But New York native Lanz isn’t one to be fenced in by expectations. Signed to Interscope Records, which will be releasing her debut album, Young $ Restless, on Feb. 12, 2008, Lanz is currently on tour opening for no less a hip-hop icon than Snoop Dogg, winning converts and proving her mettle night after night.

Born Alana Michelle Josephs, the only child shuffled between her parents for a few years, eventually ending up with her mother. Despite what Lanz calls a “blissful” relationship, the reunion was soon shattered by her mother’s boyfriend’s unstable, drug-fuelled behavior. Combined with the absence of her father, Lanz increasingly turned to such straight-ahead, occasionally rage-fueled acts as Tupac, DMX and Eminem, and, in the process, began developing her own skills.

“As a young kid, instead of having my mind guarded, it wasn’t really shielded at all,” she says. “So real life at an early age was a real thing for me.”

Lanz started recording demos and rapping on the underground scene, eventually gathering a team of industry professionals and ultimately becoming the subject of label interest, leading to a meeting at Interscope honcho Jimmy Iovine’s home. The pair clicked, and Lanz is now finishing up her album with such well-established producers as Three 6 Mafia, Stargate, and Organized Noize.

“When you’re creating waves in uncharted waters, there’s always going to be haters who try to sink your float,” she says. “No matter how many times they try to stop me, I’ve kept right on my beautiful struggle. I’ve felt both the pain and the love so I speak for the kid always pushed on. I show them how to shove back. I'm not just trying to make it, I’m trying to be one of the best to ever do it.”

Talent and authenticity are ageless, and Porter Wagoner is living proof. At 80 years old, Wagoner is enjoying a career resurgence that has included a Madison Square Garden performance with the White Stripes, an appearance on David Letterman’s late night talkfest and a celebration of his 50th anniversary as a member of the Grand Old Opry.

“So many great things are happening to me and it’s just been terrific,” says Wagoner. “It’s not the fact that I’m the greatest performer or writer or anything; it’s the fact that I can still do it and still do a good job at it. I’m so thankful for that.”

Wagoner has always been among country music’s most visible entertainers — and that’s not just because of his signature, flashy Nudie suits. Wagoner has continued to tour nationally and perform regularly on the Opry. In the past year, his profile gained an additional boost with Wagonmaster, a compelling new album produced by Marty Stuart and released on the Los Angeles-based Anti-label.

“Marty was pretty smart in doing that because they really wanted the record,” Wagoner says of the company, whose eclectic roster includes Mavis Staples, Galactic, Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, and Neko Case. “They really like me and my style that’s why he decided on going out there with it.”

Wagoner says he and Stuart had talked about collaborating for a long time. “Marty grew up watching ‘The Porter Wagoner Show’,” Wagoner says of his syndicated TV show that ran throughout the ’60s and ’70s. “He knew all about me and he became a big fan of mine when he was about 12 or 13 years old. He had some great ideas for the album and I was really pleased with what he did.”

Wagonmaster is just the latest in a long line of achievements. Born August 12, 1927 in West Plains, Missouri, Wagoner got his start on a local radio station. He signed with RCA Records in 1952 and released “Settin’ the Woods on Fire.” The following year he scored his first success as a songwriter, penning “Trademark” for Carl Smith. He moved to Nashville in 1957, joined the Opry, and began churning out such hits as “Misery Loves Company,” “Green, Green Grass of Home,” “A Satisfied Mind,” and “The Carroll County Accident.”

Wagoner is also responsible for introducing the world to Dolly Parton on “The Porter Wagoner Show.” A BMI writer for decades, Wagoner credits Parton for spurring his songwriting. “She gave me a lot of encouragement, [saying] how good a writer I was,” says Wagoner, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2002. “We wrote a lot of the duets that we did and we had a lot of success.”

Wagoner looks back fondly on the TV show, but admits when he started, he was advised not to do television because it would negatively affect his live shows. Back then, conventional wisdom said people wouldn’t pay to see you in concert if they could see you on TV for free. Wagoner challenged that notion and his bookings went up with his TV ratings. “Being a member of the Opry of course was a big thing for me, but it wasn’t like being on television on a regular basis every week. People would plan their Saturday and they wouldn’t go anywhere until they’d seen ‘The Porter Waggoner Show.’ It was a wonderful thing,” Wagoner says of the show, which is currently airing again on RFD-TV.

Though surgery for an aneurysm slowed Wagoner down for a few months last year, the four-time Grammy winner is back in action. He’s been writing songs and plans to record another gospel project as well as another country album with Stuart.

Wagoner admits he’s enjoyed the renewed focus on his music; the fact that his grandchildren are seeing it is an added plus. “I played a big auditorium and my granddaughter came backstage and tears were pouring down her face. She said, ‘Pawpaw, people out there stood up for you!’ Just things like that really make you feel like you have accomplished something,” he says. “This late in life, that’s kind of nice.”

photo: Marty Stuart

Bob DiPiero, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs and Hank Williams, Jr. were honored for their songwriting contributions and welcomed to the esteemed ranks of the Nashville Songwriters Hall Fame during the 38th Annual Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony held Sunday, October 14.  Members of the Nashville songwriting and publishing community filled the ballroom of the Renaissance Nashville hotel to celebrate the musical contributions of the newest inductees.

During the evening's ceremonies, each new member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame was inducted by a fellow artist, friend or family member, while star-studded performances highlighted their respective repertoires.

Bluegrass icons Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs were inducted by Marty Stuart, who joined Flatt's band at the age of 13.  The Grammy®-winning Del McCoury Band took the stage to perform the Flatt & Scruggs hits "If I Should Wander Back Tonight," "Earl's Breakdown," "Little Cabin Home on the Hill," "Don't Get Above Your Raisin'" and the Martha White jingle before Stuart joined them on "Foggy Mountain Breakdown."  Flatt's widow Gladys Flatt and granddaughter Tammy Brumfield joined Scruggs to accept the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Manny Award.  "It's been a wonderful ride," Scruggs said.  "Thank you all very much."

