Tag Archive for: Christian

Lifenotes: Tom Howard

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Local musician Thomas L. Howard passed away suddenly on January 29, 2010. He was 59 years old. Howard was an accomplished pianist, composer, arranger, and producer, mainly on the Christian circuit. He also recorded under the name Dorian.

Howard is survived by his wife, Dori; children, Katie and Joseph; and sister, Susann (John) Anderson.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 3 at St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church (4800 Belmont Park Terrace, Nashville, TN 37215). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to St. Bartholomew’s. Arrangements by Marshall Donnelly Combs, (615) 327-1111.

Industry News: Nashville At Sundance, Gospel Honors

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leann rimesASCAP is sending Nashville songwriters including LeAnn Rimes, Brendan Benson, Joey+Rory, k.s. Rhoads, and Sam & Ruby to the 2010 Sundance Film Festival, going on Jan. 21-31 in Park City, Utah. Events include the  Sundance ASCAP Music Café and the annual, invitation-only ASCAP Filmmaker & Composer Breakfast.

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BMI will honor gospel greats Donnie McClurkin and Andraé Crouch at its 11th Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon, Jan. 15 at Rocketown. Held the day before the 25th Annual Stellar Awards, BMI’s invitation-only ceremony will welcome gospel music’s premier songwriters, recording artists and music industry executives, as well as the genre’s legends.

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More details about the Show Dog-Universal Music label will be unveiled Wed., Jan. 13 when Principle Toby Keith and President Mark Wright hold a press conference in Nashville.
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Moraine Music Group Canadian singer/songwriter Johnny Reid closed out 2009 as the Top Selling Canadian Artist on the Billboard Country Album chart, selling 300,000 units. Reid also swept the CCMA’s, winning six awards.

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Digital Music News reports producer Matt Serletic—known in Nashville most recently for his work with Gloriana—has been at CES in Las Vegas promoting his software company Music Mastermind. The game-like program is designed to make music-making easy regardless of musical background. DMN calls it “ProTools for the masses.”

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Longtime Napster CEO Chris Gorog and president Brad Duea are leaving the company; owner Best Buy says both positions are being eliminated. Christopher Allen, previously Napster’s COO, will move to  General Manager.

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SXSWeek 2010 will be March 12-21 in Austin. The first headliner announced is Cheap Trick. Other early conference topics include case studies on music from the film Twilight: New Moon, and examining how music makes it way into mass culture via the video game Rock Band.

Skaggs, Morgan Among ICM Award Winners

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morganRicky Skaggs, Craig Morgan and Tracy Lawrence were among the winners at the 15th Annual Inspirational Country Music (ICM) Award Show, held last night (10/16) at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium. Skaggs was selected Mainstream Country Artist of the Year, and joined The Whites to perform “Salt of The Earth.” Morgan received Video of the Year for his single “God Must Really Love Me” and performed the song during the show. Lawrence won Mainstream Inspirational Song of the Year for “Up To Him.” Point of Grace, who recently crossed in to the country music arena with the poignant hit “How You Live (Turn Up the Music),” won Vocal Group of the Year.

Also on hand to perform were Jason Crabb, Randy Houser, Adam Gregory, Carter Twins, Halfway to Hazard, Cherryholmes, Katalyst, Jordyn Shellhart, CrossCountry the Band, James Payne, Del Way, Tommy Brandt, Dennis Agajanian, Greg McDougal and Amanda Fessant.

Wayne Elsey, CEO & Founder of charity Soles4Souls, went barefoot as he presented an award to raise awareness for the more than 300 million children worldwide who do not have shoes.

Voted on by the CCMA membership, the 2009 ICM Awards will be aired on TCT Networks, The Worship Network, and more channels, which reach a combined 500 million people throughout the world.

