The Gospel Music Channel will air an exclusive one-hour special Sunday, September 14 highlighting the annual BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Gala, which was held January 11, 2008 in Nashville. The show press release didn’t make the connection, but I’m guessing the reason they’re airing it now has to do with September being Gospel Music Heritage Month.
The event was hosted by contemporary gospel queen Dorinda Clark Cole and BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations Catherine Brewton and, according to the January BMI press release, featured the following performances:
Top gospel artists J. Moss, Kelly Price and Dave Hollister performed harmonious tributes to contemporary and traditional gospel bridge builder Vanessa Bell Armstrong; legendary Mighty Clouds of Joy received rousing musical laudation through performances by Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson and Rance Allen, who was also joined on stage by the Mighty Clouds members for a jaw-dropping encore; and Pastor Marvin Winans received his musical salute courtesy of Grammy-nominated vocalist Anthony Hamilton, songwriter/musician Tommy Simms, 2007 Trailblazers honoree Fred Hammond and Lowell Pye. Performances by Marvin “Coconut” Winans, Jr., Dorinda Clark Cole and Smokie Norful created additional spine-tingling moments, while elite director Donald Lawrence led an all-star background choir.
Mighty Clouds of Joy member Michael Cook poses with the group in the above photo with their Trailblazer trophies. Cook passed away unexpectedly in July. It should be a bittersweet opportunity to see his performance at the event.
The show airs on GMC at 9 p.m. EST, and again at 1 a.m. EST and marks the first time the public will gain access to the private, invitation-only event.
To find out when the show will air in your market, please visit the Gospel Music Channel website.
