Gospel Music Hall of Fame Adds Bebe and CeCe Winans, Twila Paris and More

Pictured (L-R, back row): Shelley and Louie Giglio, Bishop Paul S. Morton, BeBe Winans, Al Andrews, Roland Lundy.
(front row): Twila Paris, CeCe Winans, Candy Christmas, Mark Lowry, Jackie Patillo and John Huie. Photo: Getty Images

The Gospel Music Association honored several titans of the Gospel music industry last night (May 5) at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville. The GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame saw the addition five new members, including BeBe and CeCe Winans, Mark Lowry, Roland Lundy, and Twila Paris.

“Tonight is about honoring service,” said GMA president and executive director Jackie Patillo. “Even though we use the phrase ‘Hall of Fame,’ what we really mean is notable service to God and to others. Likewise, our GMA Honors provides a platform to acknowledge the many ways that people faithfully serve God and are lights for His Kingdom.”

Additionally the second annual GMA Honors paid tribute to Bishop Paul S. Morton, The Bridge Ministry’s Candy Christmas, Passion founded by Louie and Shelley Giglio, and Porter’s Call founded by Al Andrews.

Point of Grace, Melinda Doolittle, Tauren Wells, Joy and Landy Gardner, and the Grace Church Choir featuring the Martins and Chris August honored the recipients in song. Meanwhile, presenters including Bill Hearn, Amy Grant, Brandon Heath, Dr. A.R. Bernard, Jeff Stultz, Bill Gaither, Bishop Joseph Walker III, and Steve Green shared testimonies of their relationships with the honorees and inductees.

“Louie and Shelley are a powerful combination…They are nurturing leaders and songwriters under their care; you can count on these two to make the name of Jesus famous throughout the earth,” said Hearn.

“The exciting thing about gospel music is it never gets old,” said CeCe Winans. “God just gets greater and greater over the years. The more things you go though, you get to see Him in a different way.” BeBe Winans added, “You do what you do because you love God. You can dream some things but sometimes things happen that you never could dream of.”

Last night’s event will air on JUCE TV on Friday, June 5 at 7 p.m. PST, and Saturday, June 6 at 12 p.m. PST.

The third annual GMA Honors ceremony will take place May 10, 2016.