Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) celebrated the songwriters and music publishers behind the past year’s most-performed songs in Christian music tonight during the organization’s annual Christian Music Awards, held at BMI’s Nashville offices on Music Row.
Consistent chart-topper tobyMac earned his third consecutive Christian Songwriter of the Year crystal and shares the 2012 honor with Casting Crowns frontman Mark Hall, singer/songwriter Matt Maher, Southern gospel staple Kyla Rowland and hit songwriter/producer Chris Stevens. The unusual five-way tie occurred because the hit-makers each wrote or co-wrote two of the songs on the year’s most-performed list.
Cross-format superstar Kirk Franklin earned Christian Song of the Year honors for his smash “I Smile,” published by Aunt Gertrude Music Publishing LLC and Bridge Building Music.
With the highest percentage of copyright ownership among the year’s most-performed songs, powerhouse EMI CMG Publishing clinched the Christian Publisher of the Year win.
During the ceremony, prolific family group the Isaacs, 2012 Dove Awards Artist of the Year Jason Crabb and dynamic contemporary Christian singer/songwriter Chris Tomlineach delivered inspirational performances.
Jody Williams, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville, and Associate Director Leslie Roberts served as the evening’s hosts alongside Phil Graham, BMI Senior Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations.
A complete list of the 2012 BMI Christian Award winners is available at www.bmi.com.
