GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Names Inductees

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, Ricky Skaggs, Dallas Holm, The Hoppers, Love Song and Rex Humbard will be inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. The GMA Foundation (GMAF) will induct the honorees on Tues., Aug. 14, 2012 at Trinity Music City Auditorium in Hendersonville, TN at 6:00 PM. Admission is free to the public.

“The diverse talents represented in this years class of inductees have impacted millions of people around the world. It is an honor to induct these individuals” said Charles Dorris, Chairman, GMA Foundation.

About the inductees:

Dallas Holm

Aretha Franklin—In 1972, she released the gospel album Amazing Grace. It eventually became her biggest-selling release ever, selling over two million copies and becoming the best-selling gospel album of all time. In 1987 she returned to her gospel roots with the album, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism. Her classic hits include “Respect” (1967) and “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me).” In 1987 she was the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Dallas Holm—Has been writing and performing for 40 years. His 38 recordings have resulted in gold records, multiple Dove awards and No. 1 songs. Artists Steven Curtis Chapman, Twila Paris and Greg Long of Avalon say Holm has impacted their lives and ministries. Holm can be seen on several of the Bill Gaither Homecoming videos.

The Hoppers

The Hoppers—Comprised today of family members Claude & Connie, son Dean and his wife, Kim, and son Mike Hopper, The Hoppers were formed in 1957. The award winning family group has been singing to global audiences for over 55 years with appearances ranging from presidential religious inaugural ceremonies to New York’s Carnegie Hall. Known as America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music, they are favorites on the Gaither Homecoming videos and tours.

Rex Humbard—The Rex Humbard Ministry program ran from 1952 to 1985. In the early 1970’s, Time Magazine did a feature story on Humbard and coined the phrase “tele-evangelist” to describe him. In 1999, Rex was named as “one of the 25 shapers of the 20th century” by US News and World Report because of his visionary use of the media to promote his message of hope, love and salvation. One of the most vital parts of his ministry was gospel music.

Rex Humbard

Love Song— In the early 70’s, during the beginnings of what became known as the “Jesus Movement,” a group of young, longhaired, hippie musicians called Love Song began to use their music to express their faith in Jesus Christ. A mixture of rock and pop, Love Song’s music was new and unique for the Christian music world. It helped blaze the path for Contemporary Christian Music.

Ricky Skaggs—Bluegrass stalwart who is a fourteen-time Grammy Award winner, and two-time Dove Award winner, with eight CMA Awards and eight ACM Awards. Now in his 40th year as a professional musician, he continues to record and tour with his band Kentucky Thunder.

The GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame, established in 1971, has inducted more than 150 members since its inception. A full list of GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame Inductees is available at gmahalloffame.org.