Gospel Music Shines at Stellar Awards

Donald Lawrence Leads List of Winners With Six Stellar Awards

Special Tributes To The Winans Family and Fred Hammond

21st Stellar Gospel Music Award Nominees

21st Stellar Gospel Music Awards February 2006 Schedule

Nashville, Tenn - The 21st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards proved to be a night filled with spirited performances, special tributes and a line-up of some of entertainment’s most celebrated stars. Gospel diva Vickie Winans served as co-host for the show, joined by Donnie McClurkin and Israel, welcoming performers and presenters to a packed house.

Mary Mary and Tye Tribbett performing

The big winner of the night was Donald Lawrence, who received 10 nominations, and took home six Stellar Awards. J Moss, who also received 10 nomination nods, followed Lawrence picking up three awards, including “New Artist of the Year.” Walter Hawkins and Lil iRocc Williams both received two awards.

Another highlight of the evening included Aretha Franklin’s presentation of “Song of the Year” to Jonathan Nelson for his song, Healed.

Fred Hammond was among those receiving special recognition for his pioneering work in songwriting, outstanding performances and record sales success in the gospel music industry. Joann Rosario and Men of Standard serenaded Hammond with a melody of some of his most notable recordings, including Running Back, No Weapon, Blessed and Glory-to-Glory. Gospel dynamo Kirk Franklin was on hand to present Hammond with the Most Notable Achievement Award.

One of the most memorable and touching moments of the evening was the tribute to The Winans Family. Known as the First Family of Gospel Music, The Winans have been trailblazers in multi-musical genres spawning hits in traditional, contemporary, urban/hip-hop, to name a few. Andre Crouch, a 2003 recipient of the James Cleveland Award, introduced Chante Moore, Kenny Lattimore and Rizen, who performed a special tribute celebrating the life and legacy of the late Ronald Winans. The Rev. Jesse Jackson, who opened the show with an inspirational prayer, also presented the family with the prestigious award, which is given annually to someone who has made a major impact in the development and advancement of gospel music.

Yolanda Adams

The show concluded with a powerful finale by this year’s Stellar Award dominator Donald Lawrence.

This weekend airdates:

21st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Winners List

Artist of the Year Donald Lawrence I Speak Life Right Now  Song of the Year Healed Jonathan Nelson Healed

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Male Vocalist of the Year J. Moss The J Moss Project Livin'  Female Vocalist of the Year Dianne Williams The Remix Work It Out

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Group/Duo of the Year Donald Lawrence & CO. I Speak Life New Artist of the Year J. Moss The J Moss Project We Must Praise

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CD of the Year I Speak Life Donald Lawrence & CO. Choir of the Year Dr. Charles G. Hayes & The Warriors The Remix You Are Worthy

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Contemporary CD of the Year I Speak Life Donald Lawrence & CO. Traditional CD of the Year A Song In My Heart Walter Hawkins God Is Stading By

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Urban/Inspirational Single/Performance of the Year Heaven Mary Mary Heaven  Music Video of the Year The Remix Dr. Charles G. Hayes & The Warriors

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Traditional Choir of the Year Mark S. Hubbard & The Voices Blessin’ Watin’ On Me Blessin' Waitin' on Me   Contemporary Choir of the Year Sounds of Blackness Unity Unity

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Instrumental CD of the Year The Gospel According to Jazz Chapter II Kirk Whalum Special Event CD of the Year When He Came Martha Munizzi When He Came

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Rap Hip/Hop Gospel CD of the Year The Sequel Lil iRocc Williams Children’s Performance of the Year The Sequel Lil iRocc Williams

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Producer of the Year Donald Lawrence I Speak Life Contemporary Group/Duo of the Year Donald Lawrence & Co. I Speak Life

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Traditional Group/Duo of the Year Rizen Rizen 2 We've Come to Magnify The Lord   Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year J. Moss The J Moss Project I Wanna Be

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Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year Walter Hawkins A Song in My Heart Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year Kierra Kiki Sheard I owe you You Don't Know

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Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year Dottie Peoples Live in Memphis – “He Sad It” He Said It   Quartet of the Year The Soul Seekers The Soul Seekers Make Away

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Recorded Music Packaging of the Year Denise Trotman I Speak Life I Speak Life

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About City Central Productions

The Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. (CCP) produces the Stellar Gospel Music Awards. It has been 20 years since the first awards show was taped at the Arie Crown Theater in Chicago, and the Stellar Awards has now become the premier Gospel event that recognizes and honors African American artists. This one of a kind award show has showcased top Gospel artists and many television and film stars.

The Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is executive produced by Don Jackson, and produced by Barbara Wilson for Central City Productions. Michael Johnson will direct this year’s award show, and Jennifer Jackson is the executive-in-charge of production. Erma Gray Davis is the president of Central City Productions.

Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Chicago Central City Productions is a distributor of original programming to television and cable networks. This year’s Stellar Awards sponsors include The Coca-Cola Company, McDonald’s Corporation, Chevrolet, American Airlines, Ford, Johnson and Johnson, S.C. Johnson, Toyota and Wal-Mart. Media partners include ABC Radio Network, Rejoice, Gospel Truth and the Sheraton Broadcast Network.

The 21st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Show will air in syndication from January 28 through March 5, 2006. Please check local listings for dates and times. For further information, please contact Jalila Larsuel at JL Media Relations at (626) 398-5028 or via e-mail at jlmediapr@aol.com.