Southern Gospel News SGNScoops Digital

Branson Gospel Music Revival Claims 2011 Pacesetter Award at Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards

BRANSON, Mo. – (April 14, 2011) – For the second consecutive year, the Branson Gospel Music Revival (formerly Convention) was honored as the 2011 Pacesetter Award at this year’s Absolutely Gospel Music Awards.

The Pacesetter Award honors individuals, companies, artists, events, and the like who raise the standard in the industry during the previous year. Past winners have included such names as the Crabb Family, Daywind Records, Booth Brothers, and artist manager Kathy Hannah. It is the most prestigious award handed out at the awards program, and after its second year as a major concert event in the Southern Gospel Community, the Branson Gospel Music Revival was honored again.

Branson Gospel Music Revival is owned, organized, and hosted by gospel singer Rod Burton and his wife Kelly, working as YMR Music Productions, LLC.

Rod said, “God gave us a vision for this event to make a difference in people’s lives. We’re so honored to have that recognized and supported.”

“The award is even more special to us this year,” mentioned Kelly. “I believe the gospel community is seeing what we’re about: elevating the gospel message above all. Celebrating gospel through song and changing people’s lives with its message is truly our sole purpose for the Branson Gospel Music Revival.”

During the couple’s acceptance speech, Kelly thanked the late Susan Unthank, who founded AbsolutelyGospel.com, for her legacy in the gospel music community. “Susan did not have the time or tolerance for competition,” Kelly said. “There are many fields to plow; we don’t need to fight over them. God has too much work for us to do.”

The Branson Gospel Music Revival was honored to be mentioned in the same category and stand alongside such names like SGN Scoops Digital (of which Kelly is the Editor-in-Chief), This Week in Gospel Music with Mickey Bell, Ernie Haaase and Signature Sound, and Gaither Vocal band.

The Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Award nominees were chosen by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com (formerly SoGospelNews.com) and select members of the Southern Gospel media and community. Voting was then open to fans to choose the winners.

The 2011 Absolutely Gospel (SGN) Music Awards Celebration took place on Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at River of Life Church in Smyrna, Tennessee to a standing room only crowd.

The Branson Gospel Music Revival is put on by YMR Music Productions, LLC.

The third annual Gospel Music Revival will take place Tuesday, June 28 – Friday, July 1 at the Tri-Lakes Center in Branson, MO.

Artists scheduled for the 2011 event include the HisSong, Dino, Freedom, Beyond the Ashes , The Greesons, Kenny Bishop, Ann Downing, Mike Allen, McMillan & Life, Sunday Edition, 2nd Generation, Rod Burton, Jay Stone Singers, Voices of Glory, Young Harmony, and many more! The Annual SGN Scoops Diamond Awards will also again take place during Branson GMR on the evening of Thursday, June 30.

More information about the Branson Gospel Music Revival can be found at http://www.bransongmr.com or by calling (615) 530-3726.

More information about YMR Music Productions, LLC. can be found at http://www.ymrmp.com or by calling (615) 530-3726.

About YMR Music Productions
YMR Music Productions, LLC. is a corporation formed initially for the exclusive purpose of organizing, promoting, and producing the Branson Gospel Music Revival.

Daywind Artists Take Home Nine 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards

Karen Peck & New River, The Nelons, Devin McGlamery, Eric Bennett &
Jeff Stice ending the evening with “We Shall Wear A Robe & Crown

Hendersonville, TN (April 13, 2011) – Daywind Records artists were among the recipients of the 2011 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards held at the River of Life Church in Smyrna, TN last night.  Karen Peck & New River were awarded Favorite Mixed Group, as well the overall Fan Favorite Artist of the Year.  Their hit song, “Why Can’t All God’s Children Get Along” from the 2009 project, No Worries, received Progressive Song of the Year, while Karen Peck Gooch was recognized as Favorite Female Vocalist.   The Booth Brothers were named as the Best Live Performer and Sisters took home Female Group of the Year.  Brian Free & Assurance’s Dove nominated project, Never Walk Alone, received the award for Progressive Southern Gospel Album.   Daywind Music swept the songwriter category, with Artist Songwriter going to Joseph Habedank of the Perrys and Profession Songwriter being awarded to Kenna West.  Traditional Southern Song of the Year went to Triumphant Quartet’s “Somebody Died For Me,” from their Daywind Records project, Everyday.

The award show, hosted by Devin McGlamery and Madison Easter, featured live performances from several of the nominated groups, including Daywind artists Karen Peck & New River, the Booth Brothers, and Sisters.   A special memoriam segment honored those within the industry who passed away in the last year, with a special presentation of the Susan Unthank Memorial Award made to Beckie Simmons Bates for her devotion to the Southern Gospel industry.

Daywind Records is based in Hendersonville, TN and is distributed worldwide through New Day Christian Distributors.  In addition to the artists mentioned, Daywind is home to such great artists as Marshall Hall, the Mark Trammell Quartet and Greater Vision, among others.  For more information on Daywind Records, visit daywindrecords.com.