On January 17, 2014, BMI brought legends and contemporary stars together to celebrate the careers of gospel giants Daryl Coley and Richard Smallwood at its 15th annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon in Nashville during 2014 Stellar Weekend. Donnie McClurkin and Erica Campbell (Mary Mary) hosted the luncheon, along with Del Bryant, BMI President and Catherine Brewton, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Atlanta.
In addition, the event, held at Rocketown, also recognized BMI’s Most-Performed Gospel Song of the Year: “Take Me to the King,” written by Kirk Franklin and performed by Tamela Mann. The song, pulled from the Tamela’s #1 album Best Days, topped the Billboard gospel chart and achieved crossover success. To help celebrate this astounding achievement, BMI presented Franklin with a video tribute highlighting some of his most precious moments at past Trailblazers luncheons.
Musical tributes began with an awe-inspiring nod to Daryl Coley, featuring Zacardi Cortez, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Earnest Pugh, Floyd Wilkinson, Beverly Crawford and Jason Nelson. Serving as the event’s triumphant finale, the charismatic songs of Richard Smallwood were then celebrated with dynamic performances by Yolanda Adams, Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper and Timiney Figueroa, Y’Anna Crawley, Dorinda Clark Cole, Donnie McClurkin and Marvin Sapp.
Check out our gallery below of pictures from the red carpet and show. Also, click play on the videos to see some of our exclusive interviews!
Jessica Reedy:
DeWayne Woods:
Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper
William McDowell:
