New York, NY (Top40 Charts) The heart of Nashville's Christian music community will come together on Monday, October 15, at The
Franklin Theatre in downtown Franklin, TN when The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) presents its prestigious ASCAP Golden Note Award to acclaimed singer, songwriter and author Twila Paris at the 40th annual ASCAP Christian
Music Awards. ASCAP will also honor the Gospel
Music Association (GMA) with the ASCAP Partners in
Music Award at the invitation-only gala.
With 33 #1 singles from 22 albums, songwriter-artist Twila Paris has made a lasting mark on Christian music, paving the way for many Christian female vocalists and worship leaders. Paris released her first full-length album in 1981 and since then has written books, recorded children's music, and created timeless worship songs. In the span of a decade, Paris was the recipient of 10 Dove Awards, including the 1995 GMA Song of the Year for "God Is In Control" and the 1992 GMA Praise and Worship Album of the Year for Sanctuary. Churches across
America have recognized several of Paris's songs in hymnals, and congregations can be heard singing her works such as "He Is Exalted," "We Bow Down," "Lamb of God" and "How Beautiful." With classic songs that resonate throughout the church body and Christian music, Paris continues to be admired for her timeless and inspiring music.
"Twila has a gift for creating beautiful music and words that can inspire people to dance and rejoice or bring comfort to them in trying times. She has composed a moving body of work that resonates deeply with her listeners," said ASCAP President Paul Williams. "We are delighted to present Twila Paris with this richly deserved ASCAP Golden Note Award."
The ASCAP Golden Note Award is presented to songwriters, composers and artists who have achieved extraordinary career milestones. Past recipients include Mark Lowry, Michael W. Smith, Bob McDill, Don Williams, Mary Mary,
Reba McEntire and many more.
The Gospel
Music Association takes home the ASCAP Partners in
Music Award for playing a key role in bringing attention to the music of Christian songwriters. Founded in 1964, the organization aims to preserve the legacies of those that have blazed the trail for gospel music through the GMA Foundation and the GMA Gospel
Music Hall of Fame. The GMA's annual Dove Awards promotes and brings awareness to the best and brightest in the Christian and Gospel music industry. The ASCAP Partners in
Music Award recognizes an ASCAP-licensed organization which has shown exceptional dedication in presenting ASCAP members' music to the public.
"ASCAP has always been able to count on the Gospel
Music Association for its commitment to exposing the endless variety of Christian music to audiences everywhere," said Williams. "Through its awards shows and many other programs, the GMA is a touchstone for the Christian and gospel music industry."
The 2018 ASCAP Christian
Music Awards will recognize the writers and publishers of the most-performed songs in Christian music, and features special performances by today's most popular artists and songwriters in the genre. Top awards go to ASCAP Christian
Music Songwriter of the Year, Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year. Recent ASCAP Christian
Music Awards honorees include Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Matthew West, Joel Smallbone (For King & Country),
David Garcia, Ben Glover, Colby Wedgeworth, Brown Bannister and many others.
