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Daywind Music Group Celebrates SGMA Hall of Fame Inductees, Dottie Leonard Miller and Dianne Wilkinson

Daywind Music Group Celebrates SGMA Hall of Fame Inductees, Dottie Leonard Miller and Dianne Wilkinson

The Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) Hall of Fame inducted its 2020 class during this year’s NQC Fall Festival. Dottie Leonard Miller, founder, president, and chief executive officer of New Day Christian Distributors and Daywind Music Group; and Dianne Wilkinson, Daywind’s renowned, award-winning songwriter, were among those inducted into the SGMA Hall of Fame on Tuesday, September 29.

Daywind artists Karen Peck & New River, Greater Vision, Nelons, Legacy Five, Joseph Habedank, Tribute Quartet, LeFevre Quartet, and Scott Fowler of Legacy Five performed fan-favorite songs to celebrate the occasion.

Dottie Leonard Miller launched New Day Christian Distributors March 1, 1981, with a background of sales and promotion at Calvary Records and Windchime Records. She started by selling Gospel music to Christian retailers across the United States from the garage of her home. Her distribution business developed rapidly and contributed in a significant way to the growth of sheet music, accompaniment tracks, Southern Gospel  music, and unique Christian products.  With New Day firmly established, Dottie expanded in 1987 by creating, with partner Ronnie Drake, Daywind Music Group, the multi-faceted recording, publishing, production, marketing, and distribution company that has become a vital part of the Christian products industry. Countless singers have used Daywind Soundtracks as a ministry tool to share the latest Christian song or standard of the church, and millions more have been touched through the ministries of Daywind’s family of artists and songwriters.  Miller belongs to a small group of pioneering female independent business owners or executives to be so honored at this level in any genre of the music industry.

“I am incredibly honored to be included among these wonderful inductees, including the multi-talented songwriter, Dianne Wilkinson,” said Miller. “I accept this honor as a vessel through whom God has performed His works.”

Dianne Wilkinson has been sharing the message of the Gospel through inspired lyrics and memorable music for more than 40 years. Her songs have been recorded by virtually all of the top Southern Gospel quartets and many other artists during the span of her long songwriting career, which has been blessed with many, many #1 songs. Her songs have received numerous nominations and awards including Singing News Fan Awards, BMI Awards and IBMA Awards. The Cathedrals’ classic hit song, “We Shall See Jesus,” penned by Dianne was honored at the 1984 GMA Dove Awards for Southern Song of the Year. Wilkinson was recognized by the Southern Gospel Music Guild in 2013 for lifetime achievement, a designation she also shares with Miller.

Both ladies continue to build their legacies in Southern Gospel music as they remain active in the ministry.  Their best is yet to come.

SGMA RESEARCH LIBRARY ESTABLISHED IN MUSIC CITY

Pictured (L to R): Ed Leonard (President, Daywind Music Group), Arthur Rice (President, SGMA), Harold Timmons, Karen Peck Gooch (Board member, SGMA), Gary Casto (Board member, SGMA), Aaron Rich (Director, SGMA Research Library), Rick Shelton (Board member, SGMA)

Hendersonville, TN, September 12, 2019 – The Southern Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce the founding of the SGMA Research Library. The facility will be housed in an early 20th century Victorian home located adjacent to the campus of Daywind Music Group/NewDay Christian Distribution in the Nashville suburb of Hendersonville, TN. Space in the building is being provided through the support of Dottie Leonard Miller, CEO of Daywind/NewDay.

The foundational content for the archive consists of more than 10,000 items contained within The Harold Timmons Collection donated earlier this year. The SGMA will be actively seeking additional donated items, particularly sound recordings, sheet music and songbooks, to compile a comprehensive Southern Gospel Music catalog. Once completed, the library will be available to the public by appointment for the purpose of research. In support of the SGMA core mission to preserve and promote the history and heritage of this American roots-music artform, the Research Library will embark on a long-term project to digitally archive the entirety of its contents through the efforts of volunteers and interns under the direction of SGMA archive committee chairman, Aaron Rich.

Arthur Rice

“We’ve always wanted a great library and a collection of artifacts,” stated SGMA President, Arthur Rice. “Not only is this a tremendous step forward for our organization, it will be good for fans and artists as well. It will benefit anyone wanting to research anything related to Southern Gospel Music.  We are excited about this new endeavor and very grateful to Dottie for this generous act of support.”

