GMA Celebrates Honors and 2014 Hall of Fame Inductions

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Michael W. Smith performs.

Michael W. Smith performs.


The Gospel Music Association gathered artists and industry executives last night (April 30) at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena to honor organizations and individuals who have impacted popular culture through gospel music. Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductees for the evening included Brown Bannister, Gaither Vocal Band, Rich Mullins and Take 6.

GMA Honors recipients include Dr. Bobby Jones, Don Moen, Michael Guido, Show Hope and World Vision. Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Michael W. Smith, Ellie Bannister Holcomb, David Crowder and Take 6 performed during the event. Grant, Gill, and Bannister Holcomb performed “El Shaddai” as Brown Bannister watched and recalled memories of working with Grant. “One encouragement to Christian artists is to tell the truth and be real,” he said.

Smith offered a rendition of “Awesome God,” written by the late Rich Mullins. Mullins’ brother David accepted the legend’s induction into the GMA Hall of Fame. David Crowder later paid tribute to the Gaither Vocal Band by performing “Because He Lives.” Inductee Bill Gaither said, “I love the art of music, but more importantly, I love the message we are able to share.”
“This evening has exceeded all expectations,” stated John Huie, co-chair and visionary of the GMA Honors. “The power of music was on display tonight. Our industry is full of individuals that share way more than music, they share themselves, their hearts and souls and I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of it all.”

DC Talk present during the GMA Honors

DC Talk present during the GMA Honors and Hall of Fame inductions


Ellie Bannister Holcomb, Amy Grant and Vince Gill perform during the GMA Honors.

Ellie Bannister Holcomb, Amy Grant and Vince Gill perform.


GMA's Jackie Patillo and GMA Honors co-chair John Huie.

GMA’s Jackie Patillo and GMA Honors co-chair John Huie.

Songwriters Hall of Fame To Honor Del Bryant

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del bryantBMI President Del Bryant will receive the Visionary Leadership Award at the upcoming 45th Annual Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Dinner in New York City. The event is slated for Thursday, June 12 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel.
The Visionary Leadership Award acknowledges a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame Board of Directors who has made a significant contribution in furthering the ongoing mission of the organization and in elevating it to a level of prominence and distinction. Chairman Emeritus Hal Davis was the inaugural, and to date, only recipient of the award.
Under Bryant’s leadership at BMI, the PRO represents more than 600,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music and more than 8.5 million musical works. It has distributed more than $814 million in royalties for its 2013 fiscal year.
Inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at this year’s event include Ray Davies, Donovan, Graham Gouldman, Mark James and Jim Weatherly. The prestigious Johnny Mercer Award will be presented to Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff. Doug Morris will be honored with the Hitmaker Award and Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons will receive the Hal David Starlight Award.
Tickets begin at $1000 each, and are available through Buckley Hall Events, 914-579-1000. Net proceeds will go toward the Songwriters Hall of Fame programs.
Exactly one year ago today, Bryant announced his retirement from BMI after more than 40 years. He is relocating from New York to Nashville and will continue as a consultant for the company.