January 9, 2002

BMI Salutes Trailblazers Of Gospel Music

Press Release

ATLANTA, January 9, 2002 - Performing rights organization BMI will honor the best in gospel music at its third annual “Trailblazers of Gospel Music” luncheon at noon on Friday, January 11, 2002 at 103 West (103 West Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta, Georgia). This invitation-only special event, hosted by BMI’s Catherine Brewton, is being held in conjunction with the 17th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, which will take place the next day at the Atlanta Civic Center.
This year’s honorees include BMI songwriter/artists Take 6; Kurt Carr, who received nine Stellar Award nominations including Male Vocalist and Producer of the Year; Doug and Melvin Williams, who are nominated for two Stellar Awards including Group/Duo of the Year; Tramaine Hawkins; and Teresa Hairston, Founder & CEO of Horizon Concepts. Honorees will each receive a Trailblazer Award plaque in recognition of their outstanding achievements in gospel music. James Cleveland will receive the Trailblazer Award posthumously.  Scheduled to perform at the luncheon are Fred Hammond, Men of Standard, LaShun Pace, Darwin Hobbs, Richard Smallwood, and Doc McKenzie.
Founded in 1940, BMI is an American performing rights organization that represents approximately 300,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music. Through its music performance and reciprocal agreements with sister organizations around the world, it grants businesses and media access to its repertoire of more than 4.5 million songs and compositions.
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Contact: Catherine Brewton
BMI Atlanta
404-261-5151