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Complete List of 40th Annual GMA Dove Award Winners

(4/24/2009)


40th Annual GMA Dove Award Recipients


ARTIST OF THE YEAR
      Steven Curtis Chapman


NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
      Tenth Avenue North


SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
      Steven Curtis Chapman


SONG OF THE YEAR song title; writer; publisher (award to the writer and publisher)
      "Give Me Your Eyes"; Brandon Heath, Jason Ingram; Sitka 6 Music/Essential Music Publishing (ASCAP), Peertunes Ltd. (SESAC), Grange Hill Music (SESAC), Windsor Way (SESAC)


MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
      Brandon Heath


FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
      Natalie Grant


GROUP OF THE YEAR
      Casting Crowns


PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
      Bernie Herms


RAP/HIP HOP RECORDED SONG (song; album; artist; writer; label)
       "Do Yo Thang"; The Yearbook; KJ-52; Jonah Sorrentino; BEC Recordings/Uprok


ROCK RECORDED SONG
       "Lost"; End Of Silence; Red; Jasen Rauch, Rob Graves, Chad Cates; Essential Records


ROCK/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG
       "Washed By The Water"; The Heat; NEEDTOBREATHE; Bear Rinehart, Bo Rinehart; Atlantic Records


POP/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG
       "Give Me Your Eyes"; What If We; Brandon Heath; Brandon Heath, Jason Ingram; Reunion Records


INSPIRATIONAL RECORDED SONG
       "A New Hallelujah"; A New Hallelujah; Michael W. Smith; Michael W. Smith, Debbie Smith, Paul Baloche; Reunion Records


SOUTHERN GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
       "Reason Enough"; Dream On; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Ernie Haase, Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun; Gaither Music Group


BLUEGRASS RECORDED SONG
       "They're Holding Up The Ladder"; We Are Family; Jeff & Sheri Easter, Lewis Family, Easter Brothers; Russell Easter, James Easter, Edd Easter; Daywind Records


COUNTRY RECORDED SONG
       "I Wish"; How You Live Deluxe Edition; Point of Grace; Cindy Morgan, Phil Madeira; Word Records


URBAN RECORDED SONG
       "Get Up"; The Sound; Mary Mary; Warryn Campbell, Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Eric Dawkins; Columbia Records, Integrity Music


TRADITIONAL GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
       "Free At Last"; Down In New Orleans; The Blind Boys of Alabama; Traditional; Time Life Music


CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
       "How Great Is Our God"; How Great Is Our God; LaRue Howard; Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash; EMI Gospel


WORSHIP SONG
       "Mighty To Save"; Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan; Hillsong Publishing


RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM (album; artist; producer; label)
       Ordinary Dreamers; Group 1 Crew; Andy Anderson, Christopher Stevens, Sam Mizell; Fervent Records


ROCK ALBUM
       Satisfied; DecembeRadio; Scotty Wilbanks; Slanted Records


ROCK/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
       Never Going Back To OK; The Afters; Dan Muckala; INO Records


POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
       Revelation; Third Day; Howard Benson; Essential Records


INSPIRATIONAL ALBUM
       Great God Who Saves; Laura Story; Ed Cash; INO Records


SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM
       Lovin' Life; Ernie Gaither Vocal Band; Bill Gaither, Guy Penrod, Marshall Hall, Wes Hampton; Gaither Music Group


BLUEGRASS ALBUM
       We Are Family; Ricky Jeff & Sheri Easter, Lewis Family, Easter Brothers; Jeff Easter, Sheri Easter; Daywind Records


COUNTRY ALBUM
       Around the Bend; Randy Travis; Kyle Lehning; Warner Bros. Records


URBAN ALBUM
       The Fight of My Life; Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin; Zomba Gospel


TRADITIONAL GOSPEL ALBUM
       Down In New Orleans; The Blind Boys of Alabama; Chris Goldsmith; Time Life Music, Integrity Music


CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM
       Change the World; Martha Munizzi; Aaron Lindsey, Israel Houghton; Martha Munizzi Music


INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM
       Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian; Various; Harry Gregson-Williams; Walt Disney Records


CHILDREN'S MUSIC ALBUM
       Absolute Modern Worship for Kids 4; Various; Chance Scoggins; Fervent Records


SPANISH LANGUAGE ALBUM
       Rescatame; Seventh Day Slumber; Alejandro Allen, Susana Allen; BEC Recordings


SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM
       Passion: God of This City; Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, David Crowder*Band, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, Fee, Matt Redman; Nathan Nockels; Sparrow Records, sixsteps Records


CHRISTMAS ALBUM
       Peace on Earth; Casting Crowns; Mark Hall, Mark A. Miller; Beach Street


PRAISE & WORSHIP ALBUM
       A New Hallelujah; Michael W. Smith; Michael W. Smith; Reunion Records


MUSICAL (title; creator; publisher (award given to creator)
       God Bless the USA; Sue C. Smith, Joel Lindsey, Russell Mauldin; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing


YOUTH/CHILDREN'S MUSICAL
       An Island Christmas; Wayne Haun, Shelby Haun, Joel Lindsey; Lillenas Publishing Company


CHORAL COLLECTION
       I'll Say Yes; Carol Cymbala; Brooklyn Tabernacle Music


RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING (product; art director; graphic artist; illustrator/photographer; label)
       Revelation (Third Day); Tim Parker, Becka Blackburn; Tim Parker; David McClister, RW Sims; Essential Records


SHORT FORM MUSIC VIDEO (title; artist; director; producer; production company; label)
      "Slow Fade"; Casting Crowns; John Erwin, Andy Erwin; Erwin Brothers Motion Pictures; Beach Street


LONG FORM MUSIC VIDEO ( title; artist; director; producer; production company; label)
      Alive and Transported; TobyMac; Eric Welch; Tameron Hedge, Dan Pitts; Broken Poet Productions; ForeFront Records



News provided by CMSpin

KJ-52 Sighting, He's Keeping Busy

(4/11/2009)

As you know KJ-52 likes to keep it real, keep it fresh, and keep in touch with you all! So here are some things that he's been working on...just for you!


1.) Rockin' a daily bible study on his podcast - www.kj52podcast.com - would love for you to all join, share your thoughts as you walk through this together.


2.) KJ also started a blog...yes a blog! Click here to follow, comment, and know all that's going on!


3.) FREESTYLE Friday's are still goin' on folks! First 4 people to respond to KJ-52 on Twitter (@KJ52)...he will use YOUR topic and in the FREESTYLE that day! So get ready, be ready, and your subjects could be used next!

Vote For Your Favorite Remix On KJ-52's Remix The Remix Contest


Get your VOTE on....no, not for the presidential race...that's over and done with....VOTE for your favorite Remix from KJ-52's Remix The Remix contest! Click here to vote today! Voting closes April 27th!

Also, keep in mind that EVERY 1st Monday of the month KJ-52 will be posting a mixtape song on this page!! So bookmark it and make sure to VOTE and check back EVERY 1st Monday of the month!!



News provided by CMSpin

Tobymac 'Rock And Rolls' Into Camp Electric

(3/17/2009)
Toby Puts His Momentum Into Co-Ownership of Camp Electric 
 
Move over Jack Black! Take a seat School of Rock junkies! Summer '09 in Nashville will roll-out the real life 'reality' second edition of the ultimate rock 'n roll fantasy camp for students aged 13-18--Camp Electric!
 
