The Gospel Music Channel and The Recording Academy® Announce the "Gospel Music Heritage Month" Initi

Celebrating Gospel Music's Great Legacy

Washington, DC – The Gospel Music Channel television network has joined with Senator Blanche L. Lincoln (D-Ark.), Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.), and The Recording Academy® to launch the "Gospel Music Heritage Month" initiative.

Pictured at the event at the Capitol (Left to Right): Carl Davis, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), GMC Founder and President Charles Humbard, Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.), President/CEO of The Recording Academy Neil Portnow, and GMC Senior Director of Music Development Alvin Williams.

The legislation in the House of Representatives (H.Con. Res. 370) and the Senate (S. Res. 595) designates September 2008 as "Gospel Music Heritage Month," honoring gospel music for its valuable long-standing contributions to American culture. The initiative was created by the Gospel Music Channel, the country's first and only 24/7 television network devoted to all forms of Gospel/Christian music. The initiative was publicly unveiled at The Recording Academy's GRAMMY®s on the Hill event at the U.S. Capitol on June 18.

“Gospel Music is a cornerstone of the American musical tradition and has grown beyond its established audience to achieve pop-culture and historical relevance across the globe,” said Lincoln. “My home state of Arkansas has a rich history in gospel music and I am proud to honor this tradition that has touched audiences around the world.”

"In addition to its contribution to American music, gospel music has provided the cultural and musical backdrop across all of mainstream media, including art, books, television and motion pictures. It is infused in the DNA of our entire society and a month to recognize its importance and vast contributions to our country is long overdue," commented Hutchison.

"Gospel music is an important American legacy and continues to play a significant role of the lives of millions. It is appropriate to honor the countless contributions Gospel music has made to our society," said Leahy.