Hank Williams, Jr. was inducted in "family tradition" by his daughter, Holly Williams.  "It's a surprise that I'm inducting my dad tonight," she said.  "I'm a songwriter myself. It's my passion, and I am a true fan of my dad."  She then performed three of his songs-"Feelin' Better," "Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound" and "Blues Man"-before country chart-topper Gretchen Wilson took the stage to perform the Bocephus classic, "All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down."  With his induction, Williams joins his legendary father as the only father/son members of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.  As he accepted his award, Williams told the crowd that he had taken banjo lessons from Scruggs at the age of 19.  "I'm from the old school," he said.  "I know a lot of you are saying that these awards don't mean anything to old Hank, but this one is special.  I need this, thank you, and I need y'all."

Bob DiPiero's career began when he arrived in Music City in 1979 and found an early supporter in Amy Kurland, owner of the renowned Bluebird Café, so it was fitting that she presided over his induction.  DiPiero's friends in the Hit Men of Music Row-Craig Wiseman, Tony Mullins and Jeffrey Steele-performed a medley of his hits including "American Made," " Take Me As I Am" and "Blue Clear Sky" before Neal McCoy performed his #1 hit "Wink," which was named BMI Country Song of the Year in 1995. "Coming from Youngstown, Ohio, I thought I might be indicted, but not inducted," DiPiero quipped as he accepted his award.   "I definitely didn't get here by myself," he said, before acknowledging a long list of supporters, mentors and fellow writers.  "I love all of you.  Thank you for this honor."

In addition to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame inductions, the hall's sister organization, the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), presented its annual Songwriter Achievement Awards.  The organization's professional songwriter members named "Bless the Broken Road," by Bobby E. Boyd, Jeff Hanna and Marcus Hummon, their Song of the Year.  BMI singer/songwriter Taylor Swift shared the Songwriter/Artist of the Year honor with Alan Jackson. 2007 was a breakthrough year for Swift, who wrote or co-wrote every song on her platinum-selling eponymous debut. Taylor is the youngest recipient of the award to date.

NSAI's Professional Songwriters Division also voted for their favorite songs of the year. Informally dubbed "The Songs I Wish I'd Written," members select 10 hits each year that fit the bill. Bobby E. Boyd, Jeff Hanna and Marcus Hummon's "Bless the Broken Road," recorded by Selah with Melodie Crittenden; Casey Beathard and Ed Hill's "Find Out Who Your Friends Are," recorded by Tracy Lawrence; Bill Anderson and Jamey Johnson's "Give It Away," recorded by George Strait; Luke Bryan's "Good Directions," recorded by Billy Currington; Bobby Pinson and Trent Tomlinson's "One Wing in the Fire," recorded by Tomlinson; Sarah Buxton's "Stupid Boy," recorded by Keith Urban; Merle Haggard's "The Seashores of Old Mexico," recorded by George Strait; and John Scott Sherrill and Shawn Camp's "Would You Go With Me," recorded by Josh Turner all scored the colleague-voted nods.

Rhonda Vincent

Rhonda Vincent & the Rage secured an impressive 11 individual IBMA award nominations, including nods for Entertainer, Vocal Group, Female Vocalist, Song of the Year for "All American Bluegrass Girl" and Album of the Year for the project by the same name.  Band member Hunter Berry received a nomination for Fiddle Player of the Year; and his solo debut Wow Baby is nominated for both Instrumental Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year.  Mickey Harris was nominated for Bass Player of the Year, and both Vincent and Kenny Ingram are in the running for Recorded Event of the Year for their work on New Songs, Old Friends and BMI affiliate Tony Trischka's Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular, respectively. 

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

Six-time recipients of IBMA's Vocal Group of the Year, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver are nominated for this award again, along with Entertainer of the Year, Song of the Year for "Sadie's Got Her New Dress On" written by BMI songwriter Connie Leigh, Album of the Year for More Behind the Picture than the Wall, two nominations for Gospel Recorded Event (for songs "We Shall Inherit" and "He Lives in Me") and Mandolin Player of the Year (Lawson). Guitarist/vocalist Jamie Dailey and Lawson will vie separately for Recorded Event of the Year, for their contributions to New Songs, Old Friends and Hunter Berry's Wow Baby respectively--bringing the band's collective tally to nine nominations.

Alison Krauss & Union Station

Longtime BMI affiliates Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas and The Del McCoury Band each received seven nominations.

The Del McCoury Band

In addition to Entertainer, Instrumental Group and Gospel Recorded Event of the Year, individual members of The Del McCoury Band earned nods for Mandolin Performer (Ronnie McCoury) and Recorded Event of the Year. The McCoury Music label also garnered an Album of the Year nomination for legendary artist Larry Sparks' new project, The Last Suit You Wear, co-produced by Sparks.

Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas picked up nominations for Entertainer, Vocal Group, Female Vocalist and Instrumental Group of the Year.  The prolific Jerry Douglas is nominated for Dobro Player of the Year, and vocalist/guitarist Dan Tyminski was also included in the Recorded Event of the Year category for his contributions to Wow Baby.

Kentucky Thunder is nominated for Instrumental Group of the Year--an award they have taken home eight times since 1998, while their album Instrumentals is up for Instrumental Recording of the Year.  Band member Darrin Vincent earned two individual nods: he contributed to Recorded Event of the Year nominee Wow Baby and produced Album of the Year contender All American Bluegrass Girl.  Smilin' Jim Mills received a nod for Banjo Performer of the Year - an award he has walked away with six times since 1999.

Additional nominees include Ronnie Bowman for Male Vocalist of the Year; The Infamous Stringdusters for Song, Album and Emerging Artist of the Year; Tony Trischka for the year's top Recorded Event, Instrumental Album and Banjo Player; Russell Moore for Male Vocalist of the Year; J.D. Crowe & The New South for Album and Song of the Year; fiddler extraordinaire Michael Cleveland & his band Flamekeeper for Instrumental Group honors; Blue Highway and The Isaacs for Vocal Group of the Year; Jim VanCleve for Instrumental Album and Fiddle Player of the year; Mark Johnson & Emory Lester for Instrumental Album of the Year; newcomers Cadillac Sky for Emerging Artist honors; Cia Cherryholmes for top Banjo picker and Mickey Harris for Bass Performer of the Year.

The late Carl Story will enter the Bluegrass Hall of Fame this year. Affectionately dubbed the "Father of Bluegrass Gospel Music," Story pioneered the genre alongside bluegrass royalty like Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley.