In a thumbnail:  It's a unique experience "all access" music pass for young musicians, ages 13-18 to 'come rock' with top Christian artists & musicians, and it's happening June and July in Nashville.
 
On the smokin' heels of a sold-out debut last summer, Camp Electric is back center stage this June-July with an expanded two session registration plan. Back too this summer is one of Christian music's most consistently relevant multi-Grammy winning, multiple-platinum artists—tobyMac—fresh from his most recent solo Grammy win in February (Best Rock or Rap Album of the year—for Alive and Transported) and the genre crossing diversity of having his music featured at this year's Superbowl '09— toby is stepping up his involvement in the camp to take a lead role in promoting the creative virtues of the all-star event.
 
Performing on the Camp Electric concert stage last year, the man described as a "creative force, artistic maverick, and prophetic voice for radical social justice," quite simply fell in love with the event's creative concept of reaching youth with a message that matters.  
 
toby noted in a recent interview: "For me, my entire career has been focused on youth culture and encouraging young people to impact the world through music and beyond. 
That's why I started dcTalk and Gotee Records—that's why I continue touring.  And that's also why I'm totally blown away with Camp Electric. They're passionately focused on youth and awakening teens to God's love through music and their excellence in musicianship."
 
In response to registration demands with last year's sell-out single 5 day session, Camp Electric will this year offer two five day camp sessions—June 28th-July 2nd and July 5th-9th—both staging as a full "onsite experience" at the campus of Trevecca University in Nashville .  Each session will bring a unique mix of nightly concerts by the top names in Christian music—a roll-out this year that includes such names as tobyMac, Kutless, BarlowGirl, Red, and Pillar as highlights.
 
Additionally, a "Mystery Artist" concert will again be a major event highlight—following on the '08 surprise unveiling of mystery artist, Jeremy Camp.  Daily sessions with top Christian musicians will offer 'hands-on' instructional sessions, personalized tips and tune-ups, opportunities to perform for industry professionals, and overall encouragement towards spiritual and performance excellence.  Vocals, keyboards, drums, bass, and guitar will all have individualized instructors ranging from session and major league road players with bands such as Kutless, Sanctus Real, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin, and tobyMac's Diverse City. 
 
Camp Electric is being promoted by the nation's leading promoter of Christian themed concerts and events, The Premier Group, Major sponsors again this year include K-LOVE and Air 1 Radio, leading voice of Christian radio under the EMF Broadcasting banner.  Also onboard as sponsors for Camp Electric's '09 staging are Hearitfirst.com and famecast.com, the latter a major promotional support site for national contest facilitations for major entities such as John Mayer and Guitar Center.
 
John Sanders, President of the Camp Electric experience notes:  "With American Idol and all the music reality series so hot, our event provides a real-life 'reality opportunity' within a totally positive atmosphere.  Kids can interact and hang with their friends, jam with their music, have a front row at major concerts each night, and have a full 'all access' to top Christian musicians and instructors through an event with one ultimate goal at its' center:  To spiritually enrich the lives of teens through the medium of music."
 
Sanders noted that an expanded future of national contest promotions, 'making of the band' reality productions, and retail tie-ins are in development for add-on value to the Camp Electric experience.
 
tobyMac himself is top of the list on those promoting kids to attend this year's event. He sends a personal shout-out to those coming: 
 
"To all my CE people packin' bags for '09—I say 'Welcome,' and get ready to bring the noise!'  Bring your instrument of choice and plan to rock!  This will be a week to learn about life, music, the road, and everything positive in between.  Come away with a fire to play where God has you—whether it's in front of 10 or 10,000--do it with passion!"
 
Registration is limited—and those wishing to attend can receive bonus camp savings through May 1st.  For sign-up information and a complete resource of Camp Electric's summer '09 concert and curriculum, resource online:  http://www.campelectric.com/

News provided by CMSpin

Flame, Da' T,R.U.T.H. and J. R. Receive 2009 Dove Award Nominations

(2/27/2009)
Cross Movement Records is pleased to announce that three of their artists, FLAME, Da' T.R.U.T.H. and J.R., have been nominated for song award honors at the 2009 GMA Dove Awards. FLAME and Da' T.R.U.T.H. are both nominated in the "Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song" category for the song "Joyful Noise" from FLAME's GRAMMY Award-nominated album, Our World Redeemed, while J.R. is nominated in the "Urban Recorded Song" category for the song "Not a Slave" from his latest album, Life By Stereo. Christian music's biggest night of the year, the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards will take place on April 23, 2009, at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tenn., with artists from every style of gospel and Christian music coming together for a special night of music and celebration. The award show will be broadcast live nationwide that night on the Gospel Music Channel from 8-10 p.m. EST/PST.

FLAME's GRAMMY and Stellar Award-nominated Our World Redeemed is the second installment in his two-part audio novel and is the sequel to his album Our World Fallen, which released in April 2007 to rave reviews, hitting #7 on the Billboard Top Gospel Chart. The two-part album series captures the story of FLAME befriending a non-believer and pointing him to the cross of Christ, while examining the fallen condition of the world. One of the youngest members of the Cross Movement Records artist roster, FLAME is currently studying Biblical counseling at Boyce College in Louisville, Ky. The 2008 Holy Hip Hop Award honoree has been ministering for over 10 years in music and speaking engagements.

Da' T.R.U.T.H. is the winner of the 2009 Stellar Award for "Rap/Hip-Hop Gospel CD of the Year" for his latest project, Open Book--an award he also took home in 2007 for his sophomore album, The Faith. Open Book also scored a 2008 GRAMMY Award nomination in the "Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album" category, as well as a 2008 Gospel Music Channel Video Award win in the "Hip-Hop Video" category (for Open Book's first video single, "Who Am I?" featuring Tye Tribbett and Kirk Franklin) and a 2008 GMA Dove Award nomination in the "Rap/Hip-Hop Recorded Song" category (for Open Book's first radio single, "Who Am I?" featuring Tye Tribbett). The CD set a new record by securing the highest Soundscan/Billboard Chart debut ever for a gospel hip-hop artist when Open Book captured the #2 position on the Billboard Top Gospel Chart. Open Book also debuted at #1 on Soundscan's Christian Hip-Hop Chart and at #3 on the iTunes Christian & Gospel Chart.

J.R. released his sophomore project, Life By Stereo, on December 26, 2007. The familiar voice behind numerous memorable hooks on Stellar Award-winning, GRAMMY-nominated and Dove-nominated Cross Movement Records projects, J.R. is the first R&B artist signed to the label. A versatile crooner and multi-talented producer with his own unique style and the point man behind So Hot Productions, J.R.'s list of collaborations includes "Cry No More" (Holy Culture, The Cross Movement), "N.F.L. (New Found Love)" (Moment of Truth, Da' T.R.U.T.H.) and "My Clothes, My Hair" (The Thesis, The Ambassador), to name a few.
FLAME's Our World Redeemed and J.R.'s Life By Stereo are available on Cross Movement Records and are distributed in the CBA market by Provident-Integrity Distribution and by Sony/BMG in the general market. Da' T.R.U.T.H.'s Open Book is available on Cross Movement Records and distributed in the CBA market by Provident-Integrity Distribution and by Sony RED in the general market. For more information on FLAME and Our World Redeemed, visit www.flame314.com, www.myspace.com/flame314 or www.crossmovementrecords.com. For more information on J.R. and Life By Stereo, visit www.crossmovementrecords.com, www.myspace.com/jrinstereo or www.jrsings.com. For more information on Da' T.R.U.T.H. and Open Book, visit www.datruth.net, www.myspace.com/truthonduty or www.crossmovementrecords.com.


