BMI Celebration Launches Gospel Music Week 2000

Posted in News on April 19, 2000

BMI hosted a spirited kick-off to Gospel Music Week with a "Sunday lunch" and awards presentation honoring many of the gospel music industry's most accomplished creators. Under the direction of BMI Nashville Vice President Roger Sovine and Writer/Publisher Relations Director Joyce Rice, the event, which was held at the company's Nashville offices, saluted those BMI writers and publishers nominated for Dove Awards in the Song of the Year category.

Award-winning songwriter Joe Beck

Recognized for their Song of the Year selection were Joe Beck, Ty Lacy, Shepherd's Fold Music and Bridge Building Music for "CAN'T LIVE A DAY"; Steve Wiggins and Photon Music for "CHOOSE LIFE"; Kevin Max, Toby McKeehan and Michael Tait for "CONSUME ME"; Steven Curtis Chapman, Sparrow Song and Peach Hill Songs for "DIVE"; Margeedays Music and Dayspring Music for "JESUS, KING OF ANGELS"; and Wes King, Sparrow Song and Uncle Ivan Music for "THIS IS YOUR TIME."

In a special presentation by Sovine, nine-time Dove Songwriter of the Year winner Steven Curtis Chapman received an engraved silver bowl in tribute to his exceptional songwriting achievements and his outstanding contributions to Contemporary Christian music. Among his many accomplishments are 38 Dove Awards and 31 #1 singles; the Sparrow Records artist has also written or co-written every original song on each of his 11 albums.

Senator Bill Frist of Tennessee addressed the 150-plus guests, giving them an insider's perspective into the workings of the United States Senate. The afternoon's musical program featured performances by Dove- and Grammy-honored Forefront artist Rebecca St. James and Homeland Records' Southern Gospel quartet N'Harmony.

 

Senator Bill Frist (center) with the Chapman Family: Emily, Mary Beth, Caleb, Will Franklin, Shaohannah and Steven Curtis.

BMI's Roger Sovine greets Caleb Chapman, Senator Bill First of Tennessee and Steven Curtis Chapman

Rebecca St. James, who performed at the luncheon

Jim Van Hook (accepting for Bridge Building Music); BMI's Roger Sovine; Steve Rice (accepting for EMI Christian Music); BMI's Joyce Rice; Steven Curtis Chapman, Gregg Hamm (accepting for Up In the Mix Music) and Shawn McSpadden (accepting for Dayspring Music) on stage after the presentation

Big Tent Revival member Steve Wiggins with BMI's Joyce Rice.

 

all photos by Alan Mayor

SOURCENews TAGS Christian Gospel BMI Christian Music Awards Steven Curtis Chapman Toby McKeehan