January 14, 2017
BMI Celebrates the Best in Gospel Music at the Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors in Atlanta
SPECIAL HONOR AWARDED TO GOSPEL MUSIC LEGEND MARVIN SAPP
“WANNA BE HAPPY?” BY KIRK FRANKLIN AND AL GREEN AWARDED SONG OF THE YEAR
**The Inspirational Event Will Air Nationwide on TV One January 29th at 7:00 PM ET**
Broadcast Music, Inc. ® (BMI®) celebrated the best and brightest in gospel music last night during its 18th annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at the Rialto Center for the Arts in Atlanta, GA. The night paid tribute to iconic gospel singer-songwriter Marvin Sapp and was hosted for the second consecutive year by previous Trailblazer recipient and renowned gospel singer-songwriter Yolanda Adams along with gospel singer-songwriter VaShawn Mitchell. The inspirational event will air nationwide on TV One on January 29th at 7:00 PM ET.
The invitation-only event featured the most promising young stars and iconic figures in gospel music today. In addition to honoring Marvin Sapp for his indisputable musical contributions to the gospel community, BMI’s Most Performed Gospel Song of the Year, “Wanna Be Happy?” written by Kirk Franklin and Al Green, was also recognized. The Grammy-winning single debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart where it remained for an astounding 45 weeks, the second-longest reign in the chart’s history.
BMI also recognized the Ten Most Performed Songs of the Year (2016) from its affiliated songwriters: “123 Victory,” written and performed by Kirk Franklin; “Bless This House,” written and performed by Dorinda Clark-Cole with co-writers Saeed Renaud, Rodrick Simmons and Fields Blanchard, Jr.; “How Awesome Is Our God,” co-written by Neville Diedericks, Israel and Meleasa Houghton and performed by Israel & New Breed featuring Yolanda Adams; “I’m Good,” written and performed by Tim Bowman, Jr. with co-writers Rodney Jenkins and Marvin Winans, Jr.; “I’m Yours,” written by Korey Bowie and performed by Casey J; “Intentional,” written by Victor Navejar and performed by Travis Greene; “Thank You Jesus (That’s What He’s Done),” written by Myron Butler and performed by Kim Burrell; “Worth Fighting For,” written by Aaron Lindsey and performed by Brian Courtney Wilson; “Yes You Can,” written and performed by Marvin Sapp with co-writer Jarmone E. Davis and “You Love Me (Best of My Love),” written and performed by Anita Wilson.
The ceremony began with upbeat renditions of “Intentional” by Travis Greene featuring 112 and “Bless This House” by Dorinda Clark-Cole. Jonathan McReynolds serenaded the crowd on acoustic guitar with his song, “Full Attention.” The inspirational music continued with Zacardi Cortez singing a beautiful version of “Jesus Saves” by Daryl Coley, Stellar Award-nominated singer Lisa Knowles gave a soulful performance of “Oh My Soul Loves Jesus” by Kurt Carr, followed by Yolanda Adams’ interpretation of “He Brought Me” by Tramaine Hawkins. Video packages on The Art of Songwriting featuring multiple award-winning songwriters were peppered throughout the first set.
Before moving on to the tribute portion of the evening, Mike O’Neill, BMI President and CEO, and Catherine Brewton, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, introduced Kirk Franklin’s performance of BMI’s Most Performed Song of the Year, “Wanna Be Happy?” which kept the audience on their feet.
The celebration continued with several tributes to the legendary singer Marvin Sapp from some of the best in gospel. R&B singer-songwriter Tank gave a soulful performance of “Grace and Mercy,” Isaac Carree performed “Praise Him in Advance,” Travis Greene sang “Not The Time, Not The Place,” and Todd Dulaney performed “I Believe.” Le’Andria Johnson paid homage to the gospel great with her version of “Never Would Have Made It” and brought the crowd to their feet as Bishop Paul Morton joined her on stage. The uplifting performances kept coming with Bishop William Murphy (“Perfect Peace”) and Tasha Cobbs (“You Are God Alone”). After accepting his honor and thanking those who helped his career along the way, Sapp belted out his chart-topping single “Best in Me” from his 2010 album Here I Am and closed the show with a performance of “One Thing.”
