Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond Honored as BMI Gospel Trailblazers

Posted in News on January 23, 2007

BMI’s 8th Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music luncheon kicked off the 2007 Stellar Award weekend activities Jan. 12 in Nashville. The event, hosted by BMI’s Catherine Brewton, lauded trendsetters Yolanda Adams and Fred Hammond for their epic contributions to the gospel genre, and featured impassioned tribute performances in honor of the two trailblazers by Coko, Karen Clark-Sheard, Melonie Daniels, Sheri Jones-Moffett, Marvin Sapp, John P. Kee, Israel Houghton and Donald Lawrence.

photos: Arnold Turner

Gospel matriarch Albertina Walker and her group The Caravans, torch-carriers including Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary and The Clark Sisters, along with stars on the rise Lil iROCC and Trinitee 5:7 were among the multi-generational crew on hand to pay tribute to Hammond and Adams. Robust praise saturated the air as attendees celebrated two special lives, both in song and testimony.

The 22nd Annual Stellar Awards were held the next day, saluting the genre’s best of 2006. BMI affiliates took home trophy after trophy, enjoying a special night of reflection and fellowship with peers and fans.

BMI’s 2007 Stellar Award Winners:

Artist of the Year

Donald Lawrence presents The Tri-City Singers

 

Song of the Year (Songwriter; Song; Label)

Isaiah D. Thomas; “I Will Bless The Lord”; GospoCentric

Choir of the Year

Donald Lawrence presents The Tri-City Singers

 

Producer of the Year

Donald Lawrence

Group/Duo of the Year

Myron Butler & Levi

New Artist of the Year

Myron Butler & Levi

Male Vocalist of the Year

Myron Butler

Female Vocalist of the Year

Dorinda Clark-Cole

Contemporary Group / Duo of the Year

Myron Butler & Levi

CD of the Year

Kirk Franklin

Hero

Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year

CeCe Winans

 

Contemporary CD of the Year

Donald Lawrence presents The Tri-City Singers

Finale: Act One

Traditional CD of the Year

New Life Community Choir featuring John. P. Kee

The Reunion

Contemporary Choir of the Year

Donald Lawrence presents The Tri-City Singers

 

Instrumental CD of the Year

Ramsey Lewis

With One Voice

 

Special Event CD of the Year

Donald Lawrence presents The Tri-City Singers

Finale: Act One

Quartet of the Year

Keith Wonderboy Johnson & The Spiritual Voicess

Music Video of the Year (artist, song/CD title, label)

Donald Lawrence presents The Tri-City Singers

Finale: Act One

EMI Gospel

Recorded Music Package of the Year (art credit / album (artist) / label)

Philpott Design (art direction and design)

Jay Blakesberg (photography)

Donald Lawrence presents the Tri City Singers

Finale: Act One; EMI Gospel

Praise and Worship CD of the Year

Kevin Burroughs Neeley

Fingers of Fire - Volume 1

SOURCENews TAGS Gospel BMI Trailblazers Honors Yolanda Adams Myron Butler The Clark Sisters Dorinda Clark-Cole Kirk Franklin Fred Hammond Israel Houghton John P. Kee Donald Lawrence Donnie McClurkin Albertina Walker CeCe Winans