BMI saluted the writers and publishers of the past year’s most performed songs on Christian radio and television during the annual Christian Music Awards tonight at the company’s Music Row offices in Nashville. BMI named versatile hit-maker Ed Cash the 2008 Christian Songwriter of the Year, while his composition “Made to Worship” garnered Song of the Year honors. BMI Vice President Jody Williams, along with Senior Director Thomas Cain and Associate Director Beth Mason, of BMI’s Writer/Publisher Relations department in Nashville, presented awards spanning five categories: Christian Rock, Contemporary Christian, Inspirational, Urban Gospel and Southern Gospel.

View Christian Music Awards Song List

Prior to the presentation of awards, perennial Christian music titans Jars of Clay, rising star Aaron Shust and fiery gospel artist Isaiah Thomas set the evening’s warm tone with soulful renditions of their award-winning songs.

The BMI Christian Awards' big winners huddled together for a photo. Pictured are (l to r): BMI’s Phil Graham, Publisher of the Year Universal Music Publishing’s Dale Matthews, Songwriter of the Year Ed Cash and BMI’s Jody Williams.

Prolific producer and songwriter Ed Cash earned the BMI Songwriter of the Year crown thanks to his profound compositions “Made to Worship,” “Holding onto You,” and “How Can I Keep from Singing.” The stirring “Made to Worship” also garnered the BMI Song of the Year crystal for Cash; recorded by contemporary Christian favorite Chris Tomlin, the song was published by Alletrop Music.

Perennial favorites Jars of Clay perform at the 2008 BMI Christian Awards.

The ceremony also feted Publisher of the Year Universal Music Publishing Group. The award is determined by the highest percentage of copyright ownership in award songs. The company’s eight award-winning songs include “The Blessing of Abraham,” written by esteemed producer and chorale director Donald Lawrence, “Dead Man (Carry Me),” co-written and recorded by Jars of Clay, “My Savior, My God,” written and recorded by Aaron Shust, and “Imagine Me,” co-penned and recorded by contemporary gospel trendsetter Kirk Franklin.

Big winner Ed Cash salutes his inspiration.

Gospel luminary Donald Lawrence and ceremony performer Aaron Shust garnered two awards each. The night’s other big winners included genre-bender tobyMac; Christian rock outfit Red’s Jasen Rauch and Anthony Armstong; urban gospel star Kirk Franklin; Red producer Robert Graves; Jars of Clay members Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Steve Mason and Matt Odmark; 2007 BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year Mark Hall; Sanctus Real producer Chris Stevens and Sanctus Real member Dan Gartley; premier producer, arranger and musician Jay Joyce; Kingdom Heirs member Dennis Murphy; producer, songwriter and music minister Isaiah D. Thomas; gospel heavyweight Rodney Griffin; Needtobreathe’s Bo Rinehart; singer/songwriter Aaron Sprinkle; songwriter/producer Marc Byrd; gospel favorite Percy James Bady; songwriters Adam Kohout, Tery Wilkins, David Nasser, Jules "Juda" Bartholomew, Twila LaBar, Joel Lindsey, Belinda Lee Smith, Lisa Stewart Seals; and the McClurkin Project’s Andrea McClurkin-Mellini and Nate McNair.

Isaiah D. Thomas brings the house down.

In addition to Universal Music Publishing Group, publishers winning multiple awards were Alletrop Music, EMI Christian Music Group (Meaux Mercy Publishing, River Oaks Music Company), Lilly Mack Music, Asheville Music Publishing, Chris White Music, Q W Publishing, Sony/ATV Songs LLC and White Spot Publishing.

Aaron Shust delivers a charged performance.

Elated guests enjoyed an unparalleled afternoon of fellowship and praise as scorching live musical performances paid homage to the honorees. BMI President & CEO Del Bryant also presented an award to esteemed songwriter Percy Bady for penning gospel's most-performed song of 2007, "Um Good." Recorded by Grammy Award-winner Smokie Norful, the tune is the first single from Norful's critically-acclaimed October 2007 release Life Changing. Top gospel artists J. Moss, Kelly Price and Dave Hollister performed harmonious tributes to contemporary and traditional gospel bridge builder Vanessa Bell Armstrong; legendary Mighty Clouds of Joy received rousing musical laudation through performances by Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson and Rance Allen, who was also joined on stage by the Mighty Clouds members for a jaw-dropping encore; and Pastor Marvin Winans received his musical salute courtesy of Grammy-nominated vocalist Anthony Hamilton, songwriter/musician Tommy Simms, 2007 Trailblazers honoree Fred Hammond and Lowell Pye. Performances by Marvin "Coconut" Winans, Jr., Dorinda Clark Cole and Smokie Norful created additional spine-tingling moments, while elite director Donald Lawrence led an all-star background choir.

