"I would like to see GMA Music Week attendance mirror the diversity reflected in the Billboard Top Christian and Gospel Albums charts and that means artists and professionals in the black gospel and urban music community are an important audience for GMA," John W. Styll, president and CEO of the GMA, said.
He added, "GMA Music Week is a time for the entire Christian/Gospel music industry to gather together to listen to new music; to learn new ways of doing business; to renew the passion for our music; and to connect with more than 3,000 fellow industry peers. We hope that the targeted opportunities we have provided will give an added incentive for increased participation from the black gospel and urban community."
Nominations were announced last month for the 38th Annual GMA
Dove Awards by the Gospel Music Association (GMA).
While newcomers led the field alongside established artists, several producers and songwriters also earned multiple nominations.
The Dove Awards is Christian/Gospel music's biggest night of the year, where top artists from every style of gospel music come together for a night of music and celebration as the GMA bestows the industry's highest honour- the Dove Award.
This year's nominations were announced at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel by Flow Records' Juanita Bynum, Reunion Records' Brian Littrell and comedian Thor Ramsey. Dove awards will be handed out on 25 April, 2007 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
2006's Dove Award Artist of the Year Chris Tomlin once again leads the field of artists with nine nominations as Jars of Clay makes a return with six nods. Southern gospel artists The Crabb Family earns five nominations, while newcomers Aaron Shust and Leeland each garnered five nominations. Other multiple nominees include Casting Crowns, Stellar Kart, and Israel Houghton with four nominations each.