Dottie Leonard Miller shared, “Southern Gospel Music has been at the core of my business since we began selling sheet music to Christian bookstores in 1981. It has always been my ministry to support the ministries of artists and songwriters. Their songs lift up the Lord. I am now blessed to have the opportunity to help preserve the legacy of those ministries and the pioneers who came before them.”

Established in 1994, the Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) is a professional preservation association of artists, songwriters, industry leaders and fans founded to preserve, protect and promote Southern Gospel music, as well as its history and heritage.

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Those interested in information about donating items needed to complete the archive may reach out to Aaron Rich, archives@sgma.org, or speak to him at the SGMA Exhibit during the National Quartet Convention in Pigeon Forge, TN, September 23 – September 28, 2019. 

For more Gospel music features read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE.

SGMA HALL OF FAME 2019 INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED

SMGA ANNOUNCES 2019 SGMA HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

Pigeon Forge, TN (May 16, 2019) — The Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) is pleased to announce the Class of 2019 SGMA HALL OF FAME Inductees: Ruben Bean, Ernie Phillips, Jackie Wilburn and Gerald Wolfe. Each year, members of the SGMA nominate individuals to be inducted into the Hall of Fame that is located at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

Arthur Rice

SGMA President Arthur Rice stated, “We were so excited with the response of the SGMA members nominating their choices for the newest inductees into the Hall of Fame. The official induction ceremony will take place during the 2019 National Quartet Convention during a fundraising concert held at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge.”

Individuals are nominated and selected for their contribution to the industry of Southern Gospel music. After their induction, a bronze plaque will be displayed in the Hall of Fame with a hand carved portrait and a biography of their life devoted to our music.

For more information on the SGMA, log onto the website at www.sgma.org, or visit them on Facebook at @thesgma.

SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION RECEIVES THE HAROLD TIMMONS COLLECTION

SGMA Pictured (left to right) are: Travis Bridgeman, Arthur Rice, Karen Peck, Harold Timmons, Aaron Rich, Dean Adkins, and Rick Shelton

10,000 items donated to establish research library

Hendersonville, TN – The Southern Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce the acquisition of a massive Gospel Music collection from Harold Timmons of Nashville, TN. The collection consists of nearly 10,000 items procured over his 65-year association with the genre. This important contribution will form the foundation of the SGMA Research Library soon to be established.

The Timmons collection contains 19th-century songbooks and original recordings dating back to the 1920’s and includes the best available copy of nearly 80% of releases by the major artists of the genre since its inception. In response to receiving this significant gift, SGMA President, Arthur Rice, stated: “We’ve always wanted a great library and a collection of artefacts. The SGMA looks forward to Harold’s collection, his knowledge, and that of his associates.  Not only will this be good for our organization, it will be good for artists and fans as well, and anyone wanting to research anything related to Southern Gospel Music. We look forward to this new endeavor.”

Mr. Timmons commented, “I wanted the collection to be displayed, and available for research and for me to be able to continue to be involved with this work as long as physically able.” He continues, “The SGMA now has the possibility of developing a comprehensive historical online database. My long-term goal is that a song may be researched as a recording, video, or printed music, and every reference contained within the library will be displayed.  A large percentage of the materials are already cataloged, and I’m encouraged to know that effort will continue through the new SGMA Research Library.”

Harold Timmons

Harold Timmons is recognized as a touring musician with The Hemphills and Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees The Chuck Wagon Gang. He is also well known for the large exhibit that he operated at various music festivals, including 38 consecutive years at the National Quartet Convention where he provided fans the opportunity to peruse and purchase classic Gospel recordings and collectibles. His recent effort includes the establishment and management of “We Love Our Southern Gospel Music History,” which is a Facebook page and community consisting of 42,000 members.

Established in 1994, the Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) is a professional preservation association of artists, songwriters, industry leaders and fans founded to preserve, protect and promote Southern Gospel Music, its history and heritage.

For more Gospel Music news, read the latest SGNScoops Magazine HERE

Pray for Lou Wills Hildreth and family

Howard and Lou Hildreth

We at SGNScoops are saddened to hear of the passing of Howard Hildreth, loving husband of Lou Wills Hildreth. Among many other achievements in Gospel music, Ms. Lou was a writer for SGNScoops for many years. Many of us treasure her friendship and grieve with her and her family in their loss.