PRESS CONTACTS:
Brittnee Walker : 212-220-3134/
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Jodie Thomas: 212-220-3142/
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Mike O’Neill, BMI President and CEO, and Catherine Brewton, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations after the ceremony with the night’s honoree, Marvin Sapp and his children, MiKaila, Madisson and Marvin, Jr. at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Dorinda Clark-Cole giving a powerful performance of “Bless This House” at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Jonathan McReynolds serenaded the crowd on acoustic guitar with his song, “Full Attention” at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Zacardi Cortez performing “Jesus Saves” by Daryl Coley at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Lisa Knowles gave a soulful performance of “Oh My Soul Loves Jesus” by Kurt Carr at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Marvin Sapp watching performances to honor of his indelible contributions to gospel music at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Isaac Carree performing Marvin Sapp’s hit “Praise Him in Advance” at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Le’Andria Johnson paid homage to the gospel great with her version of “Never Would Have Made It.” at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Marvin Sapp accepting his honor at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Mike O’Neill, BMI President and CEO, and Catherine Brewton, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations present Kirk Franklin with an award for BMI’s Most Performed Song of the Year, for “Wanna Be Happy?” at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Anita Wilson accepts award from BMI’s Wardell Malloy and Catherine Brewton for “You Love Me (Best of My Love)” as one of BMI’s Most Performed Songs of 2016 at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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BMI’s Wardell Malloy and Catherine Brewton present Dorinda Clark-Cole and Fields Blanchard, Jr. and award for “Bless This House” as one of BMI’s Most Performed Songs of 2016 at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Israel Houghton is honored for his single “How Awesome Is Our God” as one of BMI’s Most Performed Songs of 2016 by BMI’s Wardell Malloy and Catherine Brewton at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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BMI’s Catherine Brewton and Wardell Malloy present Korey Bowie with an award for his song “I’m Yours.” Also pictured Dr. Leonard Scott of Tyscot Songs at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Tim Bowman, Jr. receives an award from BMI’s Wardell Malloy and Catherine Brewton for “I’m Good” as one of BMI’s Most Performed Songs of 2016 at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Kirk Franklin receives an award from BMI’s Wardell Malloy and Catherine Brewton for “123 Victory” as one of BMI’s Most Performed Songs of 2016 at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Jarmone E. Davis and Marvin Sapp accept their award for “Yes You Can” as one of BMI’s Most Performed Songs of 2016. Also pictured Wardell Mallory and Catherine Brewton of BMI at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Victor Navejar accepts his award for “Intentional” as one of BMI’s Most Performed Songs of 2016 with Travis Greene and BMI’s Wardell Malloy and Catherine Brewton at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Travis Greene and the 112 perform “Intentional at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Le’Andria Johnson and Bishop Paul Morton perform at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI
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Marvin L. Sapp performs at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Marvin L. Sapp performs at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Tasha Cobbs performs at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI
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Bishop William Murphy performs at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI
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Travis Greene and Todd Dulaney perform at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI
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Isaac Carree performs at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI
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Tank performs at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI
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Kirk Franklin speaks at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Adrienne Bailon Houghton and Israel Houghton speak at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Zacardi Cortez performs at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI
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Jonathan McReynolds performs at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI
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Dorinda Clark-Cole performs at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI
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Yolanda Adams and VaShawn Mitchell host the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and BMI Vice President Catherine Brewton at the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Jonathan Nelson attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Lisa Knowles attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Andre Tate and Melvin Williams attend the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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BMI Vice President Catherine Brewton attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Y’Anna Crawley attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Jahi Winston attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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(L-R) Q Parker, Daron Jones, Slim, and Michael Marcel Keith of 112 attend the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BMI
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Singer-songwriter VaShawn Mitchell attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Singer-songwriter Marvin L. Sapp attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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VaShawn Mitchell, Yolanda Adams, and Marvin L. Sapp attend the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Yolanda Adams attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Actor Brian White attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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James Hall attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Korey Bowie attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Marvin Sapp, Kirk Franklin and Israel Houghton attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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Anita Wilson attends the 2017 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Honors at Rialto Center for the Arts on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia.
Photo by Erika Goldring
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