklin, Gospel Greats
Koryn Hawthorne, Unstoppable
Tori Kelly, Hiding Place
Jonathan McReynolds, Make Room

Top Christian Song
Cory Asbury, “Reckless Love”
Lauren Daigle, “You Say”
For King & Country, “joy.”
Hillsong Worship, “Who You Say I Am”
Tauren Wells, “Known”

Top Gospel Song
Todd Dulaney, “Your Great Name”
Koryn Hawthorne, “Won’t He Do It”
Tori Kelly ft. Kirk Franklin, “Never Alone”
Jason Nelson, “Forever”
Brian Courtney Wilson, “A Great Work”


See the complete list of BBMA winners here.