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USAGEM 12th Annual Awards Show

Nuy Testament at USAGEM awards

Michael and Ann Gardner honored with USAGEM Diamond Award

Michael & Ann Gardner received the USAGEM Diamond Award. Michael is a past president and performing member with The Gardners.

The 12th Annual USAGEM Awards Show was held on Saturday November 21, 2015 at the Texas Troubadour Theatre in Nashville, Tennessee. This yearly event is sponsored by the United States Association Of Gospel Entertainers & Musicians.

Mending Fences opened the show with the upbeat song “Get Up In Jesus’ Name”.

The Fox Brothers were the hosts of the show along with segment co-hosts Melanie Walker, Russ & Linda Murphy, Tommie & Dwayne Lewis, Mona Faith & Tank Tackett, Sheila Berry & Bruce Walker, and

Rene & Edie Jones were first time recipients of the USAGEM Duo Of The Year Award. Rene was a big winner and also garnered awards for Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Song, and Video.

Southern Faith.

Michael and Ann Gardner were honored with the organization’s prestigious USAGEM Diamond Award for their loyalty, dedication and service to USAGEM. Gardner is a past president and continues his involvement, working with several committees including the overseeing of the USAGEM website.

Rene Jones was the big award winner of the evening, garnering awards for Gospel Entertainer and Male Vocalist Of The Year. He also won the accolades for Video and Song Of The Year for “Thank God For Mama”, a single he recorded with Joanne Cash Yates, and written by gospel music legend and singer/songwriter nominee, Joel Hemphill. Another accolade was with his wife. Rene

Mona Faith was surprised when she received the Radio Servant’s Award from Bev McCann during the USAGEM Award Show. Mona and her husband Gene are hosts of “Faith For Living” currently broadcast on WSM 650 in Nashville.

and Edie Jones won the Duo Of The Year award for the first time.

The Female Vocalist Of The Year Award went to Sandi Kay Shupe for the second time, and pianist Bud Rawls was the first time winner of the Musician Of The Year Award. Mending Fences, comprised of singers and musicians from the Nashville Cowboy Church, won the Vocal Group Of The Year for the first time.

Roy Fox was the recipient of the Comedian Of The Year and The Reed Brothers took home the award for New Artist Of The Year.  Ann Hartmann once again garnered the Singer/Songwriter Of The Year Award.

The two and one-half hour show was intertwined with song performances and award presentations. There were several highlights during the show including a performance by Debbie Bennett and Peggy Inks. Their vocal collaboration tribute to Loretta Lynn and performance of  “God Bless

Bev McCann and Lynn Fox pose with TV host Melanie Walker (center). During the USAGEM banquet, Melanie received the USAGEM Film & TV Award. As a Christian Country artist and speaker, Melanie is also known for her work with the TCT Network.

America Again” earned a standing ovation from the audience.

Another vocal collaboration that caught attention from the audience was a performance by Jim Sheldon and Rachel Taylor. They performed their chart-topping single, “New Again. The Gardners honored legendary gospel songwriter and their longtime friend, Carroll McGruder by performing McGruder’s penned upbeat song “It’s Too Good To Be True”. McGruder passed away earlier this year.

One of the emotional highlights of the show was The Fox Brothers’ acknowledgement of USAGEM artists and members who have passed away during the past year. Jimmy Jack Whitaker’s performance

Bev McCann and Dwayne Lewis having fun. Dwayne was surprised to receive the USAGEM Non-Performing Member award during the USAGEM banquet.

of  “He’s Already Made It” was impeccably performed with only his vocal and acoustic guitar. Ed Suey, James Burns, Cheryl Jackson, Thelmarie Johnson, and Sladen Evans were deservingly honored and are truly missed.

A special performance by 9-11 first responder from the New York Fire Department, Frank Pizarro was a definite highlight. He performed a very moving song titled “He’s The Closest Thing To A Hero”. Pizarro is best known for his singing of the National Anthem during national sports events including the final baseball game of this year’s World Series.

During the show Randy & Wendi Pierce performed the gospel classic Rusty Goodman song “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now” and Teresa Johnson performed a moving rendition of the Andre Crouch penned song “My Tribute”.

Glenn and Dottie Tubb

Other great performers on the show were Melanie Walker, Shelton Bissell, Glenn & Dottie Tubb, Rockin’ Reggie Vinson, Bev McCann, Ann Hartmann, Sandi Kay & New Hickory, and NYU Testament. The show finale was comprised of all of the artists, crew, and cast members performing onstage together. The song “Meet Me At The Pearly Gates” was written and directed by Daniel Johnson. Featured ensemble performers were Charlene Harrison, Cross Pointe, and Sandi Kay Shupe.

