Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant perform at GMA Honors on May 9, 2017 (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
GMA Foundation’s annual GMA Honors celebration was held on Tuesday, May 9 at Lipscomb University. Steve Green, Yolanda Adams, Gold City Quartet and Michael Blanton and Dan Harrell were inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame during the GMA Foundation’s annual GMA Honors celebration. The event also honored individuals and organizations that are impacting our culture both past and present. This year’s honorees were Amy Grant for Helping Hands, Dr. Shirley Caesar for Shirley Caesar Outreach Ministries, Compassion International and Natalie Grant for Hope for Justice.
For the first time, the GMA inducted legacy artists who soared in national prominence in the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame by proclamation. This year’s inductees included Dorothy Love Coates & The Gospel Harmonettes, The Roberta Martin Singers and The Harmonizing Four.
The event featured tributes and performances from Christian and Gospel music all-stars. Grant and Michael W. Smith sang their hits “El Shaddai” and “Friends” in honor of inductees Michael Blanton and Dan Harrell. Cece Winans, Donnie McClurkin and Jekalyn Carr sang a medley of Yolanda Adam’s most popular hits including “The Battle is The Lord’s,” “Open My Heart” and “That Name.” Danny Gokey and Kierra Sheard ended the night with a stirring rendition of “Better Than I Found It” accompanied by Lamar Campbell & Spirit of Praise and the Nashville Super Choir. Numerous other artists and special guests presented tributes to the honorees, including Bart Millard, Dr. Bobby Jones, Clarke Beasley, Dick Tunney, Fred Hammond, Jaci Velasquez, Larnelle Harris, Percy Bady, Travis Cottrell and Tye Tribbett.
GMA Honors will return next year on May 8, 2018.
Honoree Dr. Shirley Caesar with Dr. Bobby Jones at GMA Honors on May 9, 2017 (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees Gold City Quartet perform at GMA Honors on May 9, 2017 (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
About the Author
Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at [email protected]View Author Profile
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