Guitar stylist Mike Auldridge and Homespun Tapes' Happy Traum will both receive Distinguished Achievement Awards. IBMA's Distinguished Achievement Award, an honor which recognizes individuals in the bluegrass music industry who have fostered the music's image with developments that broaden the genre's recognition and accessibility.

Hosted by Sam Bush, the 2007 IBMA Awards will take place during World of Bluegrass week, slated for October 1-7 in Nashville. Tickets for the IBMA award ceremony are available through the Grand Ole Opry House box office (1-800-733-6779) and all Ticketmaster outlets. The show will also be broadcast live on XM Satellite Radio's "Bluegrass Junction" Channel 14. For more information, please visit www.ibma.org.

2007 BMI IBMA Nominees

Bluegrass Hall of Fame Inductee

Carl Story

Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients

Mike Auldridge

Happy Traum

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

Cherryholmes

Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

The Del McCoury Band

Rhonda Vincent & the Rage

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Blue Highway

The Isaacs

Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage

INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

Blue Highway

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas

The Del McCoury Band

Paul Brewster and Darrin Vincent of Kentucky Thunder

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Ronnie Bowman

Russell Moore

Larry Sparks

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

Dale Ann Bradley

Sonya Isaacs

Alison Krauss

Claire Lynch

Rhonda Vincent

SONG OF THE YEAR

Song Title, Artist(s), Songwriter(s)

"All American Bluegrass Girl"

Rhonda Vincent (artist & songwriter)

"Fork In The Road"

The Infamous Stringdusters (artists),

Co-written by Chris Jones & John Pennell

"Lefty's Old Guitar"

J.D. Crowe & The New South (artists)

Co-written by Dave Maggard & Jack Spencer

"Sadie's Got Her New Dress On"

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (artists)

Written by Connie Leigh

"The Last Suit You Wear"

Larry Sparks (artist)

Co-written by Larry Shell & Larry Williams

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

All American Bluegrass Girl

Rhonda Vincent (artist)

Produced by Darrin Vincent & Rhonda Vincent

Fork In The Road

The Infamous Stringdusters (artists)

Produced by Tim Stafford & The Infamous Stringdusters

Lefty's Old Guitar

J.D. Crowe & The New South (artists)

Produced by J.D. Crowe & The New South

More Behind The Picture Than The Wall

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (artists)

Produced by Doyle Lawson

The Last Suit You Wear

Larry Sparks (artist)

Produced by Larry Sparks

RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR

Vassar Clements, Tony Rice & The Low Country All Star Band

Featuring Tony Rice & The Low Country All-Star Band (artists)

Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular

Tony Trischka with Earl Scruggs, Kenny Ingram, Tom Adams, Bela Fleck, Noam Pikelny, Alison Brown, Scott Vestal, Steve Martin & Bill Emerson (artists)

Produced by Tony Trischka & Bela Fleck

New Songs, Old Friends

Featuring Vince Gill, Doyle Lawson, Oak Ridge Boys, Rob Ickes, Del McCoury, Sonya Isaacs, Rhonda Vincent, Stuart Duncan, Larry Cordle, Keith Sewell, Ben Isaacs (artists)

Wow Baby

Hunter Berry with Tony Rice, Doyle Lawson, Dan Tyminski, Marty Stuart, Bobby Osborne, Sonya Isaacs, Rhonda Vincent, Buddy Spicher, Ronnie Stewart, Darrin Vincent, Bob Moore (artists);

Produced by Darrin Vincent

INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR

Acoustic Rising

Mark Johnson & Emory Lester (artists)

Produced by Mark Johnson & Emory Lester

Double Banjo Bluegrass Spectacular

Tony Trischka (artist)

Produced by Tony Trischka & Bela Fleck

No Apologies

Jim VanCleve (artist),

Rural Rhythm Records

Produced by Jim VanCleve

Wow Baby

Hunter Berry (artist),

Produced by Darrin Vincent

GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR

"He Lives In Me"

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (artists)

Produced by Doyle Lawson

"The Promised Land"

The Del McCoury Band (artist)

Produced by Del McCoury & Ronnie McCoury

"We Shall Inherit"

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver (artists)

Produced by Doyle Lawson

EMERGING ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Cadillac Sky

Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper

The Infamous Stringdusters

Williams & Clark Expedition

INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMERS OF THE YEAR

BANJO

Cia Cherryholmes

J.D. Crowe

Jim Mills

Tony Trischka

BASS

Mickey Harris

Missy Raines

Marshall Wilborn

FIDDLE

Hunter Berry

Michael Cleveland

Stuart Duncan

Ron Stewart

DOBRO

Mike Auldridge

Jerry Douglas

Rob Ickes

Randy Kohrs

GUITAR

Jim Hurst

Tony Rice

Larry Sparks

MANDOLIN

Sam Bush

Doyle Lawson

Ronnie McCoury

2005 Entertainers of the Year Cherryholmes rounded up their family for a photo before the ceremony. Pictured are (l to r): BMI's David Preston, Cherryholmes band members B.J., Molly, Jere, Sandy Lee, Skip and Cia Cherryholmes, along with BMI's Mark Mason. Photo by K. Clary

BMI's IBMA pre-party in Stage 8 one hour prior to the actual awards ceremony attracted iconic bluegrass aficionados Tom T. Hall and Bill Gaither, while nominees and the genre's luminaries mingled. Cherryholmes, Larry Sparks, Ronnie Bowman, Rob Ickes and Del McCoury numbered among the several hundred guests enjoying cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a stellar house band.

Bluegrass luminary Del McCoury (center) attended BMI's pre-party and performed during the awards ceremony. He is pictured with BMI's Jody Williams and Mark Mason. Photo by K. Clary

This year's ceremony featured two Hall of Honor inductions: bluegrass gospel pioneers the Lewis Family and King Records founder Syd Nathan. The Lewis Family's contributions to bluegrass began with the group's formation in 1951; the family's rich sound and constant touring significantly augmented the audience for bluegrass gospel. Record store owner Syd Nathan sought to preserve bluegrass's invaluable history through his creation of the King Records label, emerging as one of the top repositories and distributors of classical bluegrass recordings.

