BMI will honor gospel greats Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Mighty Clouds of Joy and Pastor Marvin Winans at its ninth Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon on Friday, Jan. 11, 2008. The ceremony will take place at Rocketown (401 6th Avenue South) in Nashville. The invitation-only celebration will host gospel music's premier songwriters, recording artists and music industry executives, as well as the genre's legends.

Contemporary and traditional gospel bridge builder Vanessa Bell Armstrong first entranced Gospel circles in the early 1980s. Her Onyx debut, Peace Be Still, yielded a title track that immediately and eternally resonates with listeners. A native of Detroit and mother of five, Armstrong has generated seven Grammy nominations, enjoyed mainstream chart success and side stepped into a role on Broadway. Her latest project, 2007's Walking Miracle, finds Armstrong continuing to inspire, reflect, unify and praise.

Legendary group Mighty Clouds of Joy must smile when they look back on 48 years of soul-saving, joy-inducing, ice-melting music. More than 35 albums and three Grammys punctuate the group's resume, and they have shared the stage with icons including the Rolling Stones, Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin and James Brown. Church gigs and White House invitations line Mighty Clouds of Joy's long career, while they consistently released simultaneously hip and authentic gospel hits.

Pastor Marvin Winans first gained recognition as an original member of ground-breaking familial quartet The Winans. Marvin Winans channeled his musical gifts into an impressive stream of outlets including songwriting, vocal dynamics, keyboards, production, the big screen and, most recently, work as a solo artist. As a producer, his credits include fellow honoree Vanessa Bell Armstrong. An active pastor, Winans has also recorded performances by the Perfected Praise Choir, featuring fresh arrangements and new hooks.

“I wanted a sound that would come out of here that would say familiar, but fresh,” he says of his eighth studio album, which he feels combines both Motown and Texas flavors. “That’s what I believe we accomplished with new vocals and new musicians.”

Hammond was also inspired by the teachings of his pastor, Bishop T.D. Jakes. “I wanted people to be able to hear the seeds that he planted in me over the last year,” says Hammond. “I followed him for many years, but now I’m up under him and I wanted people to hear what I’ve learned. I come to church and I sit and get replenished.”

Hammond has long been an innovator in gospel music. He was an integral part of the ground-breaking group Commissioned and, after retiring from that group in 1995, he went on to launch Radical for Christ. His résumé also includes a stint with the Winans as well as his successful run as a solo artist. Along the way, he’s earned a reputation as “the Babyface of gospel music” for his working in mentoring and producing other artists.

Songwriting has always been a key weapon in Hammond’s arsenal of talents. “It’s really how I convey what’s on the inside and what I’ve been through,” says Hammond, who has his own F. Hammond Music imprint. “I like to keep that simple and I’ve learned to write the way that I talk. Instead of writing in way that’s above everybody’s head or trying to impress people with words and phrases that are very flowery, I like to break it down and make it very, very easy.”

Yolanda Adams, who was recently nominated for two Grammys, earned a living as a school teacher in Houston, Texas, during the 1980s, while her striking beauty also supplied her with work in the modeling industry. Adams' debut album, Just As I Am, hit shelves in 1988, ushering in a bright new star on the forefront of gospel music. 1996's Yolanda Live in Washington earned the soulful singer her first Grammy nomination, while her next album, Mountain High Valley Low, snagged the performer her first Grammy Award. Since 2000, Adams has delivered the Lord's message to the masses on two more beautiful albums, showcasing both her unparalleled talent and devotion.

Detroit native Fred Hammond is one of the most beloved praise and worship leaders in the gospel music genre. His studio albums take on the alive, emotive feel of a concert. Like so many before him, Hammond developed his passion for song in the church choir at age 12. After playing bass and supplying vocals for the Winans during the early 1980s, Fred joined the group Commissioned, where he showcased his unique arrangements and grew as a producer, vocalist and songwriter. While Fred remained a member of Commissioned, intricately crafted solo albums like I Am Persuaded, Purpose By Design and In Case You Missed It...And Then Some hit shelves, cementing Hammond's position as one of recent history's premier gospel music artists.

The 22nd Annual Stellar Awards will be held the day after the BMI Trailblazers Luncheon, on Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The awards show, celebrating the year in gospel music, is produced by Chicago-based Central City Productions. Nominations are received and voted on by the Stellar Awards Gospel Music Academy (SAGMA), made up of members who encourage and promote gospel music worldwide.

Dorinda Clark Cole

Kirk Franklin

Smokie Norful

Yolanda Adams

The highlight of the luncheon was the presentation of a BMI Trailblazers Award to Delores and David Winans, known to many as Mom & Pop Winans. Special guest Mrs. Coretta Scott King made the presentation to the Winanses and spoke of their 50 years of contributions to gospel music.

BMI's Catherine Brewton, Pop Winans, Coretta Scott King, Mom Winans, BMI's Thomas Cain

Performers included BeBe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Deitrick Haddon, Richard Smallwood and nearly two dozen members of the Winans family.

