In the heart of Atlanta, at the opulent venue Flourish, the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards unfolded on a beautiful Thursday evening, March 28th. The awards ceremony brought together the crème de la crème of gospel music. It was truly a night of inspiration, celebration, and recognition for the artists whose music has touched the souls of many across the globe.
This year’s ceremony was marked by an unprecedented tie for the BMI Gospel Songwriter of the Year, a thrilling confirmation of the immense talent within the gospel music industry. Kirk Franklin, Travis Greene, and Tamela Mann each took home the prestigious title, having penned two of the most performed gospel songs of the year. Franklin was recognized for his contributions with “Bless Me” and “Kingdom,” Greene for his soul-stirring “Finished” and “Tent Revival,” and Mann for her uplifting “Finished” and “He Did It for Me.” This unexpected turn of events added an extra layer of excitement to the already exceptional year in gospel music we’ve been blessed with.
Kirk Franklin, a name synonymous with contemporary gospel music, added another accolade to his illustrious career. His song “Kingdom,” co-written with Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore, and Jacob Poole, was named the BMI Gospel Song of the Year. Notably, “Kingdom,” performed by Maverick City Music X Kirk Franklin, had previously won a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance/Song at the 65th annual Grammy Awards in February 2023. Franklin’s ability to continually resonate with audiences and critics underscores his pivotal role in the genre.
The awards ceremony also honored Essential Music Publishing as the BMI Gospel Publisher of the Year for the second consecutive year, a testament to their significant contributions to the gospel music scene.
BMI, under the leadership of President & CEO Mike O’Neill and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton, hosted a luncheon event that not only celebrated the top 25 most-performed gospel songs of the previous year but also served as a private gathering to reflect on the impact of gospel music.
The event paid homage to gospel legend Dorinda Clark-Cole, a member of the acclaimed Clark Sisters, who was honored as a Trailblazer of Gospel Music. Clark-Cole advised songwriters: “When you are at your lowest, that’s when God can get your greatest… keep writing, keep getting inspired by God because somebody is being blessed.” Her words resonated deeply, serving as a source of inspiration and hope to artists and fans alike.
The evening was further enriched with performances by Crystal Aikin, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Yolanda Adams, Lisa Knowles-Smith, and Clark-Cole’s niece Kierra Sheard, who came together to celebrate Clark-Cole’s indelible impact on gospel music. Additionally, Jonathan McReynolds was presented with the highly esteemed BMI Champion Award, a recognition of his significant contributions to gospel music and beyond. This was the first time this accolade was bestowed during the ceremony, further highlighting the importance of his work.
Artists like Tim Bowman, Jr., Kim Burrell, Faith City Music, and Zacardi Cortez also graced the stage, adding to the night’s festivities with their exceptional performances.
The 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards was more than an awards ceremony. It was a testament to the unifying power of gospel music. It celebrated the artists whose work serves as a conduit of hope and faith, reminding us of music’s profound impact on our lives. As we look forward to the music these talented individuals will bring us in the coming years, we remain grateful for the melodies that have enriched our souls and the stories that have deepened our faith.
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Fharnell M.
