Gospel Music Association

Gospel Music Association
Abbreviation	GMA
Formation	1964
Website	www.gospelmusic.org

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) was founded in 1964 for the purpose of supporting and promoting the development of all forms of Gospel music. There are currently about 4,000 members worldwide (GMA 2010). The GMA provides a network in which artists, industry leaders, retail stores, radio stations, concert promoters and local churches can coordinate their efforts for the purpose of benefiting the Christian music industry.

The GMA supports all forms and subgenres of gospel music, including "pop, rock, praise and worship, black gospel, R&B, hip hop, southern gospel, country, and more" (GMA 2010).

Events

GMA Music Week

In April of every year, the GMA holds what has come to be called "GMA Music Week" (formally "GMA Week") around Nashville, Tennessee. The week long event includes seminars, concerts and "meet and greet" events for artists, industry workers and members of the media. "GMA Music Week" ends with the annual GMA Dove Awards ceremony, which serves to honor the outstanding achievements in contemporary Christian and gospel music. GMA Music Week will be held April 18-21st, 2010 with the Dove Awards to be handed out April 21, 2010.

Music in the Rockies / Immerse

Annually held in Estes Park, Colorado, since 1974 "Music in the Rockies" (formally Seminar in the Rockies) is a showcase event for aspiring (often unsigned) songwriters and artists in the Christian music industry. This event was replaced by a new event, "Immerse", in Nashville, Tennessee in 2009. "Immerse" will be held July 28-31st in 2010.

Gospel Music Hall of Fame

The GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame, which was created in 1971, is dedicated exclusively to recognizing meaningful contributions of individuals in all forms of gospel music. Inductees include Elvis Presley, Mahalia Jackson, Keith Green, Larry Norman, The Blackwood Brothers, The Imperials, J. D. Sumner and The Stamps, The Jordanaires and others.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• GMA Dove Awards
• GMA Canada

References

• Gospel Music Association. (2010) GMA Mission.

External links

• www.gospelmusic.org Official website