The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) honored some of gospel music’s most prestigious names at the 6th annual ASCAP Morning Glory Breakfast reception in Las Vegas, NV at The Orleans Hotel & Casino on March 28. The breakfast, which was one of the premiere events leading up to the 30thannual Stellar Awards, honored revered Pastor Smokie Norful with the ASCAP “Spirit of Song” Award, legendary quartet The Williams Brothers with the ASCAP “Gospel Icon” Award, and recognized a multitude of other 2015 Stellar Awards honorees. Hosted by GRAMMY-Award winner Michelle Williams, the breakfast also featured special performances by powerhouse gospel recording artist Dorinda Clark-Cole and acclaimed male vocalist, William McDowell.
“We’re very excited to honor so many gospel greats and 2015 Stellar Award nominees at our annual Morning Glory Breakfast,” stated Nicole George-Middleton, ASCAP VP, Rhythm & Soul/Urban, who regretfully couldn’t be in attendance, but left the event in the great hands of ASCAP Associate Directors Jennifer Goicoechea, Moya Nkruma, Joncier Rienecker and Director Jonathan Jones.
ASCAP’s honorees were also nominated for Stellar Awards: Pastor Smokie Norful for Artist of the Year,
Contemporary CD of the Year – “Forever Yours,” Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year; and The Williams Brothers for Group/Duo of the Year, Quartet of the Year, Traditional Group/Duo of the Year. Morning Glory Breakfast performer William McDowell was nominated for Praise and Worship CD of the Year – “Withholding Nothing,” Traditional CD of the Year – “Withholding Nothing,” and Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year.
Also in attendance were other ASCAP Stellar Award nominees including Larry D. Trotter (Traditional Choir of the Year),Charles Butler (Contemporary Choir of the Year), Darnell Davis (Contemporary Choir of the Year), Harmony Samuels (Song of the Year – “Say Yes”), Rick Robinson (Producer of the Year), STL3(Youth Project of the Year – “All Things New”), Tasha Page-Lockhart (Albertina Walker Female Vocalist of the Year, Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year, New Artist of the Year), Warryn Campbell (Producer of the Year, Song of the Year – “Help”), Will Bogle (Producer of the Year), along with recording artists Kirk Franklin, Shawn Stockman and The Walls Group, songwriter Gerald Haddon and motivational speaker/preacher DeVon Franklin.