BMI's Catherine Brewton praised the humbling dedication of the guests and honorees, saying, "BMI is extremely proud of you and all that you do to advance the Kingdom of God through gospel music. The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Vanessa Bell Armstrong and Pastor Marvin Winans: We come together to salute these trailblazers - pioneers who continue to bring us the truth of gospel music."

photos: Arnold Turner

Gospel matriarch Albertina Walker and her group The Caravans, torch-carriers including Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary and The Clark Sisters, along with stars on the rise Lil iROCC and Trinitee 5:7 were among the multi-generational crew on hand to pay tribute to Hammond and Adams. Robust praise saturated the air as attendees celebrated two special lives, both in song and testimony.

The 22nd Annual Stellar Awards were held the next day, saluting the genre’s best of 2006. BMI affiliates took home trophy after trophy, enjoying a special night of reflection and fellowship with peers and fans.

BMI’s 2007 Stellar Award Winners:

Artist of the Year

Donald Lawrence presents The Tri-City Singers

Song of the Year (Songwriter; Song; Label)

Isaiah D. Thomas; “I Will Bless The Lord”; GospoCentric

Choir of the Year

Donald Lawrence presents The Tri-City Singers

Producer of the Year

Donald Lawrence

Group/Duo of the Year

Myron Butler & Levi

New Artist of the Year

Myron Butler & Levi

Male Vocalist of the Year

Myron Butler

Female Vocalist of the Year

Dorinda Clark-Cole

Contemporary Group / Duo of the Year

Myron Butler & Levi

CD of the Year

Kirk Franklin

Hero

Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year

CeCe Winans

Contemporary CD of the Year

Donald Lawrence presents The Tri-City Singers

Finale: Act One

Traditional CD of the Year

New Life Community Choir featuring John. P. Kee

The Reunion

Contemporary Choir of the Year

Donald Lawrence presents The Tri-City Singers

Instrumental CD of the Year

Ramsey Lewis

With One Voice

Special Event CD of the Year

Donald Lawrence presents The Tri-City Singers

Finale: Act One

Quartet of the Year

Keith Wonderboy Johnson & The Spiritual Voicess

Music Video of the Year (artist, song/CD title, label)

Donald Lawrence presents The Tri-City Singers

Finale: Act One

EMI Gospel

Recorded Music Package of the Year (art credit / album (artist) / label)

Philpott Design (art direction and design)

Jay Blakesberg (photography)

Donald Lawrence presents the Tri City Singers

Finale: Act One; EMI Gospel

Praise and Worship CD of the Year

Kevin Burroughs Neeley

Fingers of Fire - Volume 1

Red Hot Chili Peppers	James Blunt	Chris Brown

Nods for the California-based foursome include Album of the Year and Best Rock Album for their Stadium Arcadium set, along with Best Rock Song and Best Rock Performance for the single "Dani California."

Corinne Bailey Rae	Carrie Underwood	Dixie Chicks

Also topping the BMI nominee list was James Blunt (PRS), who is up for five Grammys including Record and Song of the Year for his smash "You're Beautiful." The angel-voiced singer also hopes to add a Best New Artist Grammy to his growing list of awards and faces other BMI newcomers Chris Brown, Corinne Bailey Rae and Carrie Underwood.

will.i.am	John Williams	Gnarls Barkley

Israel Houghton	T.I.

Country trio the Dixie Chicks and Black Eyed Peas member will.i.am also took home five nominations each, with mentions in the Best Country Album and Producer of the Year categories, respectively. The in-demand producer's handful of potential Grammys includes two for himself and two with BEP, as well as one as part of the Jawbreaker production team that worked on Justin Timberlake's Album of Year entry, FutureSex/LoveSounds.

Gnarls Barkley, whose hit "Crazy" will battle for the coveted Record of the Year title, earned a total of four mentions, as did gospel giant Israel Houghton and Atlanta rapper T.I., who will vie for the Best Rap Song ("What You Know") and Best Rap Album (King) trophies. Celebrated film composer John Williams was also a four-time nominee and will compete against himself in both the movie score and instrumental composition categories.

Other big BMI names on the Grammy nominees list were Christina Aguilera, The Racontuers, Jamie Foxx, Calle 13, Jim McNeely, Death Cab for Cutie, Mos Def, Rascal Flatts, Donald Lawrence, Julieta Venegas (SGAE), Harry Gregson-Williams and Rosanne Cash.

Click here for a complete list of BMI Grammy nominees.

Pictured after the panel are BMI's Wardell Malloy, gospel great Donald Lawrence, BMI's Catherine Brewton, the Songwriting Series' Gwendolyn Quinn and panel moderator Max Siegel. Photo by Ray Tamarra

"A Conversation with Donald Lawrence" was the first in a series of discussions that will be presented by BMI and the Songwriting Series, aimed at songwriters at every stage of their career. The Series focuses on r&b, pop, gospel, movie soundtracks, television theme songs and cast music from Broadway and off-Broadway productions.