Some of the award presenters on the show included: Cross Pointe, Brenda Ivey Robertson, Mariah Neff, Charlene Harrison, Marty Merchant, The Reed Brothers, Laura Mathy, Johnny Mack, Lisa Montgomery, David Smith, Margaret Anne Smith, Jeff Wisely, Cherie Brennan, and Julian & Bonnie George.

This year’s USAGEM award winners:

Gospel Entertainer Of The Year – Rene Jones
Female Vocalist Of The Year – Sandi Kay Shupe
Male Vocalist Of The Year – Rene Jones
Vocal Group Of The Year – Mending Fences
Musician Of The Year – Bud Rawls
Duo Of The Year – Rene & Edie Jones
Singer/Songwriter Of The Year – Ann Hartmann
Comedian Of The Year – Roy Fox
New Artist Of The Year – The Reed Brothers
Video Of The Year – “Thank God For Mama” Rene Jones & Joanne Cash Yates
Song Of The Year – “Thank God For Mama” Rene Jones & Joanne Cash Yates
Diamond Award – Michael & Ann Gardner
Emerald Award – Tammy Vice
Pearl Award – Ray & Laura Lewis
Ruby Award – Julian & Bonnie George
Sapphire Award – Lavonne Ritzema
Christian Country Crown Jewel – The Fox Brothers
Southern Gospel Crown Jewel – Mending Fences
Contemporary Christian Crown Jewel – Rockin’ Reggie Vinson
Black Gospel Crown Jewel – Charlene Harrison
Bluegrass Crown Jewel – Sandi Kay & New Hickory
Servant’s Heart Award – Mariah Neff
Non-Performing Member Award – Dwayne Lewis
Media Award – Perry Edge, Double E Promotions
Radio Servant’s Award – Mona Faith
Film & TV Award – Melanie Walker
Film & TV Award – Jim Sheldon
USAGEM President’s Award – Sandi Kay Shupe

See more at: http://www.usagem.org/12th-annual-awards-show#sthash.xfmdORsk.dpuf

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Mansion Entertainment Welcomes Daniel Johnson As Director Of Publishing

After experiencing growth and success in its catalog of songs during the past 3 years, including top charting Southern Gospel songs and copyrights being featured in television programs; Mansion Entertainment has brought Daniel Johnson on board to continue to fulfill the ever expanding needs of its music publishing division.

USAGEM 9th Annual Award Winners Announced

Lynn “Royce” Taylor Wins Top Contemporary Christian Honor in 9th Annual USAGEM Awards

 {EHA-Nashville, TN} Popular soloist/evangelist, Lynn “Royce” Taylor, was recently named Crown Jewel of the Year- Contemporary Gospel  at the USAGEM annual convention and awards ceremony at Christ Church in Nashville. Royce is one of America’s most distinct tenors and has set a precedence for others to follow in the Gospel music industry. His original songs and performances appeal to fans of all ages and his ministry is embraced by people of varying cultures at home and abroad. In his early years, Royce traveled and sang  with the Gospel Chords, performing on many national television and radio programs.  Although he later had a successful stint with chart-busting Rock ‘n Roll vocal group, the Vogues ( Billboard hits; You Are My Special Angel, Turn Around Look at Me, Five O’clock World, You’re The One, and more), the world-wide attention didn’t satisfy his call back to the ministry. Royce’s performances and ministry continued  to the stages of New York City’s famous Radio City Music Hall, the Cathedrals in Cardiff Wales and Coventry England, and all across the globe with groups that not only included the Elvis Imperials, but the famous Stamps, the beloved Blackwoods, and the trail-blazing Toney Brothers. With his call and mission being to share the truth of God’s Word, Royce’s current project reinforces his bottom-line in I Quit. His title track, a moving, The Love of the Father, is a tribute to his sons. He is also featured on the Gaither Homecoming video, Tent Revival and continues to travel with the Elvis Imperials in addition to his solo ministry. THE USAGEM (United States Association of Gospel Entertainers and Musicians) is a non-profit fellowship of Christian performers and agencies and Royce’s award was voted upon by these industry peers.  For more info on Lynn “Royce” Taylor: http://www.lynnroycetaylor.com/. 615-873-0482. PO Box 210364 – Nashville, TN 37221   Email:  LRTMin@aol.com

Nominees Announced for 9th Annual USAGEM Awards

{EHA-Nashville, TN} On Saturday August 11, 2012, the top nominees for the 9^th Annual USAGEM Awards were officially announced by artists and members of theNashville organization during the association’s annual USAGEM Birthday Bash. This celebration, sponsored by The United States Association of Gospel Entertainers & Musicians, was held at the newly renovated KOA Campground Pavilion located on Music Valley Drive in Nashville, Tennessee.

