GOSPEL MUSIC WEEK

A Look Back at GMA Week 2001
by Richard Chappell for Christian Activities
5/15/2001

Nashville, TN - The Gospel Music Association(GMA) held its annual convention downtown Nashville at the Convention Center/Renaissance Hotel April 22 thru the 26. I can say, without a doubt, that it was the best ever.

There are four seminars that offer education from professionals in all areas of gospel music including Industry, Promotion, Retail and Radio. These seminars are very beneficial to those who come and are interested in learning ways to become more successful at what they do within the Gospel music industry.

I participated in the Christian Music Video Retailers(CMVR) seminar. Many people had told me that the CMVR seminar was the better of the four that was offered AND they were right.

It all got started on Sunday with an Artist/DJ reception. This was a time when GMA members and registrants could participate in a “meet and greet” time with the artists and record company execs. There were also tables of food for everyone to enjoy.

The highlight of the week came Sunday afternoon when the CMVR group was chosen to visit the Sound Kitchen recording studio in nearby Franklin, TN and join S.C. CHAPMAN for a special recording of “DIVE”, one of many hits from his current release SPEECHLESS. It was totally AWESOME. That will wear well on any resume.

Another highlight was the annual worship service that was held on Sunday evening at the Ryman auditorium. Worship was led by MICHAEL W. SMITH who was backed up by a choir that read like a WHO’S WHO list of CCM artists. It featured the likes of POINT OF GRACE, REBECCA ST. JAMES and THE KATINAS just to name a few. There was a surprise appearance by local pastor/speaker DR. FINTO, who shared words of encouragement and reminded us that there is HOPE in this dying world and it is found in JESUS CHRIST.

I saw a total of 19 showcases/concerts during GMA week, therefore I didn’t miss much of anything . If I had to name the three BEST performances of the week, they would read as follows:

1) BEST MUSICIAN(S) – SALVADOR
2) BEST VOICE - NATALIE GRANT
3) BEST NEW/UP & COMING ARTIST – JOY WILLIAMS

GMA week concluded with the annual DOVE Awards on Thursday evening when the industry recognized the best in CCM and GOSPEL music of the year gone by.

Truly, it was an incredible week. I believe GOD is working through the artists and their music and He is changing lives all over the world. CCM continues to be on the rise and is growing everyday with the message of GOD’S love.