Lawrence will also participate in a Q&A-style panel and demo critique on Dec. 9 in Charlotte, N.C.

About Donald Lawrence
A graduate of the prestigious Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and a two-decade music industry leader, BMI songwriter Donald Lawrence is the maestro of gospel music. He brings out the Gospel in all forms and through all vehicles, whether it is a classical piece, a rousing choir-filled praise and worship song, or a big ballad, Lawrence decisively touches, challenges and changes people's lives through the power of God moving in the breadth of his ministry. In a career filled with landmark moments, none stands higher than his 15-year collaboration with what began as a 35-voice, Carolina-based community choir known as the Tri-City Singers. In existence since 1981 and known to the world as Donald Lawrence Presents the Tri-City Singers, their 1991 partnership has reshaped the gospel choir of the 21st century, making them one of the genre's most successful and beloved acts. Lawrence owns Quiet Water Entertainment, a subsidiary of Verity.]]> 2006-11-20T04:00:01-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/335062 Lawrence, Donald, Christian, Gospel, Atlanta "A Conversation with Donald Lawrence" on Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Community Outreach Center (1800 Brewton Drive) in Charlotte, N.C. The Q&A-style panel and demo critique will be held from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., with doors opening at 1 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Please contact Shantell Kelty at (704) 333-4280 to purchase tickets in advance. This event is sponsored by Praise 100.9, Charlotte's inspirational radio station.

"A Conversation with Donald Lawrence," hosted by BMI's Catherine Brewton, Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Atlanta, will be moderated by Praise 100.9's AC Stowe and Tonya Rivens. The discussion will offer participants an opportunity to engage in a one-on-one conversation with gospel music legend Donald Lawrence. Participants will also get practical, hands-on guidance from Lawrence on creating and establishing a career in the music and entertainment business. A limited number of demos will be selected beforehand and critiqued by the panelists at the end of the session. Demo CDs in the gospel, r&b and pop categories (no rap) can be submitted to:

BMI Atlanta
3340 Peachtree Road
Suite 570
Atlanta, GA 30326
Attn: Donald Lawrence Demo Critique

The deadline for submissions is Nov. 24. Participants whose demo recordings are chosen will be contacted in advance of the session; no phone calls please.

A graduate of the prestigious Cincinnati Conservatory of Music and a two-decade music industry leader, BMI songwriter Donald Lawrence is the maestro of gospel music. He brings out the Gospel in all forms and through all vehicles, whether it is a classical piece, a rousing choir-filled praise and worship song, or a big ballad, Lawrence decisively touches, challenges and changes people's lives through the power of God moving in the breadth of his ministry. In a career filled with landmark moments, none stands higher than his 15-year collaboration with what began as a 35-voice, Carolina-based community choir known as the Tri-City Singers. In existence since 1981 and known to the world as Donald Lawrence Presents the Tri-City Singers, their 1991 partnership has reshaped the gospel choir of the 21st century, making them one of the genre's most successful and beloved acts. Lawrence owns Quiet Water Entertainment, a subsidiary of Verity.]]> 2006-11-08T04:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/335042 Adams, Yolanda, Allen, Rance, Audio Adrenaline, Burrell, Kim, Chapman, Steven Curtis, Clark-Cole, Dorinda, Easter, Jeff & Sheri, Franklin, Kirk, Hammond, Fred, Haun, Wayne, Hawkins, Walter, Jars of Clay, Lawrence, Donald, McClurkin, Donnie, Peoples, Dottie, Skillet, St. James, Walker, Albertina, Winans, CeCe, Winans, Vickie, Christian, Gospel, Licensing, New Media CCA), a leader in Christian copyright clearances for six years, have announced a licensing agreement for CCA's Internet license website, WorshipCast License. The licensing agreement allows the CCA to license its members to use BMI's repertoire on its website.

The CCA introduced their WorshipCast License on Oct. 1 and it is designed to provide churches a legal right to webcast worship music performed by a church's praise/worship team.

"Worship music is a cornerstone in the U.S. and we're happy to help support the further growth with the Church Copyright Administration," said BMI's Scott Andrews, Executive Director, New Media Licensing. "Their WorshipCast service is a unique and trend-setting program that will benefit the Christian music and publishing industries through performance royalties. We're proud to be a partner with this organization and to help grow the marketplace for the genre."

