 Casting Crowns at the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards |
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 25, 2008) Gospel's biggest night came home to Nashville April 23 for the 39th Annual GMA Dove Awards, which took place at the Grand Ole Opry House, and four Yamaha artists walked away with the coveted trophy.
Chris Tomlin,
Michael W. Smith,
Casting Crowns (with lead singer
Mark Hall) and
Ed Cash took away a total of 7 different Dove awards, Christian music's highest honor. Winners were announced during the live broadcast, which aired nationwide on the Gospel Music Channel.
While the awards were the primary purpose of the show, music performances also shared center stage at the Dove Awards, showcasing some of gospel music's hottest and most diverse artists. Yamaha artists who performed Wednesday night included
Casting Crowns,
Michael W. Smith,
Chris Tomlin and
Wynonna Judd. Smith was also honored with a musical salute for his 25 years of artistry.
Yamaha artists won in the following categories:
Song of the Year
"East to West";
Mark Hall, Bernie Herms; My Refuge Music (BMI), Club Zoo Music (BMI), SWECS Music (BMI), Word Music LLC (ASCAP), Banahana Tunes (ASCAP)
Male Vocalist of the Year
Chris Tomlin (Third straight year to earn this award)
Group of the Year
Casting Crowns
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year
"East To West"; The Altar and the Door;
Casting Crowns;
Mark Hall, Bernie Herms; Beach Street Records, Reunion Records
Worship Song of the Year
"How Great Is Our God"; Chris Tomlin, Jesse Reeves, Ed Cash; worshiptogether.com Songs, sixsteps Music, Alletrop Music
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year
The Altar and the Door; Casting Crowns; Mark A. Miller; Beachstreet Records, Reunion Records
Christmas Album of the Year
It's a Wonderful Christmas; Michael W. Smith; David Hamilton, Michael W. Smith; Reunion Records
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music of all styles including pop, rock, praise and worship, black gospel, R&B, hip hop, southern gospel, country and more.