Complete list of winners:
Entertainer of the Year CrossCountry the Band
Male Vocalist Tommy Brandt
Female Vocalist Sandra Dee
Vocal Duo The Roys
Vocal Group Point of Grace
Mainstream Inspirational Country Song “Up To Him,” Tracy Lawrence
Mainstream Country Artist Ricky Skaggs
Christian Country Song “Good Ole Boys,” James Payne & Del Way
Songwriter Russ Murphy
Video “God Must Really Love Me, Craig Morgan, Director, Eric Welch
New Artist Steve Richard
Musician Dennis Agajanian
Comedy Act Barry McGee
Radio Personality Leon Joplin
Radio Station WCWV, Summersville, WV
Living Legend Award Ken Holloway
Inspirational Bluegrass Artist The Isaacs
Youth In Music Award Matthew Wacaster
Music Evangelist of the Year Russ Murphy
Faith, Family, & Country Movie Fireproof, Provident Films
Television Network TCT Network

Point of Grace

Point of Grace

Awards Highlight 15th Annual ICM Week

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icm_logoCraig Morgan, Point of Grace and Halfway to Hazard are among the artists confirmed to perform at the 15th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards Thursday, October 15. The show takes place 7pm at the Trinity Music City USA Auditorium in Hendersonville and tickets can be purchased for $45 from www.icm-awards.com. Additional performers confirmed for the event include Dennis Agajanian, The Carter Twins, Katalyst, Jordyn Shellhart, Ricky Skaggs & The Whites, Cherryholmes, Jason Crabb, Randy Houser, Adam Gregory, James Payne and more. The 2009 ICM Awards will be aired on TCT Networks, The Worship Network, and more. A full list of award nominees is included below.

The Awards show is the keynote event of the Annual Inspirational Country Music Week, which started in Hendersonville yesterday (10/11). Attendees are treated to meet and greet sessions and autograph signings with artists, as well as numerous live music showcases like the ICM Sumner County Benefit Concert tonight (10/12), 7pm at Trinity Music City USA. Performers include Matthew Wacaster, Sandra Dee, The Roys, The Carter Twins, and Halfway to Hazard. Proceeds from the $20 admission price will go toward the purchase of weather radios for Sumner County residents.

Also included in the week is the 2009 ICM Talent Competition, scheduled for 9:30am Wednesday (10/13) at Trinity Music City USA. The cost is $200 per entrant, and any Christian or Inspirational genre is acceptable. The winning act will receive a three song project and one HMG single release marketed to radio. Register for the competition here.

2009 ICM Awards Nominees:
Entertainer of the Year
Barry McGee, CrossCountry The Band, Del Way, James Payne, Point Of Grace

Male Vocalist
Allen Frizzell, Del Way, Greg McDougal, Russ Murphy, Tommy Brandt

Female Vocalist
Amanda Fessant, Denean Workman, Kathy Joy Bell, Mary James, Sandra Dee

Vocal Duo of the Year
Bellamy Brothers, Branded, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Robert & James, The Roys

Vocal Group
CrossCountry The Band, Last Light Band, Point Of Grace, The Akins, The Springs

Mainstream Inspirational Country Song
“Everything Is Fine” — Josh Turner
“God Must Really Love Me” — Craig Morgan
“Sissy’s Song” — Alan Jackson
“Somebody Said A Prayer” — Billy Ray Cyrus
“Up To Him” — Tracy Lawrence

Mainstream Country Artist
Jeff Bates, Josh Turner, Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, Tracy Lawrence

Christian Country Song of the Year
“Good Ole Boys” — James Payne and Del Way
“Loving You” — Greg McDougal with Tammy Cochran
“Make It Into Heaven” — Steve Richard
“Man Of His Word” — Allen Frizzell
“The Devil’s Game” — Tommy Brandt

Songwriter of the Year
Del Way, Greg McDougal, James Payne, Russ Murphy, Tommy Brandt

Video
“Everything Is Fine” — Josh Turner, Director: Roman White
“God Must Really Love Me” — Craig Morgan, Director: Eric Welch
“Sissy’s Song” — Alan Jackson, Director: Scott Scovill
“Up To Him” — Tracy Lawrence, Director: Flick Wiltshire
“Waitin’ On A Woman” — Brad Paisley, Director: Jim Shea/Peter Tilden

New Artist
Clay Dustin, Glen Shelton, Jayc Harold, Nichole Hope Crandell, Steve Richard, The Akins

Musician of the Year
Charlie Daniels, Dennis Agajanian, Gordon Mote, Greg McDougal, Ricky Skaggs

Legend / Pioneer Award
CrossCountry The Band, Gayla Earlene, Ken Holloway, Ricky Skaggs, Last Light Band

Comedy Act of the Year
Barry McGee, Chonda Pierce, Jeff Treece, Mark Lowry, Steve McGranahan,World’s Strongest Redneck

Radio Personality of the Year
J.R. Pitsenbarger, Leon Joplin, Red Ellis, Rich Miller, Robby Lynn

