SANTA MONICA, CA. (Top40 Charts/ Recording Academy) - Gospel
Music Hall of Fame members the Clark Sisters, GRAMMY-winning artist Dr.
Bobby Jones, and three-time GRAMMY winner Michael W. Smith, will be recipients of the President's Merit Award at the 2007 GRAMMY Salute To Gospel event on June 8 in Washington, D.C., it was announced today. In keeping with its tradition of honoring artistic excellence, The Recording Academy will spotlight the genre by celebrating the most respected members of the gospel community during the event. The 2007 GRAMMY Salute To Gospel will be held on Friday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Washington, D.C. The event will include performances from gospel, contemporary Christian and contemporary artists under the leadership of GRAMMY-nominated and multi-Stellar Award winner Donald Lawrence.
The President's Merit Award recognizes the contributions that key individuals have made in the music industry and the impact their efforts have had on music and the business of music. The award is an opportunity for The Recording Academy President to acknowledge and honor these vital offerings and these outstanding individuals. The GRAMMY Salute To Gospel Music event began in 2004 to honor those who have made significant contributions to gospel music, while supporting the history and importance of the genre. Past honorees include Shirley Caesar, Andrae Crouch, Bill and Gloria Gaither, Bill Hearn, Billy Ray Hearn, Richard Smallwood and Albertina Walker.
About The Honorees:
The Clark Sisters
An American gospel vocal group consisting of Elbernita "Twinkie" Clark Terrell, Jacky Clark Chisholm, Dorinda Clark Cole and Karen Clark Sheard, the Clark Sisters are pioneers of contemporary gospel, bringing gospel music to the mainstream. Renowned for their unique vocal styling, dubbed as "The Clark Sound," the Clark Sisters have spent the last three decades singing, preaching and evangelizing. They have influenced nearly every musical artist in the fields of gospel, pop, R&B, jazz and hip-hop over the last 25 years. Collectively the group has received a GRAMMY Award nomination, been inducted into the Gospel Music Hall Of Fame, and have received multiple Stellar Awards.
Dr. Bobby Jones
Dominating Sunday programming as the host and executive producer of "Bobby Jones Gospel," which has been seen on BET since 1980, Dr. Jones has revolutionized the gospel music industry. He is also the producer of "Video Gospel" which debuted on BET in 1989 and is the only national television outlet for gospel artists to show their videos. He is the host of the "Bobby Jones Countdown" which has excelled in the radio syndication industry and can be heard in major cities throughout the country. Dr. Jones is a recipient of a GRAMMY Award, a Dove Award, a NAACP Image Award and multiple Stellar Awards.
2007 GRAMMY Salute To Gospel Music
Michael W. Smith
Over his 24-year career as a recording artist, Michael W. Smith has amassed an impressive catalog of achievements. His 18 albums have garnered multiple honors including an American Music Award, three GRAMMY Awards and 40 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards. In addition, Smith has scored film projects and written 11 books. His tours rank among the best attended in the country and he has performed to crowds throughout the world. Consistently giving back to the community, one of his current projects is Rocketown — a nightclub for teens in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. — which serves as a safe place for young people to enjoy music and for artists to be discovered. Stand, Michael's 19th and current album was released Nov. 7, 2006.
Established in 1957, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc., also known as The Recording Academy, is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals dedicated to improving the quality of life and cultural condition for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards, The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs — including the creation of the national public education campaign What's The Download (WhatsTheDownload.com). For more information, please visit www.grammy.com.
