BRENTWOOD, TN. (Sparrow Records) - EMI CMG artists Steven Curtis Chapman, Rebecca St. James, and
Smokie Norful are among the six co-hosts of the 36th Annual GMA
Music Awards ceremony to be held Wednesday, April 13, 2005, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, and televised to millions at a later date.
Tapping a half dozen of Christian music's most popular artists, the Gospel Music Association's (GMA) complete 'Dove Awards' co-host line-up includes Chapman, St. James, Norful, CeCe Winans, Darlene Zschech, and Israel Houghton.
'The GMA Music Awards are an opportunity to celebrate excellence in gospel music, so who better to be the face of the Doves than six artists who have made distinct contributions to the success of gospel music in recent years,' said GMA president John Styll. 'They reflect the diversity, creativity and boldness that have helped to raise the profile of gospel music in our culture today.'
Steven Curtis Chapman holds the record for winning the most Dove Awards (47) to date. He is also a five time Grammy Award winner, most recently receiving the 2005 Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album honor for his current hit release, ALL THINGS NEW.
Rebecca St. James, also a Dove and Grammy Award winner, has become one of the most popular female Christian pop/rock vocalists of the past decade thanks to signature hits including 'God' and 'Wait For Me.' Her new studio album, due later this year, is among the most anticipated projects of 2005.
Smokie Norful is one of the fastest rising young black gospel artists in history. He was named Top Gospel Artist in 2003 and 2004 by Billboard magazine, and his second album, NOTHING WITHOUT YOU, is nominated for two 2005 Dove Awards.
The 36th Annual GMA Music Awards will be televised via national syndication during the month of June and is expected to reach 75 percent of United States households. For developing news about confirmed broadcast times and outlets, plus a complete list of 2005 Dove Award nominees and more, visit GMAMusicAwards.com.
