The Gospel Music Association (GMA) has announced the nominees for the 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards. This year’s awards show will be held on the campus of Lipscomb University in the Allen Arena at 7:30 p.m.
Multiple nominations have been made in the 42 categories for Bishop Jerry L. Maynard and the Cathedral of Praise Choir and the “Godfather of Gospel Jazz,” Ben Tankard.
The inaugural project, Bishop Jerry Maynard Presents The Cathedral of Praise Choir, produced by Phil Hughley and Elvin “Kiko” Negron and directed by Kyla Jade, under Bishop Maynard’s new record label, Jelama Records. The CD debuted on Billboard’s Top Gospel chart at #10 and produced a high-spirited radio single that quickly rose to the top of the gospel radio charts. “Just Believe” became a Top 30 gospel radio chart hit. “This was made possible due to the contribution of powerful lead vocals from Michelle Prather who sang with Kurt Carr Singers and Kevin Davidson & the Voices,” said producers.
Maynard and his choir have received their first two Dove Award nominations for Traditional gospel Album of the Year and Traditional Gospel Song of the Year (“Just Believe”)
The CD features Don Moen, Nia Allen, Candy West, Pam Crawford and Durward Davis. Distribution of Jelama Record label is by Central South Distribution.
Ben Tankard, often referred to as the Godfather of Gospel Jazz, has received three Dove Award nominations: Contemporary Gospel/Urban Song of he year (Full Tank), Contemporary Gospel/ Urban Album of the Year (Full Tank) and Instrumental Album of the Year (Full Tank).
Tankard’s “Full Tank” single, features Gerald Albright on the saxophone. It hit the Billboard Smooth Jazz National Radio Chart Top 20 and topped the Independent Smooth Jazz Singles sales hart. Ben Tankard also received a 2013 Soul Train Music Award nomination for Best Contemporary Jazz Artist. Tankard is currently preparing for a reality television series, Thicker than Water: The Tankards that will premiere on BRAVO TV in the fall.
The 44th Annual GMA Dove Awards will broadcast on October 21 at 8:00 p.m. exclusively on UP! Television Network. Voting for the final winners will run from September 3 – September 24.
To view all nominations visit www.doveawardsvog ing.com/nominees