News provided by CMSpin

Bec Recordings/Tooth & Nail Records Congratulates 2009 Dove Award Nominees

(2/25/2009)

Last Friday the 40th Annual Gospel Music Award nominees were announced in Nashville, Tennessee, which included 13 nominations for BEC Recordings / Tooth & Nail Records / Solid State Records that included four "albums" of the year in respective categories.  Among those nominated were Jeremy Camp, who received his fifth "Male Vocalist of the Year" nomination (winner 2004, 2005), along with two nominations each for hip-hop artist Manafest (Hip Hop Song/Album), Jadon Lavik (Inspirational Song/Album), and KJ-52 (Hip Hip Song/Short Form Music Video).


In addition, Bebo Norman received his second Dove nomination on BEC Recordings, following his Christmas album nod in 2008. This year he was nominated for his studio self-titled release on the West Coast label, which garnered much praise. Other album nominations included "Rock Album" for the raved about "To Know that You're Alive" from Kutless, and the first Spanish nomination on the label from Seventh Day Slumber, "Rescatame." Once again dominating the "Recorded Music Packaging" category, the label(s) held three of the five nominations, including the GRAMMY-nominated packaging for "Hawk Nelson Is My Friend" (designer Don Clark).


BEC Recordings, Tooth&Nail Records, and Solid State Records are excited about what 2009 holds as they anticipate great new releases from Emery, Thousand Foot Krutch, Hawk Nelson, August Burns Red and many more stellar projects down the pipe, in addition to new artists And Then There Were None, Phillip LaRue, and Jaymes Reunion.
2009 Gospel Music Award / Dove Nominees:
 
Male Vocalist of the Year:
Jeremy Camp


Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song:
"Do Yo Thang" KJ-52, The Yearbook
"So Beautiful" Manafest, Citizen Activ


Inspirational Recorded Song:
"Come Thou Fount" Jadon Lavik, Roots Run Deep


Rap/ Hip Hop Album:
Citizen Activ, Manafest


Rock Album:
To Know That You're Alive, Kutless


Pop/Contemporary Album:
Bebo Norman, Bebo Norman


Inspirational Album:
Roots Run Deep, Jadon Lavik


Recorded Music Packaging:
Hawk Nelson is My Friend, Hawk Neslon
Storm the Gates of Hell Deluxe Edition, Demon Hunter (Solid State Records)
The Tide Will Swallow Us Whole, Trenches (Solid State Records)


Short Form Music Video:
"Fan Mail," KJ-52


Spanish Language Album:
Rescatame, Seventh Day Slumber



News provided by CMSpin

GMA Dove Awards Nominations for 2009 Announced Today

(2/20/2009)

Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, Fireflight, Marvin Sapp, Third Day, TobyMac and Chris Tomlin have been nominated by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) membership for Artist of the Year at the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards on April 23, 2009 in Nashville. 

Those artists were among the Dove Award nominees announced at a press conference today at the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Information Center.  The GMA Dove Awards, gospel music's biggest night of the year, featuring artists from every style of gospel/Christian music coming together for a night of music and celebration, will be broadcast nationwide live on the Gospel Music Channel from 8 – 10 p.m. (ET/PT) on Thursday, April 23, 2009.


"Christian and gospel music expresses itself in many different ways and we applaud all nominated artists for their unique contributions to the music landscape," said John W. Styll, president of the Gospel Music Association (GMA). "The powerful messages of redemption, hope and joy found in the music of our Dove nominees come during a season in history when our country and the world need inspiration and encouragement." 

For the first time, fans will become stakeholders in the Dove Awards with an opportunity to vote for the winner of Artist of the Year along with New Artist of the Year, which includes nominees Addison Road, Francesca Battistelli, Fee, Jonathan Nelson, Remedy Drive, Chris Sligh and Tenth Avenue North.  Fan voting, which will be conducted through the Gospel Music Channel website (www.gospelmusicchannel.com) and at www.doveawards.com, will open on February 26, the same day online voting opens for GMA members.  The cumulative fan vote, which will continue through the live Dove Awards broadcast, will account for one-third of the total vote in those two categories.

The 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards will be handed out at Nashville's famed Grand Ole Opry House.  Tickets to the 40th Annual GMA Dove Awards are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 615-242-0303.

While the awards are the purpose of the show, music performances will definitely share center stage at the Dove Awards, showcasing some of gospel music's hottest and most diverse artists.   In addition to the exclusive live broadcast, Gospel Music Channel will present back-to-back encore broadcasts that night and additional re-airings following.  Gospel Music Channel's rapid growth has made it the fastest growing network in television for the past two years and GMC is now available in more than 43 million homes in all major markets on the major cable systems as well as on DIRECTV on Channel 338. 

The top artist nominee for Dove Awards is current three-time Male Vocalist of the Year Chris Tomlin, whose seven total nominations include Artist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Song of the Year for "Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)."  His latest CD Hello Love was nominated for Praise & Worship Album, while "Jesus Messiah" from that project earned a nomination for Worship Song of the Year.  Tomlin was also included in the Special Event Album category for his participation on the Passion: God of This City compilation album and in the Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song category for gospel artist LaRue Howard's recording of Tomlin's "How Great Is Our God," which was the 2006 Song of the Year recipient. 

Two female artists have the next biggest impact, with Natalie Grant and newcomer Francesca Battistelli each receiving five nominations.  Grant, the current three-time Female Vocalist of the Year recipient, receives another nomination in the category, along with a nod for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Relentless, while the No. 1 radio hit from that record, "I Will Not Be Moved" was nominated for Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year.  The Grant-penned "Breathe on Me" rounds out her five nominations in the Worship Song of the Year category.

Battistelli, the New York-born singer songwriter and now Dove Award Female Vocalist and New Artist of the Year nominee, burst on the Christian music scene with her summer 2008 hit "I'm Letting Go."  That song has now received Dove Award nominations for Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year, and her debut CD My Paper Heart was nominated for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.

Four-time Group of the Year Dove Award winners Casting Crowns will go for five with another Group of the Year nomination in 2009.  The worship band's total of five nominations includes Artist of the Year and Christmas Album of the Year for Peace on Earth.  Casting Crowns also earned nods for Short Form Video for "Slow Fade" and for Long Form Video for "The Altar and the Door Live."

Among the other Artist of the Year nominees, Steven Curtis Chapman has previously won this award seven times, the last one in 2000.  Chapman, who has been touring with Michael W. Smith on the United Tour, has had renewed spotlight this past year centered on the Song of the Year nominee "Cinderella" which became an anthem for fatherhood not only on Christian radio, but worldwide.  "Cinderella" is also nominated for Pop/Contemporary Recorded song and Chapman's co-write of Bart Millard's "You Reign" is another Song of the Year nominee. 

Fireflight is recognized as Artist of the Year in the first year they have received any Dove Award nominations.  The female-fronted (Dawn Richardson) rock band received national exposure as a favorite of TV networks like NBC, ABC and ESPN which have licensed their songs.  Fireflight was also named one of the winners of Taco Bell's first "Best of the Beat" fan-voted contest and was named Gospel Music Channel's first "Listen Up Artist" last year. Now, they have four Dove Award nominations including Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year for Unbreakable, Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song for "Unbreakable" and Rock Recorded Song of the Year for "The Hunger."