Melvin Williams, Mom Winans, Darwin Hobbs and Pop Winans

At the Stellar Awards, BMI songwriters and artists celebrated a near sweep of the trophies. Kirk Franklin claimed five awards, including Song of the Year ("Hosanna") and both Artist and Producer of the Year honors. Newcomer Smokie Norful claimed three golden-flamed statues, including top Male Vocalist. Yolanda Adams, Dorinda Clark Cole and The Canton Spirituals collected two awards each. Adams also was inducted to the Stellar Awards Hall of Fame during a presentation by actor Chris Tucker and Kirk Franklin.

Deitrick Haddon, Melvin Williams and Ronald Winans

Max and Jennifer Siegel and BMI's Thomas Cain

Darwin Hobbs, Teresa Hairston and Richard Smallwood

(standing) BMI's Catherine Brewton, Carvin Winans, Cece Winans, Bebe Winans, Juan Winans, Angie Winans, Cedric Caldwell and BMI's Thomas Cain (seated) Ronald Winans, Pastor Marvin Winans, Mom & Pop Winans

Daryl Coley, Dottie Peoples, BMI's Thomas Cain, Deitrick & Damita Haddon and Duane Turnage

Carvin Winans, Virtue's Ebony Trotter Holland, Juan Winans, Virtue's Heather Trotter and Karima Trotter Kibble, BeBe Winans, BMI's Catherine Brewton

Prymary Colorz's Raj Nichols and Josh Royals, LaShawn Daniels, Freddie Jerkins, Prymary Colorz's Marcus Dilley and Jonathan Thomas

photos by Shelia Turner

Congratulations to BMI's Stellar Award winners:

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kirk Franklin

SONG OF THE YEAR
Kirk Franklin -- "Hosanna"

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Smokie Norful

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dorinda Clark Cole

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Smokie Norful

CD OF THE YEAR
Kirk Franklin -- The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Kirk Franklin

TRADITIONAL GROUP/DUO OF THE YEAR
The Canton Spirituals

CONTEMPORARY MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Smokie Norful

TRADITIONAL MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Marvin Sapp

CONTEMPORARY FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Yolanda Adams

TRADITIONAL FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Dorinda Clark Cole

TRADITIONAL CD OF THE YEAR
Richard Smallwood with Vision -- Persuaded: Live In D.C.

URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL CD OF THE YEAR
Yolanda Adams -- Believe

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Kirk Franklin -- "Hosanna"

TRADITIONAL CHOIR OF THE YEAR
Richard Smallwood with Vision -- Persuaded: Live In D.C.

SPECIAL EVENT CD OF THE YEAR
The Commissioned Reunion -- The Commissioned Reunion Live

QUARTET OF THE YEAR
The Canton Spirituals]]> 2003-02-06T17:00:01-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/233357 Artists, Aaliyah, Adams, Yolanda, Austin, Dallas, Babyface, Banton, Buju, Benet, Eric, Berry, Chuck, Bilal, Bishop, Teddy, Black Eyed Peas, Blanchard, Terence, Boyz II Men, Brandy, Braxton, Toni, Brown, James, Busta Rhymes, Carey, Mariah, Charles, Ray, Coltrane, John, Davis, Miles, Domino, Fats, Dozier, Lamont, Eminem, Eubanks, Kevin, Evans, Faith, Franklin, Aretha, Franklin, Kirk, Gamble, Kenneth, Gray, Macy, Hampton, Lionel, Hancock, Herbie, Hargrove, Roy, Hawkins, Coleman, Hi-Tek, Holiday, Billie, Holland, Brian, Huff, Leon, Ingram, James, J-Shin, Ja Rule, Jackson, Janet, Jackson, Michael, James, Etta, JT Money, Kelly, R., King, B.B., Kurupt, Kweli, Talib, Leadbelly, Little Richard, Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz, Master P, McBride, Christian, McPhatter, Clyde, Monk, Thelonious, Moore, Sam, Mos Def, Muddy Waters, Mya, Neptunes, The, Neville, Aaron, Organized Noise, Parker, Charlie, Redding, Otis, Redman, Joshua, Rooney, Roots, The, Ross, Diana, Snoop Dogg, SoulShock & Karlin, Stone, Angie, Summer, Donna, Supremes, The, Thomas, Carla, Thomas, Irma, Tim & Bob, Track Masters, The, Trick Daddy, Trin-I-Tee 5:7, Walker, T-Bone, Washington, Dinah, Williams, Pharrell, Winans Phase 2, Winans, The, Musical Styles, Blues, Jazz, R&B, Rock, Urban, Musicworld, Feature At BMI, Black Music Month Is Celebrated All Year Long

By Rob Patterson

From the dawning days of rhythm & blues through today's multifaceted urban music scene, BMI has been at the forefront of music from the African American tradition, styles and community. A continuity of teamwork between BMI and Black music-makers extends from Aretha Franklin to Janet Jackson, from Motown hitmakers Eddie Holland, Lamont Dozier & Brian Holland to R. Kelly, and from Miles Davis to Terence Blanchard.

