The United Kingdom is preparing to etch a historic milestone into its cultural legacy this October with the launch of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame United Kingdom—the nation’s first institution dedicated to celebrating the legends, pioneers, and enduring impact of gospel music.
The official launch will take place during at the International Music Summit (The Summit), a premier global gathering for artists, producers, creatives, and industry leaders, held October 2–4, 2025, at the Hilton London Heathrow Hotel.
A Global Stage for Gospel
The International Music Summit is more than a conference—it is a dynamic convergence of creativity and business. With masterclasses, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and live showcases, the Summit provides a platform where independent artists and seasoned professionals can learn how to navigate today’s ever-evolving music landscape. Topics will range from intellectual property and digital streaming strategies to artist branding, marketing, production, and international touring, offering practical tools and connections to help careers flourish. This year’s Summit is curated around the theme “Legacy, Leadership & Global Sound.”
The centerpiece will be the Gospel Music Hall of Fame UK Induction Ceremony, set for Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the historic Bloomsbury Baptist Church in central London—a landmark where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once spoke. The ceremony will include live performances, tributes, and award presentations, uniting gospel voices from the UK, USA, and beyond.
Visionary Leadership
“This is more than an event—it’s a moment of cultural recognition,” says Dr. Carol Crawford Danner, founder of Back2BackPR Global and The International Music Summit. “For decades, gospel artists in the UK have made monumental contributions with little formal recognition. We are proud to honor their work and preserve our musical heritage for generations to come.”
Dr. Crawford has partnered with Dr. Monica R. Butler, founder of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame USA in St. Louis, Missouri. Together, these two dynamic leaders are laying the foundation for an international initiative that honors excellence, preserves history, and inspires future generations of gospel artists across continents.
Why It Matters:
- History in the Making: First-ever UK Gospel Music Hall of Fame
- Women Leading the Way: Two trailblazing Black women driving global recognition of gospel music
- Global Faith + Artistry: A cross-continental music summit uniting cultures through gospel
- From Runway to Records: Dr. Carol’s remarkable journey from London’s fashion industry to gospel music leadership
- Cultural Legacy: Honoring a genre that shaped both sacred and mainstream music worldwide
Inductees Include:
The induction ceremony will recognize over 30 legendary artists, choirs, and groups, including:
Karen Gibson, MBE
- Bishop John Francis
- Professor Ken Burton
- Noel Robinson
- Audrey Gray
- Juliet Fletcher
- Dr. Charmain Elliott
- Bishop Delroy Henry
- Kevin Tomlin
- The Gospel Flames (Donald Campbell, Charles MacIntosh, John Francis, Ivory Laurence)
- The Giant Gospel Choir (Paulette Francis, Cheyenne Malcolm, Ruth Whyte, Joannie J, Ray Stewart, Tony Best, Sinclair Malcolm)
- The Golden Chords (Stephany Ferguson)
…and more, including posthumous honors for Fitz McIntyre, Linton Beckles, and Sandra Escoffrey.
UK Panelists include:
Dr. Charmain Elliott, Ven Spence (Gospel Reggae 360), Keziah Job (Hammond & Harmony), Sarah Holloway (ProVision Films), Kevin Tomlin (Music Historian), Bishop Delroy Henry (NTA), Sandra Godley OBE and Keith Kirk (Code Group Music).
USA Panelists include:
Dr. Aulsondro “Emcee NICE” Hamilton, Dr. Earl Bynum (National Alliance of the GMWA & LRAE Entertainment), Martin Christie (Producer), Benita Bellamy Kelley (The Bellamy Group), Johnny Sanders (Johnny Sanders presents) and Dr. Monica R. Butler (The Butler Group & GMHOF).
Artists Performing include:
Ron Bell & CM3, James Willis & Nu Praze, Angie B, Priscilla Bailey, Lisa Bellamy, Angela Missy Billups, Ernest Billups, Beverly Burton, Tina Divine, Brenda Emmanuel, William Fluker, Corine, Zoretta Hopkins, Yana Johnson, Natalie Jordan-Nixon & Called for Purpose, Joshua Kesler Janice Lary, Gina Lloyd, Phil Lynah, Terri McConnell, Nicole Matthew, Charles Moorer, Candyce Raiford, Christopher Simms, Tammy Smith, Eric Taylor, Markees Williams, Tommye Young West, Glory Movements and LeLe.
Summit Registration Now Open
Artists, musicians, creatives, producers, and gospel music lovers can register now at: www.theinternationalmusicsummit.com
About the International Music Summit
Founded by Back2BackPR Global, the International Music Summit is a global convening for artists, creatives, and professionals across the Christian and Gospel music industry. The Summit fosters collaboration, cross-cultural exchange, education, and visibility across genres and borders, offering artists and professionals the tools they need to thrive in today’s music industry.
About the Gospel Music Hall of Fame USA
Founded by Dr. Monica R. Butler in St. Louis, Missouri, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame USA recognizes and preserves the history of gospel music pioneers. Dr. Butler is currently transforming the historic Second Baptist Church into a cultural hub and museum honoring gospel’s foundational figures.
About Dr. Carol Crawford Danner
Dr. Carol Crawford Danner is a seasoned professional in the gospel music industry with nearly three decades of experience across the UK and USA. She began her career in fashion, running a plus-size modeling agency in London, before shifting into gospel music leadership. She has managed artists, curated gospel venues, and now leads initiatives on both sides of the Atlantic.
Her leadership roles include serving as 2nd Vice Chair of the National Alliance of Gospel Music Professionals, UK Region President of the National Association of Gospel Radio (NAGR), Arts Commissioner in Washington State, and Grammy U Mentor with the Recording Academy.
Recent honors:
- PhD in Entertainment & The Arts (2023)
- President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service (2023)
- Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Missouri (2023)