Artist and Male Vocalist of the Year nominee Marvin Sapp made history last year when his single "Never Would've Made It," from the gold-selling CD Thirsty,  became the longest-running No. 1 single ever across all radio formats, spending a staggering 47 weeks at the top of the gospel radio charts.  Earlier this year, Sapp was honored with eight Stellar Awards.


TobyMac, the current Artist of the Year recipient, finds himself nominated again this year.  The headliner of the popular Winter Wonder Slam concert series, TobyMac recently won his first solo GRAMMY Award for Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album with Alive and Transported.  The concert DVD of that CD is also nominated for a Dove Award for Long Form Video of the Year.

Rounding out the Artist of the Year nominees, Third Day earns its nomination after a successful year with the release of Revelation, which is nominated for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year.  That CD debuted at No. 6 on The Billboard 200 chart in July, landing the band on the cover of Billboard magazine.  Third Day also toured with Switchfoot, Jars of Clay and Robert Randolph & The Family Band on the "Music Builds Tour" for Habitat for Humanity and performed on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."

Other artists receiving four nominations include Brandon Heath, Mary Mary, Laura Story and Michael W. Smith.
Producers and songwriters also enjoyed big nomination success this year with Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Remedy Drive) and Wayne Haun (Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, HisSong) each receiving eight nods while Ed Cash (Chris Tomlin, Laura Story) came in with six and Jason Ingram (Brandon Heath, Meredith Andrews) and Warryn Campbell (Mary Mary, Kierra Sheard) each received five nominations.
Announcing the nominations today were Dan and Jackie Evans, the son and mother team from season five of NBC's reality show "The Biggest Loser." Additionally, Dan's debut CD, Goin' All Out, bowed at #7 on the Billboard Top Country Albums Chart when it was released last fall.  They were joined by Lisa Kimmey, former member of Out of Eden and currently a host/reporter for Gospel Music Channel.
 
Dove Awards will be handed out in 43 categories.  The Songwriter of the Year nominees were not announced today, but will be revealed prior to the GMA Dove Awards.  Dove Awards nominations go to recordings released during the eligibility year November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008 and voted on by the members of the GMA.  The complete nominations list is at www.doveawards.com.
The American Bible Society (www.americanbible.org) is official charity of the GMA.

About GMA:
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music of all styles including pop, rock, praise & worship, black gospel, R&B, hip hop, southern gospel, country, and more. The GMA community consists of more than 3,000 members including agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Music Week and the GMA Academy. For more information, please visit www.gospelmusic.org.



News provided by CMSpin

40th Annual GMA Dove Award Nominations

(2/20/2009)



SONG OF THE YEAR

song title; writer; publisher (Dove Award given to the songwriter and publisher)
"Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)"; Chris Tomlin, Louie Giglio, Traditional; sixsteps music (ASCAP), worshiptogether.com Songs (ASCAP)


"Cinderella"; Steven Curtis Chapman; Sparrow Songs (BMI)


"Empty Me"; Chris Sligh, Clint Lagerberg, Tony Wood; Foolish Tool Music (ASCAP), Word Music LLC (ASCAP), Kindacrazy Music (BMI), Row J Seat 9 Songs (ASCAP), New Spring Publishing (ASCAP), Bridge Building Music (BMI)


"Give Me Your Eyes"; Brandon Heath, Jason Ingram; Sitka 6 Music (ASCAP), Peertunes Ltd. (SESAC), Grange Hill Music (SESAC), Windsor Way (SESAC)


"I Will Not Be Moved"; Natalie Grant; Nat in the Hat (ASCAP)


"I'm Letting Go"; Francesca Battistelli, Tony Wood, Ian Eskelin; Designer Music (SESAC), Word Music LLC (ASCAP), Honest & Popular Songs (SESAC), Row J Seat 9 Songs (ASCAP), New Spring Publishing Inc. (ASCAP)


"Mighty to Save"; Ben Fielding, Joel Houston; Integrity's Hosanna! Music (ASCAP)


"Never Going Back to OK"; Matt Fuqua, Josh Havens, Brad Wigg, Dan Muckala; Smells Like Music (ASCAP), Screaming Mimes Music (ASCAP)


"Reason Enough"; Ernie Haase, Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey; Bridge Building Music (BMI), Psalmsinger Music (BMI), Ernie Sig Sound Music (BMI), Hefton Hill Music (BMI)


"You Reign"; Bart Millard, Barry Graul, Steven Curtis Chapman; Simpleville Music (ASCAP), Wet As A Fish Music (ASCAP), Sparrow Songs (BMI)


ARTIST OF THE YEAR*
Casting Crowns
Steven Curtis Chapman
Fireflight
Marvin Sapp
Third Day
TobyMac
Chris Tomlin


NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR*
Addison Road
Francesca Battistelli
Fee
Jonathan Nelson
Remedy Drive
Chris Sligh
Tenth Avenue North


*Fans may vote in the Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year Categories.  The cumulative fan vote will count for 1/3 of the total votes for these two categories.  GMA member voting will count for 2/3 of the total vote.


MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Jeremy Camp 
Jon Foreman
Ernie Haase
Brandon Heath
David Phelps
Marvin Sapp
Chris Tomlin
 
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Francesca Battistelli
Brooke Fraser
Karen Peck Gooch
Natalie Grant
Mandisa
Sandi Patty
Laura Story


GROUP OF THE YEAR
Casting Crowns
David Crowder*Band
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Mary Mary
MercyMe
Skillet
Third Day


PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
Brown Bannister
Ed Cash
Ian Eskelin
Wayne Haun
Bernie Herms
Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp


Dove Awards in Recorded Song categories are given to the artist and songwriter (if other than the artist).
RAP/HIP HOP RECORDED SONG
song; album; artist; writer; label  
"Beautfiul Morning"; Reiterate; Grits featuring Pigeon John; Teron Carter, Stacy Jones, Mo Henderson, John Duncan; Revolution Art
"Do Yo Thang"; The Yearbook; KJ-52; Jonah Sorrentino; BEC Recordings/Uprok
"Joyful Noise"; Our World Redeemed; Flame featuring Lecrae & John Reilly; Marcus T. Williams-Gray, Lecrae Moore, Emanuel Lambert, Jr.; Cross Movement Records
"Pull Your Pants Up!"; Pull Your Pants Up!; Dooney "Da Priest"; Duwayne Brown; Malaco Records
"So Beautiful"; Citizen Activ; Manafest featuring Trevor McNevan; Chris Greenwood, Adam Messinger, Trevor McNevan; BEC Recordings


ROCK RECORDED SONG
song; album; artist; writer; label 
"Better Man"; Satisfied; DecembeRadio; Josh Reedy, Brian Bunn, Eric Miker, Boone Daughdrill, Scotty Wilbanks; Slanted Records
"For The Love Of The Game"; For The Love Of The Game; Pillar; Rob Beckley, Lester Estelle, Noah Henson, Michael Wittig; Essential Records
"Lost"; End Of Silence; Red; Jasen Rauch, Rob Graves, Chad Cates; Essential Records
"Shine Like The Stars"; Expect The Impossible; Stellar Kart; Adam Agee, Ian Eskelin; Word Records
"The Hunger"; Unbreakable; Fireflight; Dawn Richardson, Justin Cox, Glenn Drennen, Wendy Drennen, Phee Shorb, Ben Glover; Flicker Records


