Washington, D.C. — The Evolution of Gospel 2013 concert was recently held at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. The star-studded event took place on Monday, September 16 and pulled out all the stops as it celebrated Gospel Music Heritage Month and paid tribute to two gospel industry heavyweights and a political giant.
Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), Capitol Christian Music Group CEO Bill Hearn and Gospel music genius and Washington, D.C.’s own “maestro” Richard Smallwood were all honored during the event.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Carl Davis, Chairman of the Gospel Music Heritage Month Foundation gave the official welcome. Congresswoman Jackson Lee is responsible for successfully passing resolutions for the last four years designating September as Gospel Music Heritage Month. Davis established the Foundation five years ago and was also took on the responsibility as the concert’s executive producer.
Delivering “The History of Gospel Music” was Minister Howard Watson.
Special guests for the evening included Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy, Endurance, Tanya Dallas-Lewis, Tye Tribbett, Jason Nelson, The Washington Performing Arts Men & Women of the Gospel Choir, Eric Davis, Stacy J and Unified Praise, V. Michael McKay, James “Jazzy” Jordan, Earnest Pugh and Donnie McClurkin.
Because of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, The Evolution of Gospel continues to live on a national platform. Congresswoman Jackson Lee has successfully led efforts since 2008 to ensure the contributions, history, and sound of Gospel music are recognized and honored throughout the nation by passing resolutions that designate September as Gospel Music Heritage Month.
Gospel Heritage Foundation Chair Carl Davis called Congresswoman Lee a “lady of valor.” Congresswoman Lee, Davis and Verity Gospel Music Group Executive Vice President/General Manager James “Jazzy” Jordan presented each honoree with their award.
The Gospel Music Heritage Month Foundation is to also be commended for their hard workand dedication for creating such a memorial evening. DC Host Committee Chairman Ron Magnus and his team of committee members, including Vice Chair Jared Sawyers obviously worked tirelessly to execute an event that exuded excellence from beginning to end. Job well done to producer Earnest Walker!
Before the evening ended Charley Humbard announced that UP TV would like to televise the event next year.
