January 16, 2016
BMI Celebrates BeBe & CeCe Winans and Mary Mary at the Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors
“AMAZING” BY RICKY DILLARD & NEW G FEATURING TIFF JOY AWARDED SONG OF THE YEAR
**The Inspirational Event Will Air Nationwide on TV One February 19th at 8 PM ET**
Press Release
Gospel music superstar sibling acts, BeBe & CeCe Winans and Mary Mary, were honored at the Broadcast Music, Inc. ® (BMI®) Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto Center for the Arts last night in Atlanta, GA. Hosted by previous Trailblazer recipient and renowned gospel singer-songwriter, Yolanda Adams, this special night paid tribute to the best in the Gospel music community. The inspirational ceremony will air nationwide on TV One on February 21st at 7 PM ET.
The invitation-only event was a harmonious blend of awe-inspiring performances and worship featuring the brightest young stars and iconic figures in Gospel music today. In addition to honoring BeBe & CeCe Winans and Mary Mary, BMI’s Most Performed Gospel Song of the Year, “Amazing” by Ricky Dillard & New G featuring Tiff Joy, was also recognized. The Grammy-nominated single spent an astounding 30 weeks at #1 on Billboard Magazine’s Gospel Airplay chart and catapulted Tiff Joy into the spotlight.
BMI also recognized the Ten Most Performed Songs of the Year (2015): “But God,” co-written by Isaac Carree, Philip Cornish and Eric Dawkins and performed by Carree featuring James Fortune; “Different,” written by Kirk Franklin and performed by Tasha Page-Lockhart; “Help,” co-written by Hasben Jones and Harold Lilly and performed by Erica Campbell featuring Lecrae; “I Can Only Imagine,” co-written by Israel Houghton and Meleasa Houghton and performed by Tamela Mann; “I Will Trust,” co-written by Phillip Feaster, Calvin Rodgers, and Fred Hammond, who is the performer; “No Greater Love,” written by Aaron Lindsey and performed by Smokie Norful; “This Place,” written by Darrell Blair and performed by Tamela Mann; “War,” written and performed by Charles Jenkins; “We Are Victorious,” written and performed by Donnie McClurkin featuring Tye Tribbett; and “You Alone,” written by Michael McDowell and performed by the Arkansas Gospel Mass Choir.
The ceremony began with a breathtaking performance by Donald Lawrence of last year’s Song of the Year, “The Gift,” before moving to the evening’s musical tributes. Grammy–nominated singers Anita Wilson and Bryon Cage introduced the first Trailblazers of Gospel Music honorees, Mary Mary, followed by KeKe Wyatt’s explosive rendition of the duo’s “God in Me.” The tributes continued with uplifting performances by Y’Anna Crawley (“Heaven”), Tasha Cobbs and Kierra Sheard (“Can’t Give Up”), Tasha Page-Lockhart and Lisa Page-Brooks (“Go Get It”) and Tamela Mann (“Yesterday”) who all paid homage to the iconic sister act. After giving their acceptance speeches, Mary Mary rounded out the first half of the awards ceremony with an amazing performance of their pioneering debut hit single, “Shackles (Praise You),” to close out their tribute segment.
Actress Kim Fields introduced legendary sibling duo BeBe & CeCe Winans as the next Trailblazers of Gospel Music recipients. Their signature sound broke down barriers and paved the way for a whole new generation of Gospel artists. BeBe & CeCe’s tribute segment featured soulful performances by Tamia and Jonathan McReynolds (“Heaven/ It’s Ok”), Yolanda Adams and Brian Courtney Wilson (“Addictive Love”), Kelly Price (“In Return”), siblings Marvin and Debbie Winans (“Lost Without You”), and Deborah Cox and Fred Hammond (“Hold Up The Light”). BeBe & CeCe closed out their powerful tribute segment with a mesmerizing performance of their hit-single “Up Where We Belong” from their 1984 LP, Lord Lift Us Up.
Former Trailblazer recipient and renowned gospel singer-songwriter Yolanda Adams hosted the ceremony along with Mike O’Neill, BMI President and CEO, and Catherine Brewton, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Atlanta.