Pictured are (l to r): BMI's Mark Mason, three-time IBMA winner Michael and BMI's David Preston. Photo by K. Clary

Other BMI winners included Jim Mills' second consecutive win for Banjo Player of the Year, Dobro Player of the Year Rob Ickes of Blue Highway and Three Ring Circle, and Claire Lynch band member Missy Raines for Bass Player of the Year. Distinguished Achievement Awards were presented to BMI affiliates the Boys from Indiana, Bill Grant and Ronnie Reno.

Legendary bluegrass figure Larry Sparks (center) performed later in the evening with fellow legend Curly Seckler and is seen here with BMI's Elisabeth Dawson and Kay Clary. Photo by D. Preston

BMI's 2006 IBMA Award winners:

HALL OF HONOR INDUCTEES
The Lewis Family
Syd Nathan

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Rhonda Vincent

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

BMI songwriting icon and bluegrass aficionado Tom T. Hall mingled at the pre-party and attended the awards ceremony that followed. Pictured are (l to r): BMI�s Bradley Collins, Tom T. Hall, legendary bluegrass producer and songwriter Carl Jackson, Tom T. Hall�s wife Dixie Hall and BMI�s Jody Williams. Photo by K. Clary

ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Celebration of Life: Musicians Against Childhood Cancer
Lonesome River Band, Seldom Scene, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Cherryholmes, J.D. Crowe & The New South, BlueRidge, IIIrd Tyme Out, James King Band, Larry Cordle, Wayne Benson, Clay Hess, Greg Luck, Aubrey Haynie, Tony Rice, Ronnie Bowman & The Committee, Larry Stephenson Band, Blue Highway, Gena Britt, Randy Kohrs & The Lites, Steve Thomas, Scott Vestal, David Parmley & Continental Divide, Karl Shiflett & the Big Country Show, Wildfire, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Lost & Found, Dan Tyminski, Bela Fleck, Joe Mullins and Jim VanCleve

GOSPEL RECORDED PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
"He Lives In Me"
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
produced by Doyle Lawson

INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Let 'Er Go Boys
Michael Cleveland
produced by Jeff White & Michael Cleveland

Premier bluegrass vocalist and hit BMI songwriter Ronnie Bowman showed up for bluegrass� biggest night with his wife and harmony singer, Garnet. Pictured are (l to r): BMI�s Bradley Collins, IBMA Executive Director Dan Hays, Ronnie Bowman and BMI�s Perry Howard. Photo by K. Clary

RECORDED EVENT OF THE YEAR
Back to the Well
The Daughters of Bluegrass featuring: Gena Britt, Julie Elkins, Becky Buller, Mindy Rakestraw, Beth Lawrence, Angela Oudean, Michelle Nixon, Dale Ann Bradley, Valerie Smith, Louisa Branscomb & Dixie Hall

BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jim Mills

DOBRO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Rob Ickes

BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Missy Raines

Rhonda Vincent was greeted by her friends and fans as she entered the IBMA Awards pre-party, sponsored by BMI. Pictured are (l to r): BMI�s Mark Mason & Jody Williams, Rhonda Vincent, Executive Director of the IBMA Dan Hays, and BMI�s David Preston & Perry Howard. Photo by K. Clary

FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Michael Cleveland

DISTINGUISHED ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
The Boys From Indiana
Bill Grant
Ronnie Reno

BEST LINER NOTES FOR RECORDED PROJECT
Tom Adams (writer)
Let 'Er Go Boys by Michael Cleveland

BMI's Mark Mason (left) congratulates Dobro Player of the Year and Blue Highway member Rob Ickes.  Photo by K. Clary

Attendees were happy to see gospel legend Bill Gaither (center) at both the pre-party and the awards ceremony. He is pictured here with BMI's David Preston and Bradley Collins.  Photo by K. Clary

Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver scored Vocal Group of the Year honors, along with Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year for "He Lives in Me," which Doyle also produced. Pictured are (l to r): BMI's Mark Mason, Doyle Lawson and BMI's Jody Williams.  Photo by K. Clary

]]> 2006-10-09T19:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/334975 Cachao, Douglas, Jerry, Hooker, John Lee, King, B.B., Lawson, Doyle, Monroe, Bill, Roots, The, Scruggs, Earl, Stanley, Ralph, Staples, Mavis, Stuart, Marty, Taylor, Koko, Walker, Albertina, Bluegrass, Blues, Country, Folk, Gospel, Pop, Rock, Singer-Songwriter, Urban National Endowment for the Arts has awarded the National Heritage Fellowships to noted individuals in the folk and traditional arts for "their artistic excellence, cultural authenticity and contributions to their field." Virtually every one of the award winners who writes songs is a member of BMI.

Past musical recipients of the National Heritage Fellowships include B.B. King, John Lee Hooker, Doc Watson and Bill Monroe. This noteworthy list of more than 60 individuals and groups includes representatives of the blues, gospel, bluegrass, Tejano and Cajun fields. Its diversity illustrates BMI's dedication to the roots of American music and the nation's cultural heritage.

BMI's 2006 NEA National Heritage Fellowship recipients:

Henry Gray is a widely respected blues pianist from Baton Rouge, La. He played keyboards in the legendary Howlin' Wolf band for 12 years (1956-68) before retuning to his native Louisiana and becoming one of the best known players in the Gulf region. His numerous albums illustrate his notable "swamp-blues" style. photo: Brian Smith

Doyle Lawson of Bristol, Tenn., is one of the most respected bluegrass and gospel performers in the field. He began playing professionally at the age of 11, and joined ensembles led by Jimmy Martin and J.D. Crowe, as well as the Country Gentlemen. In 1979, he founded the band Quicksilver, which has won the coveted Vocal Group of the Year award from the International Bluegrass Music Association for the last five years.

Mavis Staples has been a powerhouse vocalist in the gospel and r&b fields for nearly 50 years. She formed the Staples Singers along with her siblings and late father Roebuck "Pop" Staples (a 1998 Fellowship recipient). Chart-topping songs such as "Respect Yourself" and "I'll Take You There" on Memphis's Stax Records possess countless fans. In recent years as a solo artist, she has collaborated with Prince, Bob Dylan and Marty Stuart.