• Tommy Brandt
• The Fox Brothers
• GoldHarbor
• Dewitt Johnson
• Allison Speer
• The Waymasters
• Joanne Cash Yates

• Tommy Brandt
• Larrice Byrd
• David Davis
• Darrel Friszell
• Dewitt Johnson
• Rene Jones
• Chuck Kuykendall
• Tank Tackett
• Chris Unthank
• Noel Walters

• Darlene Chapman
• ReginaGardner
• Teresa Johnson
• Bev McCann
• Becky Davis Short
• Sandi Kay Shupe

• TheDavisFamily
• The Hemphills
• Lewis & Lewis
• The Pearly Gates
• Southern Faith

• For Heaven’s Sake
• The Fox Brothers
• TheGardners
• GoldHarbor
• Joe Arview & Thunder
• Leipers ForkBluegrass
• Psalms 100
• The Servants Quartet
• The Waymasters

• Joe Arview
• SheltonBissell
• Larrice Byrd
• Jim Frable
• John Rees
• Jay Shupe

• Bible By Her Bed – Rene Jones
• Cost Of The Call – Joanne Cash Yates
• Don’t Cry For Me – Teresa Johnson
• God Has Got A Plan For Me – Chariot
• I’d Do It All Over Again – The Gardners
• Jesus’ Grace – Mona Faith
• My Sons – Sandi Kay & New Hickory

• Ann Hartmann
• Daniel Johnson
• Glenn Tubb
• Tammy Vice
• Jimmy Jack Whitaker

• Alverson Boyd
• Darlene Chapman
• Chariot
• Mike Dunbar
• Rebekah PricDan
• Jim Sheldon
• Paul Sparks

• Lynn Fox
• Roy Fox
• Peggy Inks
• Cheryl Jackson
• Tank Tackett

• TheDavisFamily
• TheGardners
• The Kent Smith Family
• The Servants Quartet
• Paul Sparks

• Gary Brock
• The Fox Brothers
• Ann Hartmann
• Rene Jones
• Bev McCann
• Russ Murphy
• Southern Faith

• Larrice Byrd
• Charlene Harrison
• Dewitt Johnson
• Thelmarie Johnson
• Tommie Lewis

• Good News Boys
• Leipers ForkBluegrass
• NewJerusalem
• Sandi Kay & NewHickory
• The Waymasters

• Danny Jones
• New Journey
• Rebekah PricDan
• Ransom Heart
• Roger Revette & UR1
• Pam Seaman
• Lynn Royce Taylor

Davis Family Music Ministry Featured in Missourian Newspaper

{EHA-Nashville, TN} The talented Davis Family of Washington, MO was recently featured in the Missourian Newspaper. Their story from the beginning of the group that started with David and Rosemary Davis has been a lifelong calling and continued to present. Rosemary’s book about the family musical journey has been well-received and is a touching account of a passion to sing Southern Gospel Music. The group was named “New Artist of the Year” at the Annual USAGEM Awards show in the Fall. The group has received positive feedback on their latest CD project and making plans for a new one to be announced soon. They performed at Barbara Mandrell’s restaurant in Nashville for a Christmas Gala organized by the Music City Christian Fellowship, headed up by Lynn Fox. For more info on the Davis Family: 1-314-420-7068  For a free comp disc/press kit: Office@EHA-Nashville.com

8th Annual USAGEM Awards A Huge Success

 EHA-Nashville, TN –The televised 8th Annual USAGEM Awards Show was held on Saturday November 19, 2011 at the historic Texas Troubadour Theatre in Nashville , Tennessee .  The three hour show was filmed by Fresh Well Media for future television broadcasts on the Family Friendly Entertainment Network.
 
Appropriately, Melanie Walker opened the show with a flawless performance of her upbeat, hand-clapping song, “Walking In Jerusalem”.   
 
The Fox Brothers were the hosts of the show and kept the show moving with introductions of performers and presenters by means of their own brand of humor and wit.  They garnered three awards including the Gospel Entertainer Of The Year, Vocal Group Of The Year, and the Christian Country Crown Jewel Award.  Group member and funnyman, Roy Fox received the Comedian Of The Year award.  The Fox Brothers closed the show with their popular rendition of an American patriotic favorite, “God Bless The USA”.
 