BMI’s impressive roster of gospel songwriters includes Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, Jessica Reedy, Marvin Sapp, Twinkie Clark, Donald Lawrence, Wess Morgan, Kim Burrell and many others.
Photos and video footage can be accessed via the official EPK link early Sunday morning (January 17th):
http://www.epklink.com/bmitrailblazers2016
PRESS CONTACTS
Caroline Gumer
BMI
212.220.3139
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Jodie Thomas
BMI
212.220.3142
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
2016 BMI Trailblazer of Gospel Music Honorees, BeBe and CeCe Winans attend 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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BMI President & CEO Mike O'Neill with BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honorees, BeBe and CeCe Winans, and Alvin Love at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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BMI President & CEO, Mike O'Neill greets 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honorees, Mary Mary at the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honorees, Mary Mary with their mother, Thomasina Atkins attend the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Teddy and Tina Campbell, and Erica and Warryn Campbell attend 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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GooGoo Atkins attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Stan Jones and Melvin Williams attend 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Lisa Knowles attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Tiff Joy attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Fred Hammond attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Guordan Banks attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Tasha Cobbs attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Tamela and David Mann attend 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Darrell Blair attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Brad Siegel - President TV One, BMI Vice President Catherine Brewton, and Sunseeker Productions's Bart Phillips attend 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Kim Fields attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Isaac Carree attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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James Hall attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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KeKe Wyatt attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Alison Krauss attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Grant and Tamia Hill attend 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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2016 BMI Trailblazer of Gospel Music Honorees, Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary attend 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Erica Campbell of Mary Mary attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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2016 BMI Trailblazer of Gospel Music Honoree, Tina Campbell of Mary Mary attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Anita Wilson attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Catherine Brewton attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Brad Siegel attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Eric Dawkins attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Brian Courtney Wilson attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Deborah Cox attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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2016 BMI Trailblazer of Gospel Music Honoree, CeCe Winans arrives at the Rialto Center for the Arts on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Jonathan McReynolds attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Tasha Page-Lockhart and Lisa Page Brooks attend 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Byron Cage attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Honorees BeBe & CeCe Winans at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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BMI Honorees BeBe & CeCe Winans perform at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors on Saturday, January 16th, 2016 at the Rialto Center in Atlanta
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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Fred Hammond and Deborah Cox perform at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors on Saturday, January 16th, 2016 at the Rialto Center in Atlanta
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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Kelly Price performs at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors on Saturday, January 16th, 2016 at the Rialto Center in Atlanta
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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Jonathan McReynolds and Tamia perform at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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Song of the Year honors awarded to "Amazing" by Ricky Dillard and Tiff Joy at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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BMI Honorees Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary perform at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors on Saturday, January 16th, 2016 at the Rialto Center in Atlanta
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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Pictured at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors (L to R): Erica Campbell; BMI VP Writer/Publisher Relations, Catherine Brewton; Tina Campbell; BMI President & CEO, Mike O'Neill
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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Tamela Mann performs at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors on Saturday, January 16th, 2016 at the Rialto Center in Atlanta
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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Lisa Page Brooks and Tasha Page-Lockhart perform at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors on Saturday, January 16th, 2016 at the Rialto Center in Atlanta
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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Kierra Sheard and Tasha Cobbs perform at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors on Saturday, January 16th, 2016 at the Rialto Center in Atlanta
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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Y'Anna Crawley performs at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors on Saturday, January 16th, 2016 at the Rialto Center in Atlanta
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors Host Yolanda Adams
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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Isaac Carree, Donald Lawerance perform at the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors on Saturday, January 16th, 2016 at the Rialto Center in Atlanta
Photo by A Turner Archives/BMI
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Tamela Mann attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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TC Carson attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Joshua Rogers attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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2016 BMI Trailblazer of Gospel Music Honoree, Tina Campbell of Mary Mary attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Award Show at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Tina and Teddy Campbell attend 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Lawrence Washington attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Award Show at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Keyondra Lockett of Zie'l attends the 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Lisa Page Brooks attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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Tasha Page-Lockhart attends 2016 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto on January 16, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Marcus Ingram/Getty Images for BMI
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