June 25, 2001

SGMA Awards Name Talleys Among Top Talents

The Southern Gospel Music Association Association (SGMA) presented its 2001 SGMA Awards and Hall of Fame inductees on May 23 in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and BMI affiliates dominated the occasion. The Talley family took home top honors as Debra Talley was named Female Vocalist of the Year and Kirk Talley Solo Artist of the Year. The Talley Trio received Album of the Year honors for its Horizon Records release, Testament.

Karen Peck and New River

Talley Trio

Other top winners included Gold City as Male Quartet, Gerald Wolfe as Male Vocalist, The Hoppers as Mixed Quartet, Greater Vision as Trio of the Year, Legacy Five as New Artist and Rodney Griffin as Songwriter of the Year. Robert Wilburn was honored for writing Song of the Year "Four Days Late."

Greater Vision

Along with the awards ceremony, BMI songwriter Cleavant Derricks was inducted into the Hall of Fame. The SGMA Awards banquet, which also served as the organization's annual fund raiser, took place at the Park Vista Resort, located at the Dollywood theme park.

BMI Winners:

Album of the Year
Testament -- Talley Trio

Male Quartet
Gold City

Mixed Quartet
The Hoppers

Trio
Greater Vision

Solo Artist
Kirk Talley

Male Vocalist
Gerald Wolfe

Female Vocalist
Debra Talley

Songwriter
Rodney Griffin

New Artist
Legacy Five

Song of the Year
"Four Days Late"
Songwriter: Roberta Wilburn
Artist: Karen Peck & New River

Video
"Farewell Celebration"
The Cathedrals

Producer
Wayne Haun

Recorded Music Graphic Design
Perfect Candidate
Greater Vision