Members of the popular southern gospel singing group, The Gardners accepted three awards including the Song Of The Year accolades for their song “Sign Me Up”. They also received the Southern Gospel Crown Jewel Award. Group member Regina Gardner was the recipient of the coveted Female Vocalist Of The Year Award. 
 
One emotional highlight of the show was the awarding of the organization’s most prestigious honor, The Diamond Award to USAGEM’s past president and Pearly Gates members, Daniel and Teresa Johnson.  This award is a lifetime achievement honor presented to USAGEM members who show a great commitment to God, Christian service, and dedication to USAGEM.  A further emotional highlight was the presentation of the Sapphire Award to Don Inks for his behind the scenes work and devotion to the USAGEM organization.  Don is the husband and manager of Christian country artist, Peggy Inks. The Emerald Award was presented to Kent Smith Family member and founder, Kent Smith; and the Ruby Award went to television producer and radio host, Tommie Lewis. 
 
The Male Vocalist Of The Year Award was presented to one of the organization’s perennial favorites, Rene Jones.  He and his wife, Edie Jones presented an impeccable performance of their brand new Christian Country chart single, “Bible By Her Bed”. 
 
Danny Jones did a superb performance of his self-penned song “Dream Giver”, a song featured in the upcoming faith-based movie “Secrets In The Snow”.  Jones also garnered the Contemporary Christian Crown Jewel Award, his very first USAGEM trophy.
 
Newcomer, Russ Murphy had the enthusiastic crowd on their feet as he performed his hit single and patriotic song “My America” and comedian nominee Cheryl Jackson performed a very impressive stand-up comedy routine which had everyone laughing with her side-splitting, hilarious wit.
 
The Duo Of The Year Award was presented for the second time to Lewis & Lewis; The Musician Of The Year accolades went to Nashville producer and pianist, John Rees; The Accoustic Singer/Songwriter Of The Year was awarded to Christian country singer and songwriter, Ann Hartmann; The New Artist Of The Year honors went to new southern gospel group, The Davis Family; The Black Gospel Crown Jewel was awarded to television host and singer, Dewitt Johnson; and bluegrass group Leipers Fork Bluegrass were first time recipients of the Bluegrass Crown Jewel Award.
 
Charlene Harrison’s very stirring presentation of “How Great Thou Art”, and For Heaven’s Sake’s very powerful performance of “God’s Still Faithful” left the crowd wanting more.  Sandi Kay & New Hickory once again brought the house down with their intricate bluegrass picking and singing as they performed “I Can See Clearly Now”.
 
More performance highlights included several featured special performances.  New Artist nominees Allison Speer, Mark Brown, David Smith, Paul Sparks, Sunday Edition, and The Davis Family received a standing ovation for their moving and powerful performance of “Because He Lives”, a song made famous by the legendary Speer Family.  Song Of The Year nominees Glenn Tubb, The Pearly Gates, Tank Tackett, Joe Arview and Thunder, and The Gardners each proudly and flawlessly performed a portion of their top five nominated songs.  Musician nominees Shelton Bissell, Jim Frable, John Rees, and Jay Shupe performed an upbeat “I’ll Fly Away” while young USAGEM members Summer & Autumn Ryan performed their clogging routine, a bonus delight to audience members.
 
As a special highlight this year, in order to commemorate the addition of the Acoustic Singer/Songwriter Of The Year Award, a special songwriter’s round was featured and included performances by the top five nominees.  Ann Hartmann, Daniel Johnson, Glenn Tubb, Tammy Vice, and Jimmy Jack Whitaker each performed a portion of one of their favorite self-penned songs.  During this performance, a surprise special guest appearance by Nashville songwriter, Wood Newton added a special flavor to this already great songwriter’s collaboration.  Wood has written many hit songs including “Bobbie Sue” made famous by The Oak Ridge Boys.
 
Bev McCann performed a very touching tribute to respected USAGEM member and award winner Amanda Fessant, who passed away earlier this year after a long battle with cancer.  She was only 34 years old.  Bev performed a medley of songs of Amanda’s favorite gospel hymns including “Amazing Grace”, “I Surrender All”, and “This World Is Not My Home”.
 
Special segment hosts were Rev. Harry Yates, Joanne Cash Yates, Peggy Inks, and Melanie Walker. Some award presenters were Brian & Allison Speer; media representative, Evie Hawkins; Mona Faith and Rev. Gene Fant; Don and Sandra Lee Burdick; Last Chance members James Burns and Mark Fuqua; and David Smith of the duo, David & Carrie Smith.  Other presenters included Stephen Fryar; Marty Merchant; Darlene Chapman; Tommie Lewis; Roger Revette; Sheila Berry; Jim Babcock; Laura Mathy; Kent Smith; Ray Lewis; Dottie Tubb; and The Toneys.
 