Complete list of BMI National Heritage Fellowship recipients:

Francisco Aguabella [1992]
Afro-Cuban drummer
Manhattan Beach, Calif.

Alfonse "Bois Sec" Ardoin [1986]
African-American Creole Accordionist
Eunice, La.

Pedro Ayala [1988]
Mexican-American accordionist
Donna, Texas

Kenny Baker [1993]
Bluegrass fiddler
Cottonwood, Tenn.

Dewey Balfa [1982]
Cajun fiddler
Basile, La.

Eddie Blazonczyk [1998]
Polish-American Musician/Bandleader
Bridgeview, Ill.

Charles Brown [1997]
Blues pianist & composer
Berkeley, Ca.

Chuck Brown [2005]
African-American musical innovator
Brandywine, Md.

Michael Burke [2001]
Irish Fiddler
Portland, Ore.

Liz Carroll [1994]
Irish-American fiddler
Chicago, Ill.

Rapael Cepeda [1983]
Bomba musician/dancer
Santurce, Puerto Rico

Wilson "Boozoo" Chavis [2001]
Credo Zydeco accordionist
Lake Charles, La.

Clifton Chenier [1984]
Creole accordionist
Lafayette, La.

Joseph Cormier [1984]
Cape Bretton accordionist
Waltham, Mass.

Elizabeth Cotton [1984]
African-American songster/songwriter
Syracuse, N.Y.

Luderin Darbon/Edwin Duhon [2002]
Cajun fiddler and accordionist
Sulphur, La./Westlake, La.

Dixie Hummingbirds [2000]
African-American gospel quartet
Philadelphia, Pa.

Michael Doucet [2005]
Cajun fiddler, composer and band leader
Lafayette, La.

Jerry Douglas [2004]
Dobro player
Nashville, Tenn.

David "Honeyboy" Edwards [2002]
Blues guitarist/singer
Chicago, Ill.

Fairfield Four [1989]
African-American acapella gospel singers
Nashville, Tenn.

Canray Fontenot [1986]
African-American creole fiddler
Welsh, La.

Clarence Fountain & the Blind Boys [1994]
African-American gospel singers
Atlanta, Ga.

Johnny Gimble [1994]
Angle western swing fiddler
Dripping Springs, Texas

Henry Gray [2006]
Blues piano player, singer
Baton Rouge, La.

Eduardo "Lalo" Guerrero [1991]
Mexican-American singer/guitarist/composer
Cathedral City, Calif.

Juan Gutierrez [1996]
Puerto Rican drummer
New York, N.Y.

John Lee Hooker [1983]
Blues guitarist/singer
San Carlos, Calif.

John Jackson [1986]
African-American songster/guitarist
Fairfax, Va.

Wanda Jackson [2005]
Early country, rockabilly and gospel singer
Oklahoma City, Okla.

Santiago Jimenez, Jr. [2000]
Tejano accordionist/singer
San Antonio, Texas

Bessie Jones [1982]
Georgia Sea Island singer
Brunswick, Ga.

Raymond Kane [1987]
Hawaiian slack key guitarist/singer
Wai'anae, Hawaii

Ali Akbar Khan [1997]
North Indian sarod player & raga composer
San Anselmo, Calif.

Riley "B.B." King [1991]
African-American bluesman
Itta Bena, Miss./Las Vegas, Nev.

Doyle Lawson [2006]
Gospel and bluegrass singer, arranger, bandleader
Bristol, Tenn.

Robert Jr. Lockwood [1995]
African-American delta blues guitarist
Cleveland, Ohio

Valerio Longoria [1986]
Mexican-American accordionist
San Antonio, Texas

Israel "Cachao" Lopez [1995]
Afro-Cuban bassist/composer/band leader
Miami, Fla.

Albert "Sunnyland Slim" Luandrew [1988]
African-American blues pianist/singer
Chicago, Ill.

Wade Mainer [1987]
Appalachian banjo picker/singer
Flint, Mich.

Brownie McGhee [1982]
Blues guitarist
Oakland, Calif.

Jim & Jesse McReynolds [1997]
Bluegrass musicians
Gallatin, Tenn.

D.L. Menard [1994]
Cajun musician/songwriter
Erath, La.

Lydia Mendoza [1983]
Mexican-American singer
Houston, Texas

Bill Monroe [1983]
Nashville, Tenn.

Jack Owens [1993]
Blues singer/guitarist
Betonia, Miss.

Joe Willie "Pinetop" Perkins [2000]
Blues piano player
La Porte, Ind.

Ola Belle Reed [1986]
Appalachian banjo picker/singer
Rising Sun, Md.

Domingo "Mingo" Saldivar [2002]
Conjunto accordionist
San Antonio, Texas

Earl Scruggs [1989]
Bluegrass banjo player
Madison, Tenn.

Simon Sheheen [1994]
Arab-American oud player
Brooklyn, N.Y.

Ralph Stanley [1983]
Appalachian banjo player/singer
Coeburn, Va.

Mavis Staples [2006]
Gospel, rhythm & blues singer
Chicago, Ill.

Roebuck "Pops" Staples [1998]
African-American gospel/blues musician
Dolton, Ill.

Koko Taylor [2004]
Blues musician
Chicago, Ill.

Sanders "Sonny" Terry [1983]
Blues musician
Holliswood, N.Y.

Henry Townsend [1985]
Blues musician/singer
St. Louis, Mo.

Othar Turner [1992]
African-American fife player
Senatobia, Miss.

Albertina Walker [2005]
Gospel singer
Chicago, Ill.

Don Walser [2000]
Western singer/guitarist
Austin, Texas

Arthel "Doc" Watson [1988]
Appalachian guitar player/singer
Deep Gap, N.C.

Claude "The Fiddler" Williams [1998]
African-American jazz/swing fiddler
Kansas City, Mo.

Dewey Williams [1983]
Shape note singer
Ozark, Ala.