Lou and Howard Hildreth join the Creekside Gospel Music Convention choir

Howard Elton Hildreth, Jr., passed away on December 26. He and his beloved Lou had been married for 72 years. Howard also leaves behind their son, David, daughter, Kathryn, and four grandchildren.

The celebration of life service for Howard will be held on January 5, 2019, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Moore Bowen Road Funeral Home, located at 4216 South Bowen Road, Arlington, Texas, 76016

Lou Hildreth’s plaque in the SGMA Hall of Fame

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made in Howard’s name to the SGMA Hall of Fame, in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Address for the Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame:
P.O. Box 6729
Sevierville, Tenn.

For more on Howard and Lou Hildreth, visit louhildreth.com

In the August, 2018, issue of SGNScoops, Lou Hildreth wrote another Live, Love and Legends column. We thought we would reprint it here:

It is always an honor to be included in this excellent magazine. It has been awhile since I have contributed an article, but be assured my desire remains the same as before – to share blessings and honor our heavenly Father.

Howard and I are living comfortably in a Senior Retirement Center in Houston, Texas. We are thankful that our daughter Kathryn and our son David live nearby. We have four grandchildren who visit us often. Yes, we are blessed!  

One of my favorite bible verses is 2 Timothy 1:7,  “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind.” The other scripture is Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine that others will see your good works and glorify God.” And we know without a doubt, our salvation comes by our trust in Jesus Christ and the cross, not of works, lest we boast.

Dear readers, let me share a wonderful event that brought so much joy to this old heart. My brother, Bob Wills, carries on the Singing Wills Family legacy. He hosts a gospel music event every Friday night at Dove Creek Café in Roanoke, Texas, serving the Fort Worth-Dallas areas.  

On June 22nd, a dear friend – Dr. Eddie Reynolds, Emmanuel Baptist University of N.C. – came to Dove Creek and presented Bob Wills, Curtis Elkins, Regina Huckaba, and me with beautifully framed “Honorary Doctor of Music” certificates. Mary Fay Jackson was there with her video camera to record this for the Jones Family Network.   

This was such a great honor and I loved sharing it with my precious family and friends.  My fabulous daughter Kathryn drove us to Ft. Worth and we had so much fun!

Thank you to my dear friends Lorraine Walker and Rob Patz for the opportunity to “let my light shine!”

All of us at SGNScoops extend our love and prayers to Lou and all of the family and friends of Howard Hildreth.

“25 Days of Sharing” – Arthur Rice

Arthur Rice

December is a time for sharing. At Christmas, we (Christians) celebrate The Greatest Gift of All, Jesus Christ.
Over the next few weeks we will be talking with many industry leaders, artists, pastors, promoters, etc. and asking them questions. They will “share” the answer to the question in 10 seconds or less. We are asking for their best advice on many different topics.

Question #14 goes to Arthur Rice, Kingdom Heirs

Arthur, In 10 seconds or less, can you tell our readers why they need to join the SGMA?

Class of 2018 SGMA Hall of Fame Inductees

Class of 2018 SGMA Hall of Fame Inductees

The Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) is pleased to announce the Class of 2018 SGMA Hall of Fame Inductees: Ann Downing, Tracy Stuffle, Mark Trammell and Norman Wilson. Each year, members of the SGMA nominate individuals to be inducted into the Hall of Fame that is located in Dollywood, in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

“We were so excited with the response of the SGMA members nominating their choices for the newest inductees into the Hall of Fame. The official induction ceremony will take place Tuesday, September 25th at 1:00pm at the 2018 National Quartet Convention during a fund-raising concert held at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee”, stated Arthur Rice, SGMA President.

Individuals are nominated and selected for their contribution to the industry of southern gospel music. After their induction, a bronze plaque will be displayed in the Hall of Fame with a hand -carved portrait and a biography of their life devoted to our music.

You can order your tickets now for the 2018 SGMA Hall of Fame Inductions Ceremony and Benefit Concert at this link. BUY TICKETS HERE

Southern Gospel Music Association Call for Hall of Fame Nominations

Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame

Pigeon Forge, TN (March 17, 2016) – The Southern Gospel Music Association (SGMA) announces that ballots have been mailed for members to make nominations for the Hall of Fame Class of 2016.  