ROCK/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG
song; album; artist; writer; label 
"Find You Waiting"; Satisfied; DecembeRadio; Josh Reedy, Brian Bunn, Eric Miker, Boone Daughdrill, Scotty Wilbanks; Slanted Records
"Keys To The Kingdom"; Ordinary Dreamers; Group 1 Crew; Manwell Reyes, Blanca Reyes, Pablo Villatoro, Andy Anderson, Noe A. Chaparro; Fervent Records
"Never Going Back To OK"; Never Going Back To OK; The Afters; Matt Fuqua, Josh Havens, Brad Wigg, Dan Muckala; INO Records
"Unbreakable"; Unbreakable; Fireflight; Dawn Richardson, Justin Cox, Glenn Drennen, Wendy Drennen, Phee Shorb, Rob Hawkins; Flicker Records
"Washed By The Water"; The Heat; NEEDTOBREATHE; Bear Rinehart, Bo Rinehart; Atlantic Records


POP/CONTEMPORARY RECORDED SONG
song; album; artist; writer; label 
"Cinderella"; This Moment – Cinderella Edition; Steven Curtis Chapman; Steven Curtis Chapman; Sparrow Records
"Give Me Your Eyes"; What If We; Brandon Heath; Brandon Heath, Jason Ingram; Reunion Records
"I Will Not Be Moved"; Relentless; Natalie Grant; Natalie Grant; Curb Records
"I'm Letting Go"; My Paper Heart; Francesca Battistelli; Francesca Battistelli, Ian Eskelin, Tony Wood; Fervent Records
"This Is Home"; Chronicles Of Narnia:Prince Caspian ; Switchfoot; Jonathan Foreman, Andy Dodd, Adam Watts; Walt Disney Records
 
INSPIRATIONAL RECORDED SONG
song; album; artist; writer; label 
"A New Hallelujah"; A New Hallelujah; Michael W. Smith; Michael W. Smith, Debbie Smith, Paul Baloche; Reunion Records
"For The Glory Of You"; Windows And Walls; Mark Harris; Mark Harris, John Lemonis, Tony Wood; INO Records
"Bless The Lord"; Great God Who Saves; Laura Story; Laura Story; INO Records
"Come Thou Fount"; Roots Run Deep; Jadon Lavik; Public Domain; BEC Recordings
"Dependence"; Jamie Slocum; Jamie Slocum; Curb Records


SOUTHERN GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
song; album; artist; writer; label 
"Big Mighty God"; Nothin' But Good; The Mike LeFevre Quartet; Lee Black, Sue C. Smith, Kenna West; Canaan Records
"I Believe God"; Real Faith; Brian Free & Assurance; Marty Funderburk, Steve Marshall; Daywind Records
"Reason Enough"; Dream on; Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; Ernie Haase, Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun; Gaither Music Group
"Welcome To The Family"; Room For More; Booth Brothers; Jim Brady, Barry Weeks, Tony Wood; Daywind Records
"Yahweh"; The Ride; The Hoppers; Paula Stefanovich; Canaan Records


BLUEGRASS RECORDED SONG
song; album; artist; writer; label
"Help Is On The Way"; Help Is On The Way; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Michael E. Reed; Horizon Records
"I See A Crimson Stream"; Sounds Like Sunday; Janet Paschal; Garfield T. Haywood; Vine Records
"The Old White Flag"; You Gotta Love It!; Triumphant Quartet; Dianne Wilkinson; Daywind Records
"They're Holding Up The Ladder"; We Are Family; Jeff & Sheri Easter, Lewis Family, Easter Brothers; Russell Easter, James Easter, Edd Easter; Daywind Records
"What Will I Wear"; I Just Wanted You To Know; Kim Hopper; Deborah Bailey; Canaan Records


COUNTRY RECORDED SONG
song; album; artist; writer; label
"Did I Make A Difference"; Front Row Seats; The Oak Ridge Boys; Rob Crosby, Bill Anderson; Spring Hill Music Group
"Good Side Of Goodbye"; Home For Now; Living Waters Trio; Wayne Haun, Dave Clark; Vine Records
"I Saw God Today"; Troubadour; George Strait; Rodney Clawson, Monty Criswell, Wade Kirby; MCA Nashville
"I Wish"; How You Live Deluxe Edition; Point of Grace; Cindy Morgan, Phil Madeira; Word Records
"Jesus And John Wayne"; Lovin' Life; Gaither Vocal Band; Gloria Gaither, William J. Gaither, Doug Johnson, Kim Williams, Benjamin Gaither; Gaither Music Group
 
URBAN RECORDED SONG
song; album; artist; writer; label
"Declaration (This Is It)"; The Fight Of My Life; Kirk Franklin; Kenneth C. Loggins, Michael H. McDonald; Zomba Gospel
"Get Up"; The Sound; Mary Mary; Warryn Campbell, Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, Eric Dawkins; Columbia Records, Integrity Music
"Love Him Like I Do"; Revealed; Deitrick Haddon with Ruben Studdard and Mary Mary; Warryn Campbell, Erica Campbell, Deitrick Haddon, Lamar Edwards; Zomba Gospel
"No Looking Back"; No Looking Back; Damita; Damita Haddon; Tyscot Records
"Not A Slave"; Life By Stereo; J.R.; Courtney Peebles; Cross Movement Records
 
TRADITIONAL GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
song; album; artist; writer; label
"Cry Your Last Tear"; Cry Your Last Tear; Bishop Paul S. Morton & the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir; Vashawn Mitchell; Light Records
"Deliverance"; Past And Present; Lillie Knauls; Teddy Huffman, Lillie Knauls, Wayne Haun; Vine Records
"Free At Last"; Down In New Orleans; The Blind Boys of Alabama; Traditional; Time Life Music
"God Is Good"; Love Forever Shines; Regina Belle; Bernard Belle; Pendulum Records, Walker Davis Entertainment
"Souled Out"; Souled Out; Hezekiah Walker; Estee Bullock, Nate McNair; Zomba Gospel
"Take It Back"; Take It Back; Dorinda Clark-Cole; Derrick Starks; Zomba Gospel
 
CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL RECORDED SONG
song; album; artist; writer; label
"Favor Of God"; Change The World; Martha Munizzi; Aaron Lindsey, John Rowsey; Martha Munizzi Music
"Great Grace"; Overcomer; Alvin Slaughter; Mary Alessi, Aaron Lindsey; Integrity Music
"How Great Is Our God"; How Great Is Our God; LaRue Howard; Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash; EMI Gospel
"My Name Is Victory"; Right Now Praise; Jonathan Nelson; Jonathan Nelson, Justin Savage; Integrity Music
"Shall We Gather At The River"; The Standard; Take 6; Robert Lowry; Heads Up International
"Waging War"; Thy Kingdom Come; CeCe Winans; Christopher Capehart, Brannon Tunie, CeCeWinans; PureSprings Gospel