Nimrod Workman [1986]
Appalachian ballad singer
Mascot, Tenn./Chattaroy, W.V.]]> 2006-09-11T05:00:00-05:00 http://www.bmi.com/news/entry/334945 Bennett, Debbie, Booth Brothers, Branded, Brandt, Tommy, Brooks & Dunn, Brooks, Corey, Bullock, Robin, Calvary Cowboys, Carpenters Tools, Chigger Hill Boys & Terri, Cox, Jackie, Daniels, Charlie, Diamond Rio, Dunn, Ronnie, Earlene, Gayla, Easter, Jeff & Sheri, Fox Brothers, The, Gunn, Randy & Heidi, Haddix Family, Herod, Justin Todd, James, Mary, Jansky, Clifton, Jeff Treece Band, King, Michael, Last Light Band, Manuel, Mike, Martin, Robert, McCollum, Steven Paul, McGraw, Tim, Mere Image, Morgan, Craig, Mote, Gordon, Murphy, Russ, One True North, Parton, Dolly, Phelps, David, Philadelpheia, Rascal Flatts, Rimmey, Mike, Roy Knipp & Southern Harmony, Smith, Rebecca Linda, Stewart, Marty, Stuart, Marty, Triesch, Gene & Lavada, Twice Robin, Underwood, Carrie, Urban, Keith, Utley, Jerry, Vaughan, Nannette, Wagster, Joyce, Walker, Melanie, Way, Del, Gospel 12th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards, being held at Nashville's Acuff Theater on Nov. 9. The awards are presented and voted on by members of the Christian Country Music Association (CCMA) and will serve as the endnote to the organization's week-long conference, which takes place Nov. 5-9.

Last Light Band	Del Way	Fox Brothers

BMI artists Last Light Band lead the pack with three nominations: Entertainer of the Year, Group of the Year and Trio of the Year. Renowned BMI Christian artists Del Way, Melanie Walker and Mike Manuel received two nominations each, along with Branded, the Fox Brothers, Gayla Earlene, Tommy Brandt, Steven Paul McCollum, Mary James, Nannette Vaughan and Carpenters Tools. Other performers gaining recognition for their work this year include newcomer Corey Brooks, husband and wife team Randy & Heidi Gunn, and songwriter Cory Mayo.

Mary James	Nannette Vaughan	Clifton Janksy

Other ICM nods include popular Christian singer/songwriter Clifton Janksy for Male Vocalist of the Year and two nominations for Brooks & Dunn as a duo, as well as a Songwriter of the Year mention for Ronnie Dunn. Superstar Keith Urban snagged a nomination for Musician of the Year, while stars Carrie Underwood, Diamond Rio, Marty Stuart and Tim McGraw all received nods as well.

Tickets to the award ceremony are currently available for $45 through TicketMaster at 615-255-9600. The show will also be nationally televised and then re-broadcast on various affiliates.

BMI's ICM Nominees:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Branded
Del Way
Fox Brothers
Gayla Earlene
Last Light Band
Melanie Walker
Tommy Brandt

MALE VOCALIST
Clifton Jansky
Del Way
Gordon Mote
Jackie Cox
Mike Manuel
Robert Martin
Steven Paul McCollum
Tommy Brandt

FEMALE VOCALIST
Debbie Bennett
Gayla Earlene
Joyce Wagster
Mary James
Melanie Walker
Nannette Vaughan

GROUP
Carpenters Tools
Chigger Hill Boys & Terri
ELA
Fox Brothers
Last Light Band
Michael King & One True North
Philadelpheia

VOCAL DUO
Branded
Calvary Cowboys
Gene & Lavada Triesch
Jeff & Sheri Easter
Randy Heidi Gunn
Twice Robin
2 Days Later

TRIO
Booth Brothers
Carpenters Tools
Haddix Family
Jeff Treece Band
Last Light Band
Mere Image
Roy Knipp & Southern Harmony

SONG OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn -- "Believe"
Tim McGraw -- "Drugs Or Jesus"
Diamond Rio -- "God Only Cries" (For The Living)
Carrie Underwood -- "Jesus Take The Wheel"
Rascal Flatts -- "Skin (Sarabeth)"
Brad Paisley with Dolly Parton -- "When I Get Where I'm Going"

SONGWRITER
Cory Mayo
Ronnie Dunn
David Phelps
Mike Manuel
Russ Murphy

MAINSTREAM COUNTRY
Billy Ray Cyrus
Brooks & Dunn
Carrie Underwood
Craig Morgan
Diamond Rio

NEW ARTIST
Corey Brooks
Haddix Family
Jerry Utley
Mary James
Mike Rimmey
Nannette Vaughan
Rebecca Linda Smith
Steven Paul McCollum

MUSICIAN
Charlie Daniels
Justin Todd Herod
Keith Urban
Marty Stewart
Robin Bullock

Pictured are (l to r): AMA Board President Tamara Saviano, BMI VP Jody Williams, Allison Moorer, Steve Earle, Buddy Miller, AMA Executive Director Jeff Green and BMI's Mark Mason. Photo by Alan Mayor

BMI singer/songwriter James McMurtry led the pack with three nominations, including Album and Artist of the Year. Rosanne Cash and Marty Stuart followed closely behind with two nods apiece. Other noteworthy picks include the second New/Emerging Artist of the Year nomination for the Greencards (their first came in 2004), and Dixie Chick Martie Maguire's Song of the Year mention for the band's controversial single, "Not Ready to Make Nice."

Tennessean music critic Peter Cooper, BMI's Kay Clary and Elisabeth Dawson, and Grimey's Music co-owner and AMA board member Doyle Davis. Photo by Sonata Stanton

The 5th Annual Americana Honors & Awards show will take place on Friday, September 22 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Hosted by perennial favorite, Jim Lauderdale, the Americana Honors & Awards will once again feature an all-star "house band" led by Buddy Miller. The ceremony is scheduled to be broadcast around the world by both Sirius Satellite Radio and XM Satellite Radio, as well as by BBC Radio 2 and Voice of America.

Vector Management's Lisa Jenkins, AMA Board President/Saviano Media Owner Tamara Saviano, Sugar Hill's Kim Fowler, Vector Management's Kathi Whitley and GAC's Shaun Moseley. Photo by Elisabeth Dawson

BMI is a major sponsor of the Americana Music Association and its convention held in Nashville each fall.

