The Kennedy Center in Washington, DC was the place to be on Saturday, September 3, as the Evolution of Gospel concert kicked-off Gospel Music Heritage Month. The concert, sponsored by the Gospel Music Heritage Foundation and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-D) featured multiple award-winning gospel artists Richard Smallwood, Kirk Franklin and Marvin Sapp. Radio personalities Jacquie Gales Webb (WHUR) and Winston Chaney (WYCB) served as co-hosts.
However, this was so much more than a concert. It was a way to recognize and acknowledge the significance of gospel music’s rich history. This was also the third year that Congresswoman Lee successfully introduced House Joint Resolution 64 making September Gospel Music Heritage Month.
The near-capacity crowd not only had the opportunity to hear great music, they were also provided with information about the unique journey of gospel music as Minister Howard Watson took the audience through the annals of time and gospel’s evolution. Congresswoman Lee also reminded the audience that Elvis Presley is also part of gospel music’s legacy as she empahsized the diversity of the genre.
"We envision people celebrating all around the country, all around the world. We want to help share and spread the good news and that’s why the Congresswoman has led the initiative to create Gospel Music Heritage month because it’s all genres of gospel music. A lot of people are unaware so, we want to just tell the story".~ Carl D. Davis, Foundation Chair
The 7 Sons of Soul opened the show with “Clap Your Hands.” Kirk Franklin gave an electrifying performance of “Imagine Me” and his #1 hit “Smile”, skillfully backed by Anthony Brown and Group TherAPy. At one point Franklin entered the audience, standing in one of the seats as the audience cheered.
First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Bobby Jones (Bobby Jones Gospel) and Radio One founder Cathy Hughes were honored for their contributions to the preservation of gospel music. Before the awards ceremony Jones said, “It feels wonderful. Anytime your peers can acknowledge what you have been doing for the many years that I have been doing it, it’s just a wonderful feeling. I’m excited.” Although the First Lady was not able to attend, the audience erupted into thunderous applause as her award was announced.
Marvin Sapp performed his signature hit, “Never Would Have Made It” and got a huge response from the audience with many singing along. Next up was Richard Smallwood and Vision who performed his two anthems, the current Billboard hit “Trust Me” from the Promises album and “Total Praise.” The audience was on their feet during the majority of the performance and were still praising as the group left the stage.
The Washington Performing Arts Society, directed by Stanley J. Thurston delivered a strong, beautifully arranged version of the classic hymn “Pass Me Not." There were also a few surprises for the audience along the way as Kathy Taylor took to the stage and sang “The Corinthian Song” in her powerful voice. “I count it a blessing and a privilege that God would allow me this opportunity to be a part of such a great heritage”, Taylor said after the concert. Sean McLemore sang “I Believe,” the song he helped make famous with James Fortune and FIYA.
The 7 Sons of Soul returned and they were soon joined by DC artist and previous Sunday Best winner, Y’Anna Crawley. Shortly thereafter Webb, Chaney, Taylor, McLemore and some members of the Gospel Music Heritage Foundation Committee including Foundation Chair Carl D. Davis, Congresswoman Lee and co-chair Jazzy Johnson, EMI-Verity Records came to the stage for the concert finale.
"Like every other music form it should be celebrated for its contributions. Every other style of music really borrows something from gospel music. This is just something that’s way overdue and thanks to Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee for really shepherding this through Congress to make it an official celebrated month." ~Jazzy Jordan, Concert Co-Chair, EMI-Verity Records
DC Host Committee chair, Ron Magnus continued his vigorous efforts behind the scenes for the reception that immediately followed. It was a memorable night that was well executed and definitely showcased gospel at its finest. The celebration of gospel music continues throughout the month and a concert is scheduled in Houston, TX, Congresswoman’s Lee home state later this month.
© 2011Sarah Hearn
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