Tennessee Volunteer Mass Choir showcase during the Alliance of Gospel Professionals showcase event on Thursday night. photos by Don Mooney
by Don Mooney. 7-17-2024
Memphis, TN—According to local meteorologist Memphis is experiencing record-breaking heat. Well hold on, cause thangs just got hotter. A contributing factor could be the Gospel Music Workshops of America (GMWA) has landed creating a gospel music heat dome in downtown Memphis.
Since 1968 in Detroit, MI, where the first convention was held, the GMWA was formed by legendary gospel artist Rev. James Cleveland. For 57-years the GMWA has has held workshops featuring national, touring, local gospel artists and groups at every major across America.
In 1967 in Detroit, MI, Rev. Cleveland called together friends from across the United States in an effort to share his vision of establishing a venue for gospel music to be presented. These individuals were chosen due to their contributions in gospel music. Thus the national motto “Where Everybody is Somebody” was born.
This night the Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals, an auxiliary of GMWA bring Gospel Music, whose mission is to bring to the forefront by way of the airwaves, printed media, TV, the Internet, and other forms of media showcased local and upcoming artist with a 10-minute performance.
Such artist as Vincent Tharpe & Kenosis, a 3X Stellar Award nominee, Shontelle Norman Beatty, Kennon Coleman, Marcus Newson and the Newson Singers from Memphis and songwriter John Howard from Mound Bayou, MS to name a few all got a chance to showcase their abilities in both songwriting and performance.
The GMWA convention in Memphis, TN will go on til 7-19-2024. So people if it seems hotter than normal this week, that’s because the GMWA brings the hottest gospel music whichever city it lands.
Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals board members.
Gospel radio personality and event emcee Cedric Bailey.