“We expect this to be a great year as members begin the selection process for this 2016 induction”, said Karen Peck Gooch, SGMA Executive Officer.  “The SGMA has never been stronger and it is obvious that Southern Gospel Music is alive and well!”  Gooch continued.

Induction into the SGMA Hall of Fame begins when members are requested to nominate individuals who have made significant contributions to Southern Gospel Music.  Each ballot allows for nominations of

Karen and Rickey Gooch

those living and deceased.  Once these have been returned, the SGMA Board of Directors will continue the process by carefully considering each nominee.  Those selected for induction will be announced during the National Quartet Convention 2016 in Pigeon Forge, TN.

Arthur Rice of the legendary Kingdom Heirs and President of the SGMA further stated, “This museum represents the very best of those who brought the Gospel through music in the past.  The SGMA believes it is our responsibility to leave a legacy for the future while encouraging the next generation to be bold in their stand for leading souls to Christ”.  

The Southern Gospel Hall of Fame Museum is a centerpiece of Dollywood, an

Arthur Rice

entertainment complex located at the base of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park.  Visitors to Dollywood will find the Hall of Fame Museum just inside the main entrance.  Along with educational exhibits, a gift shop offers patrons an opportunity to purchase items to encourage their faith.  

The SGMA invites everyone to demonstrate his or her support by becoming an SGMA partner.  Partnerships can be obtained at the Hall of Fame Museum or online.

For more information on the Southern Gospel Music Association, visit sgma.org

SGMA Hall Of Fame

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LIMITED TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR ‘A NIGHT OF HONOR’ FOR CLAUDE & CONNIE HOPPER PRESENTED BY ABRAHAM PRODUCTIONS

(Nashville, Tenn.) – A limited number of tickets are still available for ‘A Night of Honor’ for Claude & Connie Hopper set for October 11, 2013 in Greensboro, NC at Crosspoint Church. The concert, presented by Abraham Productions, will feature an all-star line up set to pay tribute to Claude & Connie for their years of dedication and faithfullness to the call of God on their lives.

Set to perform during the evening are Ivan Parker, Karen Peck & New River, Talleys, Whisnants and The Hoppers.

For more information on available tickets, please CLICK HERE.

The Hoppers were formed in 1975 in Madison, NC and have grown to become ‘America’s Favorite Family of Gospel Music’ traveling the globe presenting the Gospel message for over 55 years. Showing no signs of slowing down, today the line-up consists of family members Claude & Connie, son Dean and his wife, Kim, and son Mike Hopper.

The Hoppers are members of the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame, SGMA Hall of Fame and have been honored with multiple Gospel music industry awards.

Their latest project, Count Me In, was released earlier this year and contains 11 songs including “I Wish We’d All Been Ready’ to which they recorded a concept video. (CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO)

Connect with The Hoppers:
• www.TheHoppers.com
• www.Facebook.com/TheHoppersOfficial
• www.Twitter.com/HoppersMusic
• www.YouTube.com/HoppersOfficialUtube

SGMA announces the class of 2012 Hall of Fame Inductees

The Southern Gospel Music Association’s (SGMA) announced April 5 the 2012 inductees to the SGMA Hall of Fame. 

Dr. Jim Goff, induction committee chairman, made the announcement:

In the living category, Jim Hill and Buck Rambo 

and in the deceased category, Charlie Burke, Stuart Hamblen, Geraldine Morrison and Ace Richman.

“It will be a great honor to recognize the careers and contributions of our newest inductees this fall at Dollywood,” said Charlie Waller, SGMA executive director .

The 2012 Induction Ceremony and Singing News Fan Awards

is Oct. 3, 2012 at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

These inductees or their families join the Oak Ridge Boys – Duane Allen, William Golden, Joe Bonsall and Richard Sterban who will be honored with the James D. Vaughan Impact Award.

Tickets for the event are on sale now available from the SGMA office by calling (865) 908-4040. 

The SGMA is a non-profit organization that maintains the Southern Gospel Music Museum and Hall of Fame, the only facility honoring Southern gospel music and dedicated to the historic preservation of the genre’s accomplishments, both for the music and the people. Museum hours coincide with Dollywood’s operating schedule. Donations are tax-deductible. For more information about the museum or its inductees, visit www.sgma.org.