DETROIT, MI. (International Gospel
Music Hall of Fame and Museum/ www.igmhf.org) - The International Gospel
Music Hall of Fame and Museum's annual induction awards banquet October 23 was a festive evening of gospel luminaries and powerful voices lifted in song. Proceeds of the black-tie gala, held at the
Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center, will benefit gospel music preservation, education and outreach activities of the Hall of Fame and Museum.
Inductees into the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame for 2004 included Joseph Niles of Barbados, the organization's first international inductee; Donnie McClurkin; CeCe Winans; Rev. Milton Biggham; the late Anna Crockett Ford; Dr. Albert J. Lewis, Jr.; Bill Moss & The Celestials; and The O'Neal Twins. Sharing master of ceremonies duties were Star Search champion Horace HB Sanders and Baltimore radio personality Tracy Morgan (Heaven 1580). Dr. Bobby Jones, originally scheduled to emcee, was unable to attend due to a death in the family.
Among the outstanding lineup of performers at the event were Joseph Niles, Bill Moss and the Celestials, GospoCentric recording artist J Moss, winner of the Oprah Winfrey Pop Star Contest LaShell Griffin, and One Luv. Delores 'Mom' Winans accepted her daughter CeCe's award. Dr. Claud Young of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference received this year's Phyllis Siders Award of Merit for his work in the advancement of gospel music. The event was produced by Pierre Mayo.
The evening's performances were made accessible to the world via live video streaming on the IGMHFM Web site, www.igmhf.org. Beginning the week of Christmas, performances from the event will also be televised by TCT, The Word Network, MBC, CTN and BET. Broadcast times and dates will be posted on the IGMHFM Web site.
"We are grateful for the support of a growing global base of gospel music fans," said IGMHFM Chairman and Founder David Gough. "It's our goal to bring this inspiring and historic music form to a wider audience every year. We are delighted that more fans of gospel music, who may never get to travel to Detroit, can experience the excitement of our annual event through the support of our broadcast partners."
About the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Founded in 1995 as a non-profit organization by DoRohn Entertainment's president and gospel artist David Gough, the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum preserves and celebrates the work of the world's legendary and influential gospel music artists and entertainers.
Nominees to the International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum must have been involved in gospel music activities for at least 25 years. Individuals, groups, choirs, quartets, broadcast personalities and promoters are represented among past year's inductees. Among nearly 100 previous inductees are Della Reese, Rev. James Cleveland, The Dixie Hummingbirds, The Mighty Clouds of Joy and Shirley Caesar.
The museum, open for tours by appointment, is housed in the studios of DoRohn Entertainment
Its collections include recordings, documents, photographs and memorabilia. Archivists and music experts are also available to assist students and researchers.
