The Spin Awards will take center stage in Lithonia, Ga. (outside of Atlanta, Ga.) on Saturday October 28. The Spin Awards were created to honor those professionals who ‘spin’ the Gospel message. It’s also an offshoot of the official Spin Awards magazine. Stellar Award winning Min. Tony Gee will host the event.
This year Nashville’s own Everett Drake will be honored and recognized for his staunch contribution to Gospel music and its proud industry. He is known for being a significant part of the award winning Dr. Bobby Jones Gospel television shows as an outstanding vocalist and close friend to Dr. Jones. The popular show aired internationally on Black Entertainment Television (BET) and on the WORD Network. After being a pioneer of ‘God’s music’ (Gospel) and being a catalyst for others to make their mark in that industry for over 35 years, Dr. Jones remains a household name, involved and well connected.
Ministering and performing worldwide his single ‘Amen Goes Right There’ he hit the charts hard and still climbing. The song points out that no matter what is going on in our lives or the world as a whole, ‘Amen Goes Right There’ remains forever appropriate.
Like many artists, Everett’s musical roots stem from the church. He began singing in the choir at his home church Inglewood First Baptist Church, South Inglewood and later directed the choir. His intense passion for singing and directing was recognized by other Gospel singers, and he was soon tapped to join the Johnson Ensemble. This was a very popular group during the ‘70s, recording several albums. Their signature album was The Harvest is Plentiful, which brought them national recognition.
It wasn’t long before he connected with other Music City heavyweights, including: Brenda Lee, Eddie Rabbitt, Barbara Mandrell, Garth Brooks, Martina McBride, Brooks and Dunn, Wynonna Judd—as well as crossover giants Bonnie Raitt and Lyle Lovett. The tours with Lovett and Fargo carried him throughout the United States, to the Philippines, Canada, Japan, Europe, the Caribbean, and Korea.
Everett’s smooth elegance and gentlemanly presence comes naturally and it shows anytime he is before an audience, no matter what size the crowd. ‘Amen Goes Right
There’ was produced by Derrick Lee for Derricho Music.
Another great name and talent from Nashville headed to the Atlanta Spin Awards is Jeffrey Wilford and the Volunteer State Mass Choir. Memphis will be in the house too, as comedian Stephon Smith joins the lineup. Tennessee will be represented as will many other great artists and talents, including: Faith Head, No Flesh, Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise.
“It promises to be the biggest night in Christian Gospel radio, as we recognize our spinners and give honor to the Lord. This is an endeavor to support through volunteering or attendance,” said Planning Coordinator B.M. Snowden.
For more information, visit www.spinawards.com.
