The 2008 GRAMMY Salute To Gospel Music® took place on June 18, 2008 at the historic Lincoln Theatre in Washington, DC. Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow presented Edwin and Walter Hawkins, Sandi Patty, and the Winans with the President's Merit Award, recognizing the contributions they have made to the music industry and the impact their efforts have had on music and the business of music.
Created and produced by Carlos Hale (Rare Entertainment Group), The Urban Soul Birthday Bash showcased some of the finest Gospel, Urban and Hip Hop artists. Some of the artists that appeared were: Jonathan Nelson, Dwayne Woods, Alvin Slaughter, Da’Truth, Cynthia Jones, B. Reith, Crystal Aiken, T. Lynne Smith, Paula Sanchez, Lisa McClendon, Grits.J.R., Darlene McCoy, V3, Paulis Sanchez, Onitsha, Leon Timbo and the list goes on!