ASCAP's Michelle Goble, BMI's Mark Mason and ASCAP's Mike Sistad Photo by Kay Clary

BMI's 2006 Americana Music Association Award Nominees:

Album of the Year
James McMurtry -- Childish Things
Delbert McClinton -- Cost of Living
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives -- Souls' Chapel

Artist of the Year
Rosanne Cash
James McMurtry
Marty Stuart

Duo/Group of the Year
Caitlin Cary
The Drive-By Truckers
Fats Kaplin
Chip Taylor & Carrie Rodriguez

Instrumentalist of the Year
Jerry Douglas
Kenny Vaughan

New/Emerging Artist of the Year
The Greencards
James Hunter
Robinella

Song of the Year (songwriter award)
"Black Cadillac" written by Rosanne Cash
"Not Ready to Make Nice" written by Martie Maguire
"We Can't Make It Here" written by James McMurtry

Aaron Sprinkle	Relient K	Ed Cash

Singer/songwriter/producer Aaron Sprinkle was showered with the most praise, earning eight nominations for his work with artists in a variety of categories, including pop/contemporary, rap/hip-hop and worship. Three of his nominations are for CD compilations that will compete for Special Event Album of the Year, including Happy Christmas Volume Four, Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and WoW Christmas Green.

Casting Crowns	Steven Curtis Chapman

Pop-punk outfit Relient K came in with six nods, earning two for "Be My Escape," two for their album Mmhmm, and two as contributing artists on a pair of Special Event Album nominees.

Earning five nominations apiece were Christian rock band Casting Crowns, who will vie for Group and Artist of the Year; alt-rock group Switchfoot, whose Nothing Is Sound is up for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year; and 2005's Producer of the Year Ed Cash, who hopes for a repeat win in that category.

Crabb Family	Jars of Clay	Wayne Haun

Southern gospel veterans the Crabb Family also took home five GMA nominations, with individual family members Gerald, Jason, Adam and Aaron each earning their own multiple nods.

Casting Crowns' lead singer Mark Hall picked up a total of four solo mentions, including two Song of the Year nominations for the hits "Lifesong" and "Voice of Truth." Pop/rock quartet Jars of Clay, producer Wayne Haun and Relient K frontman Matthew Theissen rounded out the quadruple nominees list.

CeCe Winans	Toby McKeehan	Switchfoot

BMI award-winning artist/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman, who has collected 49 Dove Awards to date -- more than any other artist in gospel music history -- has a chance to pass the 50-trophy mark this year if any of his three nominations results in win.

Also earning triple nominations were 13-time GMA Award winner Lari Goss, gospel producer Sanchez Harley and church group Israel & New Breed; leader Israel Houghton is up for five of his own GMAs.

Other BMI nominees included double earners Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Vince Gill, Grits, Kids In The Way, Dave Moody, tobyMac (Toby McKeehan) and CeCe Winans, as well as Yolanda Adams, Blind Boys of Alabama, Building 429, Fred Hammond, Rodney Jerkins, Lewis Family, Donnie McClurkin, Martha Munizzi, Dottie Peoples and George Teren, who is also up for a 2006 ACM Award.

Songwriter of the Year contenders will be revealed, along with the winner, at the 37th Annual GMA Music Awards ceremony, to be hosted by 2006 Dove nominees Rebecca St. James and Kirk Franklin. The recorded show will be televised in national syndication from April 15 to May 21.

Founded in 1964, the 4,500-member Gospel Music Association is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music. The GMA represents all styles of gospel music including contemporary pop, rock, urban gospel, praise & worship, Southern gospel, country and children's gospel music. The GMA produces the GMA Music Awards, which recognize achievement in all genres of gospel music and are voted on by members of the GMA.

BMI's 2006 GMA Awards Nominees:

8 Nominations
Aaron Sprinkle

6 Nominations
Relient K

5 Nominations
Ed Cash
Casting Crowns
The Crabb Family
Israel Houghton
Aaron W. Lindsey
Otto Price
Switchfoot

4 Nominations
Mark Hall
Dan Haseltine
Wayne Haun
Jars of Clay
Charlie Lowell
Steve Mason
Matt Odmark
Matthew Theissen

3 Nominations
Steven Curtis Chapman
Jason Crabb
Lari Goss
Sanchez Harley
Israel & New Breed

2 Nominations
Alletrope Music
Kelly Bowling
Kurt Carr
Teron Carter
Club Zoo Music
Gerald Crabb
Adam Crabb
Aaron Crabb
Christopher Davis
Dizmas
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Jerome Fontamillas
Vince Gill
Percy Gray, Jr.
Grits
Stacy Jones
Mat Kearney
Kids In The Way
Ay'Ron Lewis
Dave Moody
NewSong
Ric Robbins
Rebecca St. James
SWECS Music
tobyMac (Toby McKeehan)
CeCe Winans

Other Nominees
Yolanda Adams
Duane Allen
Paul Allen
Rev. F.C. Barnes
Luther Barnes
Blind Boys of Alabama
Ronald Block
Kevin Bond
Paul Boutte
Damon Bracy
Brian Free & Assurance
Building 429
Kyle Bynoe
Marc Byrd
Champions for Christ Publishing
Dean Chance
John Chelew
Stan Dailey
Alvin Darling
Daywind Music Group
Hector Diaz
Chris Eaton
Kirk Franklin
Aaron Gillespie
Rob Graves
Kenny Greenberg
Greenberg Music
Fred Hammond
Tom Hemby
Rick Hendrix
George Huff
Steve Huff
Integrity's Praise! Music
Rodney Jerkins
Lee Jerkins
Fred Jerkins III
Don Koch
Jean-Luc Lajoie
Shawn Lane
Frank Lenz
Lewis Family
Robert Marvin
Donnie McClurkin
Annie McRae
McRaes
Nelson McSwain
Meaux Mercy
The Mighty Clouds of Joy
Buck Moore
Martha Munizzi
Michael Neale
Peach Hill Songs
Aaron Pearce
Dottie Peoples
Rizen
Roger Ryan
Carolyn Sanders
Belinda Smith
Sparrow Song
Spinning Audio Vortex
Ralph Stanley
Ralph Stanley II
Derrick Starks
Christopher Stevens
Marty Stuart
George Teren
Rev. Gerald Thompson
Anthony Vero
Reed Vertelney
Tommy Walker
Fred Washington
Mark Whitehead
BeBe Winans
Marcos Witt

Casting Crowns	Gerald Crabb	Israel Houghton

Casting Crowns reeled in the most nominations with seven, including Group, Artist, and Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song ("American Dream"), Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song ("Who Am I?") and Long Form Music Video ("Live From Atlanta"). Claiming six nods is the group's lead singer-songwriter, Mark Hall, who is up for Male Vocalist and Song of the Year trophies for "Who Am I?".

