On a lovely evening in March, the gospel music community came together at Flourish Atlanta for the much-anticipated 2024 BMI (Broadcast Music, Inc.) Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. This event celebrated how gospel music has touched and changed lives over the last year. It was also to honor and thank the artists whose music brings a sense of balance and peace into people’s lives. Highlights from the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Three gospel artists in the 2024 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards stood out. Songwriter and choirmaster Kirk (Dewayne) Franklin, Travis (Montorius) Greene, and Tamela (Jean) Mann were celebrated as the top songwriters of the year. These talented individuals had written two gospel songs that became immensely popular in 2023. Kirk Franklin received recognition for his songs “Bless Me” and “Kingdom.” Travis Greene was honored for his songs “Finished” and “Tent Revival.” And Tamela Mann was acclaimed for her songs “Finished” and “He Did It for Me.” These songs resonated with many people, spreading messages of faith, hope, and love nationwide. Kirk Franklin also received a special honor for his song “Kingdom,” which was named the BMI Gospel Song of the Year. He co-wrote this song with Jonathan Jay, Chandler Moore, and Jacob Poole. Notably, Maverick City Music performed it in collaboration with Kirk Franklin, and it had earlier won a Grammy for Best Gospel Performance/Song.
The ceremony also recognized collective efforts in gospel music. Essential Music Publishing, a renowned music publisher in Franklin, Tennessee, was named the Gospel Publisher of the Year for the second year. This award acknowledges Essential Music Publishing’s dedication to producing quality gospel music that connects deeply with listeners. BMI’s president and CEO, Mike O’Neill, and vice president of creative at BMI Atlanta, Catherine Brewton, hosted the private luncheon. They presented a special segment honoring the 25 most-performed gospel songs of the year. Another ceremony highlight was when iconic Grammy Award winning gospel singer, songwriter, musician, talk show host, and evangelist Dorinda Grace Clark-Cole was celebrated as a Trailblazer of Gospel Music. Dorinda, best known as a member of the family vocal group The Clark Sisters, shared some wisdom with the attendees. She encouraged all songwriters to keep writing and find inspiration even in the most challenging times, alluding to the fact that these moments could lead to some of their best work.
There were also remarkable performances from renowned gospel artists such as Crystal Aikin, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Yolanda Adams, Lisa Knowles-Smith, and Kierra Sheard. These artists paid homage to their peers and celebrated the lasting legacy of gospel music through their performances. To wrap this up… The BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards remind us of gospel music’s role in bringing people together and strengthening their faith. We look forward to more beautiful and meaningful gospel songs in the coming year. Meanwhile, let’s continue to appreciate and honor the artists who create this uplifting music!