Radio Station of the Year
KIJN, Farwell TX
KKUS, Tyler TX
WCWV, Summersville WV
WJCR, Upton KY
WTYS, Marianna FL

Inspirational Country Bluegrass Award
Alison Krauss, Lawrence Bishop, Marty Raybon, New Jerusalem, Ricky Skaggs & The Whites, The Isaacs

Youth In Music Award
Abbey, Calina Boggs, Hannah Belle, Luke Womac, Mackenzie Morgan, Matthew Wacaster

Music Evangelist of the Year
Corey Brooks, CrossCountry The Band, Melanie Walker, Russ Murphy, Tommy Brandt

Faith, Family, & Country Movie
Billy, The Early Years: Solex Productions
Fireproof, Provident Films
Hannah Montana: The Movie, Disney
Saving God, Cloud Ten Pictures
The Genius Club, Cloud Ten Pictures

Television Network
Daystar, Gospel Music Channel, TCT Network, Three Angels Broadcasting Network, Trinity Broadcast Network (TBN)

All Star Concert Hopes To Save The GMA

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HCJP-Amy_Grant

Amy Grant

Christian and Gospel music’s premier artists will gather in Nashville on Monday night, Oct. 12, for the Save The GMA concert at the Loveless Cafe Barn. Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, MercyMe, Natalie Grant, Kirk Franklin, Point of Grace, Fisk Jubilee Singers and The Booth Brothers are all on board for the show to be produced by five-time Dove Award Producer of the Year Brown Bannister.

Under increasing financial pressure, the Gospel Music Association is hoping this all star event will raise enough money to keep the organization running. The GMA laid off more than half of its staff in early 2009, and earlier this month Pres. and CEO John Styll also exited.

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Michael W. Smith

Daywind Music Pres. Ed Leonard, who serves as chairman of the GMA Board, explains the organization’s importance. “In a time of restricted sponsorship dollar availability and financial hardships faced by many in our community, the GMA has continued to be there for all of us, offering first class events, tackling important legislative issues and promoting the genre to the world through the Dove Awards.” Among the GMA’s other initiatives are GMA Music Week, the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and Immerse.

Save The GMA is open to the public and industry, with tickets priced at $1,000. The cost covers event production and a significant tax-deductible donation. Tickets are available by calling the GMA office at 615-242-0303, ext. 238.

SESAC Celebrates Christian Award Winners

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SESAC honored Jason Ingram as its 2008 Christian Songwriter of the Year during ceremonies held Monday (2/23) at Nashville’s Sambuca Restaurant. The performing rights organization also named Peertunes Ltd., Grange Hill Music, and Windsor Way Music as 2008 Christian Publishers of the Year.

Ingram realized extraordinary success last year with his song “Give Me Your Eyes,” which was a No. 1 hit on two radio formats. Artist Brandon Heath, who took the tune to the top of the charts, performed an inspired version of the hit at the awards event. In 2008, Ingram also had success with his songs “Peace Be Still” and “Wonder Of The World” by Rush Of Fools.

Other SESAC award winners included Christian chart-toppers Ian Eskelin and Adam Agee of Stellar Kart, and Jeremy Kunkle of This Beautiful Republic.

Pictured (L-R): Trevor Gale (SESAC, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations), Tim Fink (SESAC Associate Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations), Jason Ingram, David Steunebrink (Grange Hill Music, President), Dennis Lord (SESAC, Executive Vice President), Kevin Lamb (peermusic Ltd., Vice President, Nashville) and John Mullins (SESAC, Associate Director, Writer/Publisher Relations). Photo: Ed Rode

Pictured (L-R): Trevor Gale (SESAC, VP, Writer/Publisher Relations), Tim Fink (SESAC Assc. VP, Writer/Publisher Relations), Jason Ingram, David Steunebrink (Grange Hill Music, President), Dennis Lord (SESAC, Exec. VP), Kevin Lamb (peermusic Ltd., Vice President, Nashville) and John Mullins (SESAC, Assc. Dir., Writer/Publisher Relations). Photo: Ed Rode

Dove Awards: Tomlin Leads Noms, GMA Starts Fan Voting

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Chris Tomlin

Chris Tomlin

Chris Tomlin is the top artist nominee for the 2009 Dove Awards. The reigning three-time Male Vocalist of the Year scored seven nominations, revealed at this morning’s press conference, including Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist, Song, Praise & Worship Album, Worship Song, Special Event Album, and Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song. The 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be held April 23 at the Grand Ole Opry House and will be broadcast nationwide live on the Gospel Music Channel at 7 PM/CT.

