Nashville, TN – The Gospel Announcers Guild, recently held its 42nd Annual Session at the Gaylord Hotel and Convention Center in Nashville, TN. This years’ theme was “One Voice, One Vision.”
The goal this year was to address and examine issues that have negatively affected the music industry’s growth and to design strategies that could positively alter the course. Words of wisdom and strategies in how to deal with some of the industries challenges came from some of the top music industry executives in the business including Jeff Grant, Lisa Collins, Sheilah Belle, Adrian Warren, Bishop Ryan Warner, Bonita Bellamy, Vicki Mack Lataillade, Neily Dickerson, V. Michael McKay, Gina Miller, Humilitee, Dr. Leonard Scott, Sidney Scott, James Roberson, Jerry Smith, and Mr. Clean just to name a few.
This year’s session ran from July 8 – July 11th, while the annual general convention for the Gospel Music Workshop of American ran from July 7 – July 13th.
Throughout the week, Gospel Announcers and Industry executives heard from some of the newest independent talent looking for airplay to some of the more established talent including Jonathan Butler, Darrel Pettis, Dottie Peoples, Zebellon Ellis, Chrystal Rucker and Earnest Pugh.
One of the highlighted Showcases for the week took place on Monday with Sheilah Belle, The Belle as the Mistress of Ceremonies. Special guests for the Ultimate Artist Showcase, produced by Kenney Taylor were Paul Scott, Minister Tyronne Foster and The ARC Singers, The Brown Boy, The Leak Brothers, Dr. Karen Hypolite, Damon Little, Bubby Fann & Praise Beyond, Terri McConnell and Algeron Wright.
Another memorable moment for the week, took place when V. Michael McKay introduced his new CD, “God Talks Sounds of a Sanctuary” that featured a single with The Queen of Gospel, Albertina Walker, singing the lead. It was a bit emotional to hear but also a work of art, how McKay fused his sound and The Queens voice creating a radio hit single, already for air play.
Al “The Bishop” Hobbs, Chairman of the National GAG-GMWA said, “This was a good week. Attendance was up, industry executives turned out, and the new talent got an opportunity in front of those who could actually make a difference.”
(Photo: The Belle and Earnest Pugh)