WORSHIP SONG
song; writer; publisher (Dove Award in the Worship Song category given to the songwriter and publisher.)
"A New Hallelujah"; Michael W. Smith, Debbie Smith, Paul Baloche; Word Music LLC, Smittyfly Music, This Is Your Time Music, Integrity's Hosanna! Music, Leadworship Songs
"Breathe On Me"; Natalie Grant; Nat In The Hat Music
"Jesus Messiah"; Chris Tomlin, Daniel Carson, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash; worshiptogether.com Songs, Alletrop Music, sixsteps Music
"Mighty To Save"; Ben Fielding, Joel Houston; Integrity's Hosanna! Music
"You're Not Alone"; Meredith Andrews; Word Music LLC


Dove Awards in Album categories are given to the artist and producer (if other than the artist).
RAP/HIP HOP ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label
Citizen Activ; Manafest; Adam Messinger, Manafest, Boi-1da, Chris Stacey, Arion, Josh MacIntosh; BEC Recordings
Ordinary Dreamers; Group 1 Crew; Andy Anderson, Christopher Stevens, Sam Mizell; Fervent Records
Pull Your Pants Up!; Dooney "Da Priest"; Dooney "Da Priest"; Malaco Records
Rebel; Lecrae; Joseph Prielozny, G-Styles, Dion Burroughs, Kadence, Devon Burroughs, Teddy P., Bobby Taylor, JR, k-Drama, Sixth Sense Music Productions; Reach Records
Reiterate; Grits; Mo Henderson, T-Dogg, Anthony Johnson, Jr.; Revolution Art
 
ROCK ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label 
Comatose Comes Alive; Skillet; Carl Diebold, Paul Kerby, Zachary Kelm; Ardent Records, INO Records
For The Love Of The Game; Pillar; Travis Wyrick; Essential Records
Satisfied; DecembeRadio; Scotty Wilbanks; Slanted Records
Southern Hospitality; Disciple; Travis Wyrick; INO Records
To Know That You're Alive; Kutless; Peter Kipley; BEC


ROCK/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label
Daylight Is Coming; Remedy Drive; Ian Eskelin; Word Records
Expect The Impossible; Stellar Kart; Ian Eskelin; Word Records
Hello; After Edmund; Scotty Wilbanks; Slanted Records
Never Going Back To OK; The Afters; Dan Muckala; INO Records
Unbreakable; Fireflight; Rob Hawkins; Flicker Records


POP/CONTEMPORARY ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label
Bebo Norman; Bebo Norman; Bebo Norman, Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp; BEC
Fall And Winter; Jon Foreman; Jon Foreman; Credential Recordings, lowercase people records
My Paper Heart; Francesca Battistelli; Ian Eskelin; Fervent Records
Relentless; Natalie Grant; Bernie Herms, Shaun Shankel; Curb Records
Revelation; Third Day; Howard Benson; Essential Records


INSPIRATIONAL ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label
After The Rain; Aaron & Amanda Crabb; Tre' Corley; Daywind Records
Great God Who Saves; Laura Story; Ed Cash; INO Records
Infinite Grace; Women of Faith Worship Team; Chance Scoggins; Myrrh Records
Roots Run Deep; Jadon Lavik; Jadon Lavik, Zach Hodges, Keith E. Smith, Nic Rodriguez, Fernando Ortega, Tony Guerrero; BEC
Songs For The Journey; Sandi Patty; David Hamilton; INO Records


SOUTHERN GOSPEL ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label
Ephesians One; Karen Peck & New River; Bubba Smith; Daywind Records
I Just Wanted You To Know; Kim Hopper; Dave Clark, Kim Hopper; Canaan Records
Lovin' Life; Gaither Vocal Band; Bill Gaither, Guy Penrod, Marshall Hall, Wes Hampton; Gaither Music Group
On The Way Up; HisSong; Wayne Haun; Vine Records
Room For More; Booth Brothers; Barry Weeks; Daywind Records


BLUEGRASS ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label 
Bluegrass Worship; Various; Steve Ivey; Star Song Music
Help Is On The Way; Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver; Doyle Lawson; Horizon Records
Hymns From Chigger Hill; Chigger Hill Boys & Terri; Mike Richards, Terri Argot Gore, Ricky Gore, Mark Dunham, Bobby Strangenberg, Ethan Blair, Justin Kropf; Daywind Records
I Don't Regret A Mile; Larry Sparks; Larry Sparks; Sparks Music
Pickin', Praisin', & Singin': Hymns From The Mountain; Cody Shuler & Pine Mountain Railroad; Bill McBee, Dale Thomas, Jerry Cole, Cody Shuler, Matt Flake; Rural Rhythm
We Are Family; Jeff & Sheri Easter, Lewis Family, Easter Brothers; Jeff Easter, Sheri Easter; Daywind Records
What A Journey; Paul Williams & The Victory Trio; Paul Williams; Rebel Records
      
COUNTRY ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label 
Around the Bend; Randy Travis; Kyle Lehning; Warner Bros. Records
Home For Now; Living Waters Trio; Terry Thompson; Vine Records
Hymned Again; Bart Millard; Brown Bannister; INO Records
I Turn To You; Richie McDonald; Frank Myers, Gary Baker, Tommy Lee James; Lucid Entertainment
Runaway Train; Crabb Revival; Ben Isaacs, Tre' Corley; Daywind Records


URBAN ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label
Bold Right Life; Kierra Sheard; Warryn Campbell, J. Drew Sheard, Asaph Ward, Gerald Haddon, Paul Allen, J Moss; EMI Gospel
The Fight of My Life; Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin; Zomba Gospel
Kingdom Business; Canton Jones; Canton Jones, The Music Doctorz, Carlin Muccular, Antonio Neal, Randy Harrison, Vernon Messam; Arrow Records
No Looking Back; Damita; Gerald Haddon, Tim & Bob, Deitrick Haddon, Courtney Horton, David Garcia; Tyscot Records
Revealed; Deitrick Haddon; Andre Harris, Vidal Davis, Warryn Campbell, Blaze "The Champ", Deitrick Haddon, Gerald Haddon, David Haddon, Tim & Bob, Percy Bady; Zomba Gospel
 
TRADITIONAL GOSPEL ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label
A New Day; Paul Porter; Paul Porter, David Caton, Tony Homer; Light Records
After 40 Years…Still Sweeping Through the City; Shirley Caesar; Bubba Smith; Light Records
Cry Your Last Tear;  Bishop Paul S. Morton & the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Mass Choir; L. Trenton Phillips, Elvin Ross; Light Records
Do It!; Dottie Peoples; Dottie Peoples; DP Muzik Group
Down In New Orleans; The Blind Boys of Alabama; Chris Goldsmith; Time Life Music, Integrity Music


CONTEMPORARY GOSPEL ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label
Change the World; Martha Munizzi; Aaron Lindsey, Israel Houghton; Martha Munizzi Music
Stand Out; Tye Tribbett & G.A.; Tye Tribbett II, Dana Sorey, Thaddaeus Tribbett; Columbia Records, Integrity Music
The Sound; Mary Mary; Warryn Campbell; Columbia Records, Integrity Music
The Standard; Take 6; Mark Kibble; Heads Up International
Thy Kingdom Come; CeCe Winans; Tommy Sims, Christopher Capehart, Luther Hanes, Percy Bady, Cedric Caldwell, Victor Caldwell, Alvin Love III; PureSprings Gospel
 
INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label 
A Treasury of Hymns; LaDonna; Eric Wyse; Martingale Music
Always There; Harold Rayford; Antoine Chamber; Tyscot Records
Born to Play; Barry D.; Barry D.; Taqa Records
Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian; Various; Harry Gregson-Williams; Walt Disney Records
Love Beyond All Measure; Stephen Petrunak; Stephen Petrunak; GIA Publications
The Breath of Life; Angella Christie; Angella Christie, Kevin Griffen; ACSM