B.B. King

Busta Rhymes

Janet Jackson

Eminem

When r&b, in its formative years, was the province of budding independent labels, small publishers, and adventurous radio stations, BMI opened its ranks to the musical movement when the existing performing rights organization failed to recognize the legitimacy and potential brewing in Black American music. The considerable fact that 90 percent of the R&B Foundation's Pioneer Awards have been bestowed on BMI artists attests to BMI's historical commitment to Black music.

Eric Benet

Macy Gray

Mariah Carey

Michael Jackson

The BMI Black music rosters reads like a musical honor role: Jazz giants such as Billie Holiday, Thelonious Monk, Charlie Parker, Dinah Washington and John Coltrane; blues icons like Leadbelly, Muddy Waters, B.B. King and T-Bone Walker; r&b pacesetters such as Ray Charles, Fats Domino and James Brown; soul sisters Etta James, Irma Thomas and Diana Ross; rock pioneers like Chuck Berry and Little Richard.

Mya

R. Kelly

Snoop Dogg

Toni Braxton

The BMI bloodlines can be traced from then to now, from Carla Thomas to Donna Summer to Vanessa Williams, from Kenneth Gamble & Leon Huff to LA Reid and Babyface, from Otis Redding to Michael Jackson. And if you check this space 20 or 30 years from now, the odds say its likely that BMI's contemporary urban music artists will be just as legendary and influential as those BMI has represented throughout the history of Black popular music in America.

In a sense, the pages have already been written by today's BMI star talents. Mariah Carey has proven herself a formidable and enduring presence in popular music, while Macy Gray is arising to help bring soul back to its rightful place of presence in urban music. Kevin Eubanks delivers sublime new variations of the jazz guitar heritage to millions on The Tonight Show, and Joshua Redman redefines the notion of young jazz giant for a new millennium. Snoop Dogg, Eminem and Lil' Kim continue to push the hip-hop envelope, while Kirk Franklin and Winans Phase 2 keep the gospel spirit alive.

But it's not just the marquee names that make these exciting times for BMI's urban music roster. And even some of BMI's team whose work happens primarily behind the scenes are earning public note on the level of the artists they work with. Producer, songwriter, keyboardist and remixer Dallas Austin launched Monica and TLC, and counts Michael Jackson, Madonna, Boyz II Men and Aretha Franklin among his credits. Such musical versatility and vision continues with such recording and writing powerhouses as Jerry 'Wonder' Duplessis, Master P, Tim & Bob, SoulShock & Karlin, Jean Claude 'Poke' Olivier of The Track Masters, Organized Noise, Teddy Bishop and Cory Rooney - all drawing from a differing wealth of musical wells and creating new and innovative musical moments.

Hip-hop remains a powerfully progressive and sometimes provocative movement in modern popular music. Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes and Goodie Mob keep it real, and the beats and themes will surely remain hard in the hands of such acts as Lord Tariq & Peter Gunz, Ja Rule, Mos Def, Trick Daddy, Silkk the Shocker, JT Money, Kurupt and J-Shin. At the same time, acts like The Roots, Black Eyed Peas, Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek and Spooks infuse a rich mixture of styles into the hip-hop genre. Once the sound of the street, just as r&b had been, hip-hop is now an integral part of contemporary culture. And its Caribbean cousin dancehall is also claiming the attention of the public ear thanks to Buju Banton.

R&B has always boasted its powerful cadre of female singers. And just as Carla Thomas, Martha Reeves and Jodi Whatley established their voices as trademarks, so have the women like Brandy, Toni Braxton and Faith Evans. Rising to join them are such soul sisters as Angie Stone, Mya, Sunshine Anderson and Aaliyah, while R&B brothers such as Eric Benet and Pharrell Williams of The Neptunes stir up new soul traditions for today's urban music fans as Clyde McPhatter, Sam Moore and Aaron Neville have before them. The girl group traditions forged by The Shirelles and The Supremes find modern expression in the "new jill flava" of Total.

As the recent Ken Burns documentary demonstrated, jazz is one of the richest skeins in the American cultural tapestry. BMI has been a consistent presence in jazz, from Lionel Hampton to Coleman Hawkins to Herbie Hancock to Roy Hargrove. Today, Terence Blanchard, Christian McBride, Kevin Eubanks and Bilal maintain the instrumental and compositional greatness of jazz music for the genre's future.

Spirituals have always been an essential element in Black music and BMI's mission, thanks to everyone from James Ingram to The Fairfield Four. And perhaps nobody has had a more profound impact on contemporary music and the popularity of spiritual sounds than minister, songwriter, producer and visionary Kirk Franklin. In the past, one could make similar claims for The Winans, and the family tradition forged there is carried on by Winans Phase 2. The ears reached by these artists are now opening as well to such rising talents as Yolanda Adams and Trin-i-tee 5:7.

Such diversity, commercial impact, innovation and encouragement of burgeoning styles and new artists has been a hallmark of BMI's commitment to Black music from the time that "race music" became rhythm & blues, and on through soul, funk and disco right up to rap and new jack swing. As BMI salutes tradition through its longtime support of the R&B Foundation, it also helps create the future that is urban music in all its breadth and creativity. Because at BMI, Black Music Month is celebrated 12 months a year.