Gospel Music Heritage Month Initiative
Celebrating Gospel Music’s Great Legacy
Initiative announced at GRAMMY(R)s on the Hill event at U.S. Capitol
WASHINGTON, June 18 /PRNewswire/ — The Gospel Music Channel television
network has joined with Senator Blanche L. Lincoln (D-Ark.), Senator Kay
Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Congresswoman
Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.), and
The Recording Academy(R) to launch the “Gospel Music Heritage Month”
initiative. The legislation in the House of Representatives (H.Con. Res.
370) and the Senate (S. Res. 595) designates September 2008 as “Gospel
Music Heritage Month,” honoring gospel music for its valuable long-standing
contributions to American culture. The initiative was created by the Gospel
Music Channel, the country’s first and only 24/7 television network devoted
to all forms of Gospel/Christian music. The initiative was publicly
unveiled at The Recording Academy’s GRAMMY(R)s on the Hill event at the
U.S. Capitol on June 18.
“Gospel Music is a cornerstone of the American musical tradition and
has grown beyond its established audience to achieve pop-culture and
historical relevance across the globe,” said Lincoln. “My home state of
Arkansas has a rich history in gospel music and I am proud to honor this
tradition that has touched audiences around the world.”
“In addition to its contribution to American music, gospel music has
provided the cultural and musical backdrop across all of mainstream media,
including art, books, television and motion pictures. It is infused in the
DNA of our entire society and a month to recognize its importance and vast
contributions to our country is long overdue,” commented Hutchison.
“Gospel music is an important American legacy and continues to play a
significant role in the lives of millions. It is appropriate to honor the
countless contributions Gospel music has made to our society,” said Leahy.
“Gospel music is an historical American art form that has spanned
hundreds of generations and both inspires and entertains across racial,
ethnic, religious, and geographic boundaries. We must officially recognize
the great contributions to American culture that have derived from the rich
heritage of gospel music and its artists,” said Jackson-Lee.
“By surpassing culturally constructed boundaries, gospel music has
emerged as the musical thread uniting the fabric of America and is more
popular than ever. It is important that we recognize and celebrate the
vital role that gospel music and all its many styles have played in shaping
music history,” commented Bono Mack.
“This is the opportunity for the millions of gospel/Christian music
fans to have their own national month to honor and celebrate the rich
heritage of their music,” said Charles Humbard, Founder and President of
the Gospel Music Channel. “We thank Senators Lincoln, Hutchison and Leahy,
and Representatives Jackson-Lee and Bono Mack, for their efforts and The
Recording Academy for its partnership. We look forward to celebrating
‘Gospel Music Heritage Month’ in September.”
“A key mission of The Recording Academy is recognizing musical
excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring
music remains an indelible part of our culture,” said Neil Portnow,
President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “To have gospel music nationally
recognized in the month of September pays great homage to this influential
and inspirational genre. It’s an honor to make this announcement at our
GRAMMY(R)s on the Hill event in our nation’s capital.”
Those interested in “Gospel Music Heritage Month” resolution should
visit: http://www.GospelMusicChannel.com
Gospel Music Channel (GMC) is the nation’s first and only 24/7
television network devoted to the uplifting, inspiring and diverse music
that is Gospel/Christian music. Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing
network in television today and can be seen in nearly 40 million homes on
various cable systems around the country and on DIRECTV.
Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of
musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is
dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music
and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards - the
preeminent peer- recognized award for musical excellence and the most
credible brand in music - The Recording Academy is responsible for
groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy,
education and human services programs. In its 50th year, The Academy
continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence,
advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an
indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy,
please visit http://www.grammy.com
SOURCE Gospel Music Channel
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First Lady in Waiting Michelle Obama-Fist Bumps, Please!
Did you see Michelle Obama on the View yesterday? She looked beautiful in her sleeveless black and white dress, didn’t she? I tuned in and I thought it was a great show. I’m very proud of Michelle, not only as a Black woman but as a woman in general. She always looks beautiful, she’s dedicated to her children and husband, and she has an aura of calmness and control about her. I think she would make an excellent First Lady because she’s intelligent and opinionated in her own right.
Some tidbits from the show:
- On the "fist bump" controversy-"It is now my signature bump. But let me tell you, I’m not that hip. I got this from the young staff. That’s the new high-five."
- She doesn’t wear pantyhose because they are uncomfortable.
- When asked if Barack gave her any advice before coming on the show, she said he just told her to "be nice."
- Her parents worked very hard to put her and her brother through Princeton.
- She wears her heart on her sleeve and she’s counting on people to take the time to get to know the real her.
- The one thing that keep her and Barack grounded are their two daughters.
- She didn’t want Barack to run for president.
About Michelle Obama
Newsweek Article
Chicago Mag Interview
Israel Hougton + New Breed Deeper Level ‘08 Conference
Grammy Award winning artist and songwriter Israel Houghton is hosting a worship conference and live recording September 4th-6th in Houston, Tx at Grace Church of Humble. Some of the guests include speaker and author Bishop Joseph Garlington, Award Winning duo Steve Crawford and Da’adra Crawford-Greathouse, Singing Success Vocal Coach Brett Manning and many others. Visit New Breed Music to register!
"Pastors, worship teams, vocalists, worship leaders, musicians and worshippers….Join us in Houston for a life changing time of refreshing, equipping and impartation!"-Israel Houghton
Gospel Music News-Spensha Baker, Gospel Conferences
1. Congrats to Spensha Baker on singing at the White House!
15-year-old Geffen Records gospel artist, Spensha Baker has been spreading her youthful and vibrant music ministry all across the country. So commanding is the voice and presence of this young lady that Spensha Baker has been invited to sing at the White House for its Black Music Month “Salute to Gospel” celebration on June 17th alongside Kurt Carr and Edwin and Walter Hawkins. Her debut album, Outloud! is due for release on August 5th on Geffen Records. Source
Visit Spensha’s website and watch her new hit single “Hallelujah” on YouTube.
2. Join Dr. Jamal Bryant for the 2nd Annual 2008 Empowerment Island Encounter. The three day conference will be held at the Westin in Freeport Bahamas.~Family Conference
3. Family Christian Center is having a conference entitled Commanding Your Morning Saturday June 21st in in Munster, IN. Guest speaker will be Dr. Cindy Trimm.~Conference