CHILDREN'S MUSIC ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label
Absolute Modern Worship for Kids 4; Phoebe Ebensberger, Emily Ebensberger, Abbie Ebensberger, Joseph O'Brien, Timmy O'Brien, Mikey O'Brien, Abbie Chapman, Meghan O'Brien, Adelaide Bauer, Kristen Bauer, Karissa Selby, Emma Rose Williamson, Tyler Beiden, Garrett Williamson; Chance Scoggins; Fervent Records
All God's Animals; TJ McCloud; Brandon Scott Thomas, Eric Wyse; Martingale Music
David: Shepherd, Psalmist, Soldier, King!; Bible StorySongs; Paula King, Catherine Walker; Bible StorySongs
Shout Praises Kids – I Am Free; Jeff Sandstrom, Kurt Goebel, Stephen Leiweke, Jeremy Redmon; Integrity Music
Sleepytime Lullabies; Praise Baby; Matt Huesmann; Big House Kids
Tell The World; Hillsong Kids; Julia A'Bell, Gio Galanti, Andrew Crawford, David Wakerley; Hillsong, Integrity Music


SPANISH LANGUAGE ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label 
Abriras Las Puertas; Malin; Miguel Angel "Malin" Villagran; Integrity Music Latin
Alabanza Y Adoracion: Del Corazon; Lucia Parker; Tom Brooks, Dario Navac; 3:16 Media
Mi Salvacion; Ingrid Rosario; Christian Cartone; Rejoice Music
Refrescate!; Aline Barros; Juan Salinas; Integrity Music Latin
Rescatame; Seventh Day Slumber; Alejandro Allen, Susana Allen; BEC
Sobrenatural; Marcos Witt; Marcos Witt; CanZion
Tengo sed de Ti; Soraya Moraes; Marco Moraes; Line Records


SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label
Billy: The Early Years Official Motion Picture Soundtrack; Brooks & Dunn, Mac Powell, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, China Edelman, Patty Griffin, Brandon Heath, Gregory Page, Michael W. Smith, Melinda Doolittle, Roy Orbison, Brad Paisley, Josh Turner, Sierra Hull, John Cowan, Harry Stinson, Ronnie Bowman, Ronnie McCoury, John Wesley Ryles; Anastasia Brown; Arista Nashville, Essential Records
Country Bluegrass Homecoming Volume One; Gaither Vocal Band, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives, The Grascals, Buddy Greene, The Isaacs, Gordon Mote, Ralph Stanley & The Clinch Mountain Boys, The Booth Brothers, George Jones, Wesley Pritchard, Reggie & Ladye Love Smith, Brittany Allen, Jeff & Sheri Easter, Charlotte Ritchie, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Jimmy Fortune, Dailey & Vincent, Jason Crabb, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Cherryholmes, Lisa Daggs-Charette, Vince Gill, Sonya Isaacs, Becky Isaacs Bowman; Bill Gaither; Gaither Music Group
How Great Thou Art: Gospel Favorites from the Grand Ole Opry; The Charlie Daniels Band, Mac Powell, Alan Jackson, Patty Loveless, Ronnie Milsap, Ricky Skaggs & The Whites, Sara Evans, Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Loretta Lynn, Vince Gill, Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood; Steve Gibson; Sony BMG Nashville
Passion: God of This City; Chris Tomlin, Charlie Hall, David Crowder*Band, Christy Nockels, Kristian Stanfill, Fee, Matt Redman; Nathan Nockels; Sparrow Records, sixsteps Records
Your Name; Joel Auge, Leeland Mooring, Paul Baloche, Aaron Shust, Phil Wickham, Josh Reedy, Ayiesha Woods, Ian Eskelin, Mark Stuart, Vicky Beeching, Jared Anderson, Christy Johnson, Sean Loche, Aaron Boyd, Jason Roy, Wes Willis, Lincoln Brewster, Adam Agee; Ian Eskelin; Integrity Music


CHRISTMAS ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label
Christmas Gaither Vocal Band Style; Gaither Vocal Band; Russell Mauldin; Gaither Music Group
Christmas Songs; Fernando Ortega; John Andrew Schreiner, Fernando Ortega; Curb Records
Home for Christmas; BarlowGirl; Otto Price; Fervent Records, Curb Records
O Holy Night; Sara Groves; Ben Shive; INO Records
Peace on Earth; Casting Crowns; Mark Hall, Mark A. Miller; Beach Street


PRAISE & WORSHIP ALBUM
album; artist; producer; label
A New Hallelujah; Michael W. Smith; Michael W. Smith; Reunion Records
Great God Who Saves; Laura Story; Ed Cash; INO Records
Hello Love; Chris Tomlin; Ed Cash; Sparrow Records; sixsteps Records
Opposite Way; Leeland; Matt Bronleewe; Essential Records
The Invitation; Meredith Andrews; Jason Ingram, Rusty Varenkamp; Word Records


Dove Awards in the Musical and Choral categories are given to the creators.
MUSICAL
title; creator; publisher (award given to creator and publisher)
Child of Wonder; Lari Goss, Rob Howard; Word Music
East to West; Gary Rhodes; Word Music
God Bless the USA; Sue C. Smith, Joel Lindsey, Russell Mauldin; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
Savior; David Moffitt, Sue C. Smith, Travis Cottrell; Brentwood-Benson Music Publishing
The Risen Christ; Don Cason, Karla Worley; Clear Call Music


YOUTH/CHILDREN'S MUSICAL
title; creator; publisher
An Island Christmas; Wayne Haun, Shelby Haun, Joel Lindsey; Lillenas Publishing Company
Ange

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Grits Celebrates Successful Launch of Revelution Art

(1/20/2009)
Five-time Dove Award-winning, two-time GRAMMY nominated rap duo GRITS celebrates the successful launch of its new label, Revolution Art. Making its debut on the Christian music scene last fall, Revolution Art has quickly become the buzzword among industry circles.
 
The brainchild of Teron "Bonafide" Carter and Stacy "Coffee" Jones along with business partner Mo Henderson, Revolution Art, according to its mission statement, aims "to usher in the next generation of artists, musicians and executives, reaching beyond standard formulas to change the landscape of music and redefine a culture."
 
The new label put this mission into motion with its first release, GRITS' Reiterate, last September. In addition to being called by ChristianityToday.com "the freshest, freest effort that GRITS has released this decade," CCMMagazine.com applauded the twosome for its willingness to "colo[r] a little outside the usual lines."
 
Revolution Art will continue to operate under its boundary-breaking philosophy with the release of projects by new artists Stefan the Scientist and female phenom Jade Harrell in 2009. In the meantime, the label is backed by industrywide support, including former label home Gotee Records.
 
"My hope is GRITS becomes part of the new wave of leadership in this industry," says Joey Elwood, president of Gotee and longtime friend of the duo. "Nothing would make me happier for them than to see the future being developed by their thoughts and ideas. They've been shaping the future as artists for some time; now it's time for them to take the next step, and I know they will do it."
 
Elwood's associate, Toby "tobyMac" McKeehan, agrees, "GRITS has changed the face of positive and spiritual hip-hop. They are relevant and have a knack for discovering talent that stretches our industry to places I love seeing it go."
 
