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Nashville Hosts Successful Black History Month My Music Matters Luncheon

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June marks the sensational Black Music Month nationwide and Nashville wasn’t left out of the loop at all. We welcomed the month of June, 2017 in with a history making Black Music Month kickoff luncheon. The memorable event was themed:  “My Music Matters: A Celebration of Legends Lunch.

Nashville, TN is known worldwide for honorably bearing the title of:   “Music City USA” As the mid-state, capitol city host legendary, award winning artist in the genre’s of Country, Gospel, Jazz and Rhythm and Blues; tourism and relocation is growing in leaps and bounds, weekly.

The luncheon was designed to celebrate the contributions of iconic artists and benefits the Museum’s educational programs, recognized several top names in various industry categories and music genres. Such as;  legendary singer Patti LaBelle, gospel icon Kirk Franklin, King of New Jack Swing Teddy Riley, and Stax music producer David Porter.

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Actor/comedian David Mann served as host, and music executives Phil Thornton of RCA and Catherine Brewton of BMI served as co-chairs.

This year’s  honorees also enjoyed fitting  tribute performances from artists Tamela Mann, Kelly Price, Dave Hollister, Mannie Fresh, Le’Andria Johnson, Avery Wilson, and Jeremy O’Bryan. Everyone in attendance, performers, museum personnel, contributors and media alike were dressed to the nines for the landmark event.

The lunch was held to benefit the Museum’s educational programs, such as From Nothing to Something, a series of one-hour workshops that educates students in grades 3-8 about the innovations used to create music by memory, and Sips & Stanzas, a social networking event that provides adults with an opportunity to experience sounds from emerging artists and participate in engaging discussions about American’s music culture.

The National Museum of African American Music is set to open its doors in 2019. It is to be the only museum dedicated to preserving the legacy and celebrating the accomplishments of the many music genres created, influenced, or inspired by African Americans. Being built in Nashville, the Museum integrates history and interactive technology to share the untold story of the American Soundtrack.

“We could not do any of the work we are doing without your support. Consider donating today to keep the legacy of African American music going”, stated Lolita Toney. NMAAM Director of Development and Chief of Staff

For NMAAM and other music industry updates, photographs and valuable future coverage, keep a close eye on “Spotlight Tennessee.” We will continue to bring the best in relevant news, photography and video coverage as it unfolds in the Mid-State.

Spotlight Tennessee Features the 16th Annual Martin Luther King Fellowship Breakfast

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On Monday January 16, 2017 Bone McAllester Norton PLLC presented their 16th Annual Martin Luther King (MLK) Fellowship Breakfast and the event command audience was standing room only! With a tagline that proudly says: ‘Law, Life and Passion’ the Nashville, Tennessee based mega law firm was already off to a great start.  Bone McAllester Norton PLLC is a full-service business law firm with offices in Nashville, Sumner County and Williamson County, Tennessee. Founded in 2002 with a focus on high-quality work, client satisfaction and community involvement, the firm consists today of more than 40 attorneys with an extensive range of practices and experiences. “We function under a commitment to accessibility, responsiveness, cost-effectiveness and professionalism and focus on building creative and strategic solutions for every client” says the firm.

Handling the Press and Media for such a large and memorable event was the esteemed  duGard Agency, Perri duGard Founder/CEO.As always Lady duGard handled every aspect of the event with elegance, and staunch professionalism. Attending to the needs and concerns of the media and guest and numerous attendees in the packed banquet room

Regina McCrary and the world renowned McCrary Sisters and Reverend Lawrence Thomison set the tone with their heartfelt Gospel music renditions. Both are legendary in the Christian/Gospel music industry, with years bringing passionate spiritual talent to listeners worldwide.   Nashville’s first lady, the honorable Mayor Megan Barry, Charles Bone and other dignitaries addressed the audience. The excited and grateful crown consisted of elected officials, business owners, civil servants and ironically families with children in tow for the historic event, of all ages.

Ambassador Andrew Young delivered a powerful keynote address; a tribute to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All which reflected on, previous economic, civil rights and political circumstances as well as current events and matters affecting us as American people.  Local and national Press and Media from all genres covered the noted event. Overall the 16th Annual MLK Fellowship Breakfast will be fondly remembered for some time to come. Another reason for the ‘proud lady known as Nashville and Music City USA to stand up and take a well deserved bow.

Surely plans are already underway for next year’s MLK event. No worries, ‘Spotlight Tennessee’ will be around to provide full coverage of that event as well.

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Greenwood Cemetery Elder Preston Taylor Annual Banquet

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The Greenwood Cemetery Inc. Board of Directors and Management held their Annual Elder Preston Taylor Banquet on Sunday December 11th, at the Millennium Maxwell House. This year marked the 128th anniversary celebration, honoring some of the people who have made and continue to make, the historic resting place memorable.

Greenwood Cemetery Inc. is comprised of four Nashville based locations, but known and recognized worldwide for its intrinsic beauty, history and value to African American’s and the community at large. The three locations are: 1. The Preston Taylor Mausoleum and Columbarium 1428 Elm Hill Pike (erected in 2012) Nashville, TN. – Greenwood Cemetery: The historical site formerly referred to as Main – 1428 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN, 2. Greenwood Cemetery –West, 820 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN. and 3.Greenwood Cemetery-North, 1248 South Dickerson Road, Goodlettsville, TN.

Founded in 1887, (established in 1888) Elder Preston Taylor purchased thirty-seven acres of land near “Buttermilk Ridge” at Elm Hill Road and Spence Lane on which he established the Greenwood Cemetery in 1888.  Preston, along with three other gentlemen, had planned to purchase this land together for $30,000. Preston was the only one who followed through on the transaction. His purpose was to mainly provide first class burial space that would be available at minimal cost for the African American population of Nashville, in particular, and for the surrounding communities.  In his Will he deeded the cemetery to the National Christian Missionary Convention of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); it remains, yet today, a non-profit establishment.

Dwayne L. Bell, Sr. Presiding Manager, Greenwood Cemetery kicked off the evening with greetings to all An array of upbeat and smooth dance music was provided by Laura Vida (band style).  Invocation from Board Member Beverly Dickason (fragment). The welcome was given by Board Chair Reverend, Dr. William Lee. Owner, Fasten Funeral Home and MTFD, MA, Inc President, William Jenkins delivered the greetings and the occasion was provided by