Natalie Grant, Casting Crowns and newcomer Francesca Battistelli each received five nominations. Grant, the current three-time Female Vocalist of the Year, received another nomination in that category, as well as nods for Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Album, Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song, and Worship Song. Four-time Group of the Year winners Casting Crowns are again up in that category, as well as Artist of the Year, Christmas Album, Short Form Video and Long Form Video. Battistelli, who burst on the Christian music scene in the summer of 2008, is up for Female Vocalist, New Artist, Song of the Year, Pop/Contemporary Song, and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.

In a growing awards show trend, fans will be able to vote on awards for the upcoming show. For the first time, fans will vote for Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year through www.gospelmusicchannel.com and www.doveawards.com. Voting opens Feb. 26—the same day online voting opens for GMA members—and continues through the live Dove Awards broadcast. It will account for one-third of the total vote in those two categories, while GMA member votes will account for the remaining two-thirds.

Tickets to the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 615-242-0303. Select nominations are below, or click here for a complete list.

ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Casting Crowns
Steven Curtis Chapman
Fireflight
Marvin Sapp
Third Day
TobyMac
Chris Tomlin

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Addison Road
Francesca Battistelli
Fee
Jonathan Nelson
Remedy Drive
Chris Sligh
Tenth Avenue North

COUNTRY RECORDED SONG
“Did I Make A Difference”; Front Row Seats; The Oak Ridge Boys; Rob Crosby, Bill Anderson; Spring Hill Music Group
“Good Side Of Goodbye”; Home For Now; Living Waters Trio; Wayne Haun, Dave Clark; Vine Records
“I Saw God Today”; Troubadour; George Strait; Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell, Wade Kirby; MCA Nashville
“I Wish”; How You Live Deluxe Edition; Point of Grace; Cindy Morgan, Phil Madeira; Word Records
“Jesus And John Wayne”; Lovin’ Life; Gaither Vocal Band; Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither, Doug Johnson, Kim Williams, Benjamin Gaither; Gaither Music Group

COUNTRY ALBUM
Around the Bend; Randy Travis; Kyle Lehning; Warner Bros. Records
Home For Now; Living Waters Trio; Terry Thompson; Vine Records
Hymned Again; Bart Millard; Brown Bannister; INO Records
I Turn To You; Richie McDonald; Frank Myers, Gary Baker, Tommy Lee James; Lucid Entertainment
Runaway Train; Crabb Revival; Ben Isaacs, Tre’ Corley; Daywind Records

SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM
Billy: The Early Years Official Motion Picture Soundtrack; Brooks & Dunn, Mac Powell, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, China Edelman, Patty Griffin, Brandon Heath, Gregory Page, Michael W. Smith, Melinda Doolittle, Roy Orbison, Brad Paisley, Josh Turner, Sierra Hull, John Cowan, Harry Stinson, Ronnie Bowman, Ronnie McCoury, John Wesley Ryles; Anastasia Brown; Arista Nashville, Essential Records

Country Bluegrass Homecoming Volume One; Gaither Vocal Band, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, The Grascals, Buddy Greene, The Isaacs, Gordon Mote, Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys, The Booth Brothers, George Jones, Wesley Pritchard, Reggie & Ladye Love Smith, Brittany Allen, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Charlotte Ritchie, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Jimmy Fortune, Dailey & Vincent, Jason Crabb, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Cherryholmes, Lisa Daggs-Charette, Vince Gill, Sonya Isaacs, Becky Isaacs Bowman; Bill Gaither; Gaither Music Group

How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites from the Grand Ole Opry; The Charlie Daniels Band, Mac Powell, Alan Jackson, Patty Loveless, Ronnie Milsap, Ricky Skaggs & The Whites, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Loretta Lynn, Vince Gill, Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood; Steve Gibson; Sony BMG Nashville
Passion: God of This City; Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, David Crowder*Band, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, Fee, Matt Redman; Nathan Nockels; Sparrow Records, sixsteps Records

Your Name; Joel Auge, Leeland Mooring, Paul Baloche, Aaron Shust, Phil Wickham, Josh Reedy, Ayiesha Woods, Ian Eskelin, Mark Stuart, Vicky Beeching, Jared Anderson, Christy Johnson, Sean Loche, Aaron Boyd, Jason Roy, Wes Willis, Lincoln Brewster, Adam Agee; Ian Eskelin; Integrity Music