"The entire Provident-Integrity Distribution team is excited to welcome GRITS and the Revolution Art family of artists," says Randy Davis, vice president of sales for Provident-Integrity Distribution. "Retailers across the world have come to know and trust the ministry of GRITS. We look forward to great things within this growing genre for years to come."
 
The highest-grossing rap group in Christian music, with more than 500,000 career sales, GRITS has achieved unprecedented success in its 14-year career, including two GRAMMY nominations, five Dove Awards, a Billboard Music Video award, and song placement on primetime television as well as in multiple major motion pictures. The duo's eighth studio project, Reiterate, released Sept. 30, 2008. Reiterate boasts guest appearances by CCM favorites Mac Powell of Third Day, Jars of Clay's Dan Haseltine, Martha Munizzi, and Pigeon John, who is featured on the debut multi-format radio single "Beautiful Morning," currently at Christian Rock.
 
The present buzz around Reiterate, evidenced by a recent front page feature on MySpace Music, has prompted a new music video to release late January and major market tour this spring. GRITS also recently wrote the theme song for Nashville's new ABA (American Basketball Association) team, the Broncs, and has been tapped by TNA Wrestling to do the same for three-time TNA Triple Crown Champion AJ Styles. For more information on GRITS, visit: www.myspace.com/officialGRITS

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Flame's Our World Redeemed Nabs Grammy Nod

(12/19/2008)
FLAME is nominated in the "Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album" category alongside some of CCM's biggest names, including tobyMac, Superchick, After Edmund and Sanctus Real. For a full list of nominees, visit www.grammy.com. The winners in all categories of the 51st annual GRAMMY Awards will be announced during the ceremony, which will be broadcast live on CBS on February 8, 2009.

The GRAMMY award nod for Our World Redeemed follows on the heels of his recent 2009 Stellar Award nomination in the "Rap/Hip-Hop Gospel CD of the Year" category. The project debuted at #5 on the Billboard Top Gospel Chart in March 2008 and hit the #1 position on the CMTA R&B/Hip Hop Chart, #1 on SoundScan's Christian R&B/Hip-Hop Chart, and #7 on iTunes' Mainstream Rap Chart.

Our World Redeemed is the second installment in FLAME's two-part audio novel and is the sequel to his album Our World Fallen, which released in April 2007 to rave reviews, hitting #7 on the Billboard Top Gospel Chart. The two-part album series captures the story of FLAME befriending a non-believer and pointing him to the cross of Christ, while examining the fallen condition of the world.

Picking up where the Our World Fallen cliffhanger ending left off, Our World Redeemed digs deeper into the plot concerning FLAME's fictional non-believer friend, whose life is now surrendered to Jesus Christ in this second chapter. FLAME paints a vivid picture of his many efforts to disciple and to exhort his friend in all areas of the Christian life, from ethical values to Biblical principles. Based on FLAME's example, his friend then begins to disciple others, leading many to Christ. The plot thickens as tragedy turns to triumph, when the untimely passing of the fictional character's relative becomes the inspiration to carry on the legacy of the Gospel.
"I was in my neighborhood sharing the Gospel," says FLAME of the inspiriation behind the two projects. "As I was talking to a 15-year-old, I could tell everything was going over his head. I asked him if he'd heard about Adam and Eve and he said 'no.'"

With production by Tony Stone, DJ Official and J.R., Our World Redeemed is comprised of 16 tracks and features collaborations with Trip Lee, Json, Iz-Real (Everyday Process), Future and shai linne, plus the work of beat masters Chike, k-Drama, Speedy and Alex Medina. The album runs the gamut from aggressive to lighter fare. Its most aggressive tracks include "Who Can Pluck Us," an extreme head banger laced with arranged strings and strong snares, and the crunk-styled "Hold On." On the lighter side, there's the soul-stirring "It's You," the prayerful worship medley "See More Him" and the authentic hip-hop worship ballad "Power In Your Name," featuring Dawn Dia from the duo Cho'zyn.

Born in the inner city streets of St. Louis, FLAME accepted Christ at the age of 16 and was heavily influenced by the hip-hop culture. He was particularly drawn to the work of The Cross Movement, who later signed the young rapper to their own label. One of the youngest members of the Cross Movement Records artist roster, FLAME is currently studying Biblical counseling at Boyce College in Louisville, Ky. The 2008 Holy Hip Hop Award honoree has been ministering for over 10 years in music and speaking engagements.

FLAME's Our World Redeemed is available on Cross Movement Records and is distributed in the CBA market by Provident-Integrity Distribution and by Sony/BMG in the general market. For more information on FLAME and his album Our World Redeemed, visit www.flame314.com, www.myspace.com/flame314 or www.crossmovementrecords.com.

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Hip Hope Hits 2009 Releases February 3rd On Gotee Records

(12/12/2008)


Hip Hope Hits 2009, the only industry-wide compilation of hip-hop music, releases on Gotee this February 3rd and will spotlight the top artists on the scene while showcasing up-and-coming talent as well.  This fifth installment of the Hip Hope compilation series will include 17 tracks on the retail album, with the digital version adding a bonus track to the mix.


Hip Hope Hits 2009 will take on a new twist under the direction of production manager Mike "DJ Maj" Allen for Fistpic Productions.  He comments, "When asked to coordinate this project I considered music's rapidly changing pace and face.  I also took into account that digital mediums like iTunes now allow the consumer to make their own compilations.  So it made sense to cook up an album with a little more original material from both established acts like tobyMac, KJ-52, Pigeon John, Canton Jones, Speech of Arrested Development, Flynn Adam, Pettidee, as well as newcomers Braille, Shonlock of Diverse City, B.Reith and Stefan The Scientist."    Hip Hope Hits 2009 was also joined by the grass roots community through additional guest appearances from Othello, Freddie Bruno, Dj Morph, Pro, Propoganda, and Dj Promote.  When asked about his favorite tracks on the record Maj states, "I'm really excited about the Toby/KJ collaboration.  It's something I've been waiting to see happen for a while. Speech and Canton Jones are also great additions to the lineup.  I believe everyone will be pleased."


DJ Maj has five solo albums to his credit, including 2005's Boogiroot. Maj also hits the road often as tobyMac's DJ.


TRACK LISTING
1. tobyMac Featuring Siti Monroe and KJ-52: One World (Liquid Remix)
2. Grits: Reminds Me
3. Canton Jones:  I Call Him G.O.D.
4. Speech (of Arrested Development):  When It Feels Right*
5. KJ-52 Featuring Bonafide of Grits:  What You Want*
6. Pigeon John:  Calculator Watch
7. Verbs:  Future
8. Washington Projects:  Come Back To Me*
9. Jade Featuring Coffee of Grits: Be Myself
10. Braille:  Walking Loud*
11. Pettidee:  Gimme Dapp*
12. Shonlock Featuring Canton Jones and V3:  Avert*
13. B.Reith Featuring Knine:  Bottom of the 9th*
14. Stefan The Scientist:  Higher
15. Flynn Adam:  Feel It Now*
16. J Remy:  Cut Me*
17. Proxy Featuring Verbs and Stefan The Scientist:  MY*
18. Rootbeer: Chimpanzee* (Digital Bonus)


*Hip Hope Exclusive                                                  


For more information check out www.gotee.com or www.hiphopethealbum.com
 



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