BMI’s Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon will take place on January 17, 2014 in Nashville, Tenn.
The celebration of gospel music icons put on by the U.S. music rights organization will recognize gospel veterans Richard Smallwood and Daryl Coley for its 15th annual luncheon. BMI will also announce the Most Performed Gospel Song of the Year at the luncheon.
Coley’s tone and jazz-tinged vocal acrobatics has been him a fan among vocalists. The 58-year-old singer, who started his career singing with Edwin Hawkins, is best known for hits like ‘He’s Preparing Me,’ ‘God And God Alone,’ ‘When Sunday Comes,’ ‘Beyond The Veil,’ and ‘To Live Is Christ.’ Coley also sang on the popular ‘Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration.’
Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductee Smallwood is gospel music’s maestro. The accomplished singer, songwriter, arranger and musician has had success both with his ensemble Richard Smallwood Singers and with his choir, Vision. The 64-year-old artist is known for a catalog of hits, including ‘Total Praise,’ ‘Center of My Joy,’ ‘I’ll Trust You,’ ‘Anthem Of Praise,’ ‘My Everything (Praise Waiteth),’ ‘His Mercy Endureth Forever (Psalm 118),’ and ‘Oh Lord, Stand By Me.’ His song, ‘I Love The Lord’ was famously recorded by Whitney Houston for “The Preachers Wife” soundtrack.
Last year, BMI honored Edwin Hawkins, Lady Tramaine Hawkins and Kurt Carr. The event was captured on CD as part of the partnership with BMI and Entertainment One Music (eOne Music). The CD, “BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Live 2013” was released on October 22.
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