Jim Cooper	Jason Roy	Matt Bronleewe

The Crabb Family also garnered a total of six nominations including Group and Southern Gospel Album, while the group's patriarch, Gerald Crabb, earned a Song of the Year mention ("Through the Fire"), plus five more songwriting nods in categories spanning country, inspirational and southern gospel.

Brendan Graham	Wayne Haun	Otto Price

Additional Song of the Year contenders include Israel Houghton of Israel & New Breed ("Friend of God"), Brendan Graham ("You Raise Me Up"), Kenny Greenberg ("More"), Matt Bronleewe ("Healing Rain"), and Jason Roy and Jim Cooper ("Glory Defined"). Other BMI-affiliated Dove nominees include Rodney Jerkins, Switchfoot, Dottie Peoples, Building 429, Hector Cervantes, Grits, the Talley Trio, Martha Munizzi and last year's top Dove nominee Wayne Haun.

Steven Curtis Chapman	Fred Hammond	Martha Munizzi

The GMA Music Awards will begin at 6pm on Wednesday, April 13 with a new format for 2005 -- awards and performances will share the limelight throughout the evening. Steven Curtis Chapman, Cece Winans, Rebecca St. James and Israel Houghton are among those set to host this year's festivities, which will be taped at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville for national syndication during the month of June.

Day of Fire	Kim Hill	Dottie Peoples

Song of the Year Nominees:

"Friend of God"
Israel Houghton
Champions for Christ Music Publishing
Integrity's Praise! Music
Sound of the New Breed

"Glory Defined"
Jim Cooper
Jason Roy
Dayspring Music

"Healing Rain"
Matt Bronleewe
Songs From the Farm Publishing
Songs of Windswept Pacific

"More"
Kenny Greenberg
Greenberg Music

"Through the Fire"
Gerald Crabb
Lehsem Songs

"Who Am I"
Mark Hall
Club Zoo Music
SWECS Music

"You Raise Me Up"
Brendan Graham (IMRO)
Peermusic (Ireland), Ltd.

Seven Nominations
Casting Crowns

Six Nominations
Gerald Crabb
The Crabb Family
Mark Hall

Five Nominations
Matt Bronleewe
Wayne Haun
Israel Houghton
Otto Price
Switchfoot

Four Nominations
Steven Curtis Chapman
Fred Hammond
Martha Munizzi
Joe Pace

Three Nominations
Paul Allen
Mike Bowling
Building 429
Ed Cash
Hector Cervantes
Jim Cooper
Jason Crabb
Day of Fire
Kenny Greenberg
Grits
Toby McKeehan
Pillar
Thousand Foot Crutch
Bebe Winans

Two Nominations
Bobby All
Josiah Bell
Kene Bell
Myron Butler
Teron Carter
Barry D.
delerious?
Paul Ebersold
Michael English
Lari Goss
Brendan Graham
Chris Huffman
The Isaacs
Jars of Clay
Rodney Jerkins
Stacy Jones
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
The Lewis Family
Aaron Lindsey
Lisa McClendon
Trevor McNevan
The Oak Ridge Boys
Charlie Peacock
Club Zoo Music
CrossWay
Steve Moore
J Moss
Israel & New Breed
Dave Moody
Dottie Peoples
The Perrys
Jason Roy
Martin Smith
Songs From the Farm Publishing
Taylor Sorensen
Aaron Sprinkle
Angie Stone
SWECS Music

Single Nominees
Yolanda Adams
Audio Adrenaline
Alejandro Allen
Duane Allen
Steve Augustine
Percy Bady
Joe Baldridge
Cindy Ballard
Joe Beck
Barry Beckett
Rob Beckley
Big Tent Revival
Big Dismal
Kevin Bond
Joe Bonsall
Kelly Bowling
Rebecca Isaacs Bowman
Clint Brown
Gavin Brown
Joel Bruyere
Billy Buchanan
Marc Byrd
Cedric Caldwell
Eulises Canada
Champions for Christ Music Publishing
Chigger Hill Boys & Terri
Aaron Crabb
Ryan Clark
Don Cook
Adam Crabb
Billy Ray Cyrus
Dayspring Music
Christine Dente
Scott Dente
Darryl Dixon
Jeff & Sherri Easter
Lester Estelle
Sara Evans
Kirk Franklin
Stuart Garrard
Terri Argot Gore
Greater Vision
Brian Green
Greenberg Music
George Hamilton IV with the Moody Brothers
Dan Haseltine
Patti Hawkins
Hawk Nelson
Maurice Henderson
Noah Henson
Bob Herdman
Kim Hill
Gregg Hionis
Stephen Hurd
Integrity's Praise! Music
Sonya Isaacs
Mahalia Jackson
Fred Jerkins
Stan Jones
Kalel
Wayne Kirkpatrick
Jennifer Knapp
Rodney Lay, Jr.
Lehsem Songs
Lifegate Music
Michael Linney
Charlie Lowell
Joyce Martin McCullough
Robert Marvin
Stephen Mason
Donnie McClurkin
Nelson McSwain
Mark A. Miller
Gordon Mote
Dan Munizzi
Newsboys
Matt Odmark
Erin O'Donnell
Solomon Olds
Michael Parker
Sandi Patty
Rebecca J. Peck
PeerMusic III
Peermusic (Ireland), Ltd.
Pettiodee
Praise Street Worship Band
The Principles
Andrew Ramsey
Ric Robbins
George Rowe
Shannon Sanders
Skillet
Donna Smith
Matthew Smith
Songs of Windswept Pacific
Sound of the New Breed
Scott Stapp
Christopher Stevens
Rebecca St. James
Kevin Stokes
Mark Stuart
Marty Stuart
Jerry Sullivan
Mooki Taylor
Jon Thatcher
Linda Thompson
Tait
Michael Tait
Talley Trio
Troy Vest
Asaph Ward
Earl Wright III
Paul Wright
Young Harmony