The USAGEM Awards Show is a production of the United States Association Of Gospel Entertainers & Musicians, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  For more information please visit www.USAGEM.org or www.MyUSAGEM.org 
 
Below is a full list of 2011 USAGEM award winners.
 
Gospel Entertainer Of The Year: The Fox Brothers
Male Vocalist Of The Year: Rene Jones
Female Vocalist Of The Year: Regina Gardner
Duo Of The Year: Lewis & Lewis
Group Of The Year: The Fox Brothers
Song Of The Year: “Sign Me Up” by The Gardners
Acoustic Singer/Songwriter Of The Year: Ann Hartmann
New Artist Of The Year: The Davis Family
Musician Of The Year: John Rees
Comedian Of The Year: Roy Fox
Diamond Award: Daniel & Teresa Johnson
Emerald Award: Tommie Lewis
Ruby Award: Kent Smith
Sapphire Award: Don Inks
Southern Gospel Crown Jewel Award: The Gardners
Contemporary Christian Crown Jewel Award: Danny Jones
Christian Country Crown Jewel Award: The Fox BrothersBlack Gospel Crown Jewel Award: Dewitt Johnson
Bluegrass Crown Jewel Award: Leipers Fork Bluegrass

Danny Jones Named Top Contemporary Christian Artist in USAGEM Annual Awards Ceremony

{EHA-Nashville, TN} Heartwarming/Homeland Inspirational Group recording artist, Danny Jones, won the coveted “Crown Jewel/Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year” title at the Annual USAGEM Awards Show today. Danny has been a lifelong songwriter/Christian performer and travels nationally, singing in churches, festivals, revivals, and conventions. For more info on Danny Jones and his latest projects: Office@EHA-Nashville.com or visit his website at: www.USAGEM.com

Davis Family Awarded USAGEM “New Artist of the Year” in Nashville Ceremony

EHA-Nashville, TN} Manor House/Mansion Entertainment recording artist, the Davis Family, won the “New Artist of the Year” title at the Annual USAGEM Awards Show today. The trio has traveled regionally in the Mid-West area until this past year, when they took their music ministry to Nashville. Many doors continue to open for the group who have recently sang on stage with renowned, Alllison-Durham Speer, Sunday Edition, Mark Brown, and many more. The show was hosted by the Fox Brothers and included all genres of Christian music. For more info on the Davis Family: www.DavisFamilyMinistries.com or Office@EHA-Nashville.com

8th Annual USAGEM Awards Scheduled at the Texas Troubadour Theatre November 19, 2011

The 8th Annual USAGEM Awards will take center stage in Nashville , Tennessee on Saturday November 19, 2011 at 3:00 PM at the historic Texas Troubadour Theatre for a presentation of their annual music awards.  Interspersed throughout the show will be an array of performances by gospel music artists associated with the Nashville-based organization.
 
The televised event will be hosted by the award-winning group, The Fox Brothers. The show will be filmed by Fresh Well Media to be aired on the Family-Friendly Entertainment Network and other Christian television networks. 
 
Artists scheduled to perform include Melanie Walker, The Hemphills, Joanne Cash Yates, The Gardners, Glenn Tubb, Allison Speer, Russ Murphy, Rene Jones, The Pearly Gates, Danny Jones, Sandi Kay & New Hickory, Charlene Harrison, Bev McCann, Ann Hartmann, Tammy Vice, Joe Arview & Thunder, Sunday Edition,  and comedian, Cheryl Jackson. 
 
A total of nineteen awards will be presented in a broad cross section of categories including gospel entertainer, male and female artists, new artist, song, acoustic singer/songwriter, group, duo, musician, and comedian.  Genre-specific awards will be presented to artists in Southern Gospel, Christian Country, Black Gospel, Bluegrass , and Contemporary Christian music.
 
The USAGEM Awards Show is a highlight of the annual USAGEM Convention which is scheduled for Friday and Saturday November 18-19, 2011.  Convention activities will be held at the Texas Troubadour Theatre and The Radisson Hotel (located on Music Valley Drive – adjacent to the Texas Troubadour Theatre).
 
The USAGEM Convention & Awards is sponsored by the United States Association Of Gospel Entertainers & Musicians, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
 
Below is a list of awards and top nominees. Read more »