Photo courtesy: Judy Nelson Group

At today's nomination announcement: (L-R) Lisa Kimmey, Gospel Music Channel; Dan Evans and Jackie Evans, of NBC's Biggest Loser. Photo courtesy: Judy Nelson Group

Gospel Hall Holds 2009 Inductions

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The GMA Foundation inducted artists Michael W. Smith, Dolly Parton, Dr. Bobby Jones and The Dixie Hummingbirds along with music producer Lari Goss into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame on Feb. 2 at a ceremony at Richland Country Club.

Established in 1971, the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame has inducted more than 150 members including Elvis Presley, Amy Grant, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Sandi Patty, The Oak Ridge Boys, Bill and Gloria Gaither, Billy Graham and the Jordanaires.

(L-R): Steve Brallier, executive director of GMA Foundation; Inductee Lari Goss; Inductee Lyndon Baines Jones of Dixie Hummingbirds; Inductee Michael W. Smith; Inductee Dr. Bobby Jones; Inductee Dolly Parton; Ed Harper, chairman of the GMA Foundation Board; John W. Styll, president and CEO of GMA; Inductees Dixie Hummingbirds Sundray Tucker (daughter of deceased Ira Tucker), Carlton Lewis, William Bright and Torrey Nettles. Photo: Aaron Crisler

(L-R): Steve Brallier, Exec. Dir of GMA Foundation; Inductee Lari Goss; Inductee Lyndon Baines Jones (Dixie Hummingbirds); Inductee Michael W. Smith; Inductee Dr. Bobby Jones; Inductee Dolly Parton; Ed Harper, chairman of the GMA Foundation Board; John W. Styll, Pres./CEO of GMA; Inductees Dixie Hummingbirds Sundray Tucker (daughter of late Ira Tucker), Carlton Lewis, William Bright and Torrey Nettles. Photo: Aaron Crisler

Parton Plans Big Night

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Dolly Parton is in town for two big events tonight (2/2). She will be inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame and perform at an all-star fundraiser at the Wildhorse Saloon.

Alongside Michael W. Smith, Dr. Bobby Jones, Dixie Hummingbirds, and Lari Goss, Parton will join the Gospel Music Hall of Fame during an invitation-only dinner and ceremony. Among the evening’s presenters and performers are Steven Curtis Chapman, Toby McKeehan, Stella Parton, and The Imperials.

Parton will also perform at tonight’s “Gift of Music” Concert with Ronnie Dunn, Keith Anderson, Kellie Pickler and many others. Presented by the Dustin J. Wells Foundation, the second annual fundraiser for the W.O. Smith School of Music will take place at The Wildhorse Saloon. General Admission tickets, $45, are available through Ticketmaster. A limited number of VIP passes are available for $500 and include parking, stage-front seating, and limited backstage access by calling 371-8878. Last year’s event raised over $50,000.

BMI Honors Gospel In Nashville

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BMI recognized the substantial contributions of gospel pacesetters Twinkie Clark, Donald Lawrence, and CeCe Winans at the 10th Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon Fri., Jan. 16 in Nashville. Hosted by BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton, the invitation-only celebration attracted gospel music’s premier songwriters, recording artists and music industry executives, as well as the genre’s legends.

Kirk Franklin, Karen Clark-Sheard, Donnie McClurkin, and 2008 Trailblazers honoree Vanessa Bell Armstrong were among the artists who paid homage to the honorees. BMI President & CEO Del Bryant also presented an award for Most Performed Gospel Song of the Year to Marvin Sapp and his esteemed collaborator Matthew Brownie in recognition of their co-written hit “Never Would Have Made It,” which was recorded by Pastor Sapp.

Pictured at the event are, left to right: VP Writer/Publisher Relations, Catherine Brewton; gospel music legend Dorinda Clark-Cole; BMI executives Wardell Malloy and Malik Levy; BMI President/CEO Del Bryant; Sherri Shepherd from The View.

Pictured at the event are, left to right: VP Writer/Publisher Relations, Catherine Brewton; gospel music legend Dorinda Clark-Cole; BMI executives Wardell Malloy and Malik Levy; BMI President/CEO Del Bryant; Sherri Shepherd from The View.