"Through the support of BMI, we are able to help facilitate the commitment by churches to be copyright compliant," says CCA President Susan Fontaine Godwin, a 22-year veteran in Christian music publishing and church copyright administration. "Through our internet streaming site, WorshipCast, we are able to offer a one-stop license that will help simplify the legal use of music on church websites. It is a groundbreaking endeavor for the CCA and we appreciate all of BMI's help and support in the Christian music industry on behalf of their songwriter and composer affiliates."

CCA's WorshipCast License, continuing the company's proactive position concerning the legal, effective use of current technology, offers one form for enrollment with all three of American PROs, access to CCA's exclusive CopyrightSolver database, an online, user-friendly form for posting internet usage activities, and simplified accounting and reporting procedures. WorshipCast License specifics are accessed via e-mail to internetinfo@churchca.com or a call to 251-929-2404.

CCA offers administration, consultation and education services to a client base that includes Saddleback Church, Willow Creek Church, and Christian ministries and businesses like International Mission Board and Sermonspice. Clients obtain clearances for copyright uses not covered by other industry licenses through CopyrightSolver, streamlining and automating the process while giving clients personal control and immediate information about their project orders. Full Service and Per Project administration plans, plus personal On-Site Consultation, are CCA services designed to meet the needs of individual clients.

BMI has been involved in sacred music throughout its history and licenses the work of such classic songwriters as Thomas Dorsey ("Precious Lord") and Steven Curtis Chapman. Some of the many Christian and gospel songwriters, composers and publishers it represents include The Hemphills, Kirk Franklin, Jars of Clay, Carman, TD Jakes, The Isaacs, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Joyce Martin, Donald Lawrence, Dottie Peoples, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Rebecca St. James, Fred Hammond, Jeff Steele, John P Kee, Tait, Kim Burrell, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Donnie McClurkin, Wayne Haun, Deitrick Haddon, Mike Bowling, Vickie Winans, Audio Adrenaline, Albertina Walker, Skillet, Walter Hawkins, Grits, Rance Allen, Larnelle Harris and LaSHUN Pace.

Though the release of Finale closes a successful chapter in Lawrence’s career, he’s not content to rest on his laurels. He will continue to record for Quiet Water Entertainment, an imprint he started in partnership with Jive/Zomba. He’s signed the Murrills and Dewayne Woods, and looks forward to nurturing new talent.

Of course, Lawrence has a great track record when it comes to working with talented acts. Before he took over the Tri-City Singers in 1991, Lawrence had spent nearly a decade producing and touring with Stephanie Mills. His credits also include working with Kirk Franklin, Peabo Bryson, Daryl Coley, the late Thomas Whitfield, En Vogue and Mary J. Blige.

The Tri-City Singers launched in 1981, taking their name from three Carolina cities their members called home: Gastonia, Spartanburg and Charlotte. When Lawrence took over, he brought a contemporary flair to the 35-voice choir’s music and stage presentation. Under his direction, the Tri-City Singers became one of the gospel music industry’s most respected choirs, issuing five groundbreaking albums such as A Songwriter’s Point of View, Bible Stories and Go Get Your Life Back.

Recorded live during two concerts last year in Atlanta, Finale consists of two double-disc sets, Finale: Act I and Finale: Act II. The project features performances by special guests Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Karen Clark Sheard and Walter Hawkins. The CD/DVD sets could be purchased separately or as a limited-edition box set. When they were released in April, they appeared on six separate Billboard charts, including the Heatseekers chart where Act I debuted at No. 2; the Christian Music Video chart, where Act I came in at No. 1; and the Top Gospel Albums chart, where Act I debuted at No. 4, Act II hit No. 5 and the Limited Collector’s Edition came in at No. 16.

So with such obvious hunger for what they had to offer, why would Lawrence pull the plug on the Tri-City Singers? “It’s bittersweet, but it’s time for us to transition,” Lawrence says. “There are a lot of acts inside the group that are getting ready to do things in the industry. Sometimes when you have something that is a comfort zone, the longer you hang onto it, you don’t move into the next phase.”

Lawrence admits part of the appeal in retiring the group now was the chance to go out on top. “I wanted us all to come together [to record the finale], then all retire and transition to the next phase,” says the man who won artist, producer and CD of the year at the Stellars. “I would rather do it while we’re on top than when we’re declining. We want to do it with class.”

When asked if there might be a reunion of the existing Tri-City Singers in the future, Lawrence says he doesn’t see that happening. “Later on there might be a Tri-City Singers Second Generation with a set of young kids,” he says. “I’m all for that.”

For now he’s excited about launching the Murrills and Woods. “I want Quiet Water to stay a boutique situation,” he says. “My approach to doing a label is to create artists that act like record people and not like artists. I’m making everybody get their hands dirty like I had to get my hands dirty. They need to understand all the elements that you need and not depend on the record company for everything. I think that makes you a stronger artist.”]]> 2006-10-05T18:00:00-05:00