The Gospel Music Artists and Industry Initiative
Presents the 2nd Annual Industry Prayer Service, Stellar Week with
CeCe Winans and Pastor Chris Williamson
“I GIVE MYSELF AWAY…”
This profound worship melody by William McDowell-resonated with so many of us last year, it continues to build momentum as the heart cry for 2011. The special gift and calling of gospel artists and those that serve them is unlike any other genre. How courageous it is in contrast to other genre’s that our small contingency of artists dare to STAND and proclaim the majesty of God through their music, in the face of opposition and resistance on every side we are, as a community of believers-MOVING FORWARD!!!
We extend a very special invitation to each of you to join us at the 2nd annual Industry Prayer Service on Thursday January 13, 5:00PM-6:30PM at Born Again Church, 858 West Trinity Lane, Nashville, TN 37207. Those of you who attended last year’s event, know how God blessed us richly with a special gift of Unity and restoration. We believe as we set aside this time in prayer and consecration with thanksgiving for ALL of God’s blessings especially at the top of this new year brings honor and glory to His name.
We are pleased to have as one of our special guests, CeCe Winans and Senior Pastor Chris Williamson of Strong Tower Bible Church, Franklin, TN and former chaplain for GMA. We extend a very special welcome and invitation to new artists to our community as well. Join us we corporately see God for his perfect will, plan for 2011 and praise him because The Best Is Yet to Come.
*We will provide written driving directions from Born Again church to the Bishop T.D. Jakes and Sony Pictures screening for “Jumping The Broom” screening at 8:00 p.m. You may RSVP to Carla Williams at carlamwilli@gmail.com or Demetrus Stewart at dstewart@purespringsgospel.com.
Commissioned and Pastor Shirley Caesar Named
2011 BMI Trailblazers Honorees
Nashville, TN — BMI will honor Gospel Greats Commissioned and Pastor Shirley Caesar at the organization’s 12th Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon. The event is slated for Friday, January 14, 2011, the day before the 26th Annual Stellar Awards. Staged at Rocketown (601 4th Avenue South) in Nashville, the invitation-only celebration will welcome gospel music’s premier songwriters and recording artists, executives, and legends.
For 17 years, six-member group Commissioned spread the gospel with an emboldened sense of purpose and fierce musical skill. The group was co-founded in 1982 by past BMI Trailblazers honoree Fred Hammond, along with Michael Brooks, Karl Reid, Keith Stanton, Mitchell Jones and Michael Williams. As the lineup changed, standout members included Marvin Sapp and others. Funk, R&B and hip-hop grooves helped shape Commissioned’s groundbreaking sound, as lush harmonies carried the message to a receptive young audience that had previously seemed hard to reach. While Commissioned parted ways in 1999, their music remains a bold influence of contemporary gospel stars and a beloved favorite of fans around the world.
Pastor Shirley Caesar is the quintessential artist: In her soul-stirring gospel music, she has embodied progress without forsaking tradition. Her work with the Caravans first introduced her to large audiences. During her time with the legendary group, she preached her first sermon and delivered lead vocals on hits including “I Won’t Be Back,” “No Coward Soldiers,” “Holy Boldness,” and “Choose Ye This Day.” As a solo artist, Caesar soared. She embraced contemporary production and secular rhythms like R&B and disco. As a result, she climbed pop, R&B and gospel charts. In addition to a stunning 11 Grammys, Pastor Caesar has earned 18 Dove Awards and 14 Stellar Awards. Currently, she is the Senior Pastor of Mount Calvary Word of Faith in Raleigh, NC.
Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI) is an American performing right organization that represents more than 475,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers in all genres of music and more than 6.5 million works. BMI has represented the most popular and beloved music from around the world for 70 years. The U.S. corporation collects license fees from businesses that use music, which it then distributes as royalties to the musical creators and copyright owners it represents. www.bmi.com
