BMI honored the best and brightest in gospel music at the BMITrailblazers of Gospel Music luncheon, held on March 28th at La Cave in Las Vegas, Nevada. Multi Stellar Award-winner and two-time GRAMMY nominee singer/songwriter Travis Greene was awardedSong of the Year for his triumphant single “You Waited,” which hit number one on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs chart and earned him the title of Billboard’s Gospel AirPlay Artist of the Year. The private ceremony was hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill, Vice President, Creative, Atlanta Catherine Brewton and Assistant Vice President, Creative, Los Angeles Wardell Malloy.
The intimate occasion also celebrated the remarkable accomplishments of BMI’s gospel community, recognizing the Ten Most Performed Songs of the Year (2018) from its affiliated songwriters. Those songs included “Change Me” written by first-time award-winner Thomas “TC” Clay; “Close” written by Solomon Edwards, Jr., Aaron Lindsey and Marvin Sapp; “Grace” written by Charles Jenkins; “He Promised Me” written by Bebe Winans; “Kept by His Grace” written by first-time award recipient Harry James Johnson; “My World Needs You” written by Kirk Franklin; “Pray & Don’t Worry” written by first-time award-winners Branden Anderson and Rufus Johnson, III; “Won’t He Do It” written by Makeba Riddick and first-time award recipients Raymond Reginald Murdock, Jr. and Richard Worley Shelton, Jr.; “Work It Out” written by first-time award-winners Stanley G. Green, Jr., George Allen Jordan and T.J. Simon; and “Your Great Name” written and performed by Todd Dulaney.
“BMI is proud to commemorate the artistry and achievements of these incredibly talented songwriters,” said Brewton. “Their music and lyrics have been a pillar of strength and encouragement for many worldwide, and they continue to transform lives through their divinely inspired gifts.”