The Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards, led by the passionate Pastor Larry Davies, has announced the names of the eight individuals that have blazed the trail and set the standards for gospel music over the nation.
These individuals are teachers, preachers, singers, musicians, and administrators. They will be recognized throughout the award weekend of February 13-16, 2025, at various scheduled events. All events that weekend will be held at the Houston Hobby Marriott Hotel.
Gospel music has evolved over the years, since the days of Mary and Mary and Kirk Franklin, with thousands of gifted acts using their musical talent to spread the message of Christ. Independent artists have contributed immensely to the growth of the industry, making up a sizeable part of the market.
Unfortunately, there are not enough platforms for such acts to show their craft and get appreciated. The case is not particularly different in the United States, which is where the Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards, as put together by Pastor Larry, is looking to make a difference.
There will be two categories of honorees at this event. The first is the Living Legends Award. The Living Legend Award is awarded to a man or a woman who has been in the gospel music industry over 40 years who has demonstrated progressive leadership in his or her perspective area of gospel music. His or her body of work has withstood the test of time and made a positive impact on the industry.
The second is the Trail Blazer Award. The Trail Blazer Award is awarded to a person who has taken the lead in his or her perspective gospel music area and created opportunities for others to grow and excel as well. They may not be in the spotlight, but you are to see their handy work all over the finished products.
Nominations for these two awards were submitted to the founders and after examining the information provided, honorees were selected.
The Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards are honored to recognize the following individuals:
Living Legends
Mr. Duane Knight aka Dr. D Brooklyn, New York
Mrs. Linda Diane Wallace Mitchell St. Louis, Missouri
Dr. Albert Morgan Bridgeton, New Jersey
Mr. Herman Solomon Texas City, Texas
Trail Blazers
Akiela Jacobs aka Lyrik Atlanta, Georgia
Apostle Dr. Teresa Jordan aka Pastor T Atlanta, Georgia
Dr. Stephanie Mc Donald Brodnax, Virginia
Phyllis Wong Tampa, Florida
The award show weekend will begin on Thursday, February 13th with an afternoon opening ceremony and evening event to pay tribute to quartet music and the legends in the industry.
Other activities for the event include a Morning Glory program and Power2Praise Educational Sessions to focus on the Business of the Music Industry, Artist Health and Wellness, Praise and Worship, Praise Dance and Mime Ministry, Ministers of Music & Pastor Coordination, and Women of Excellence. There will also be a Media Luncheon to include a new artist showcase as well as the Founder’s Luncheon.
Winners will be announced at the award show on Thursday night, Friday night and Saturday evening. After the award show on Friday night, there will be an International Show featuring artists from Africa, Europe, and the Caribbean.
The Red-Carpet Event will be on Saturday from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm before the award ceremony. Following the award show on Saturday night, the Gospel DJ’s will be hosting an After Party. The finale is ChoirMania. It will be at the hotel beginning at 4 pm on Sunday. Local churches as well as gospel choirs from across the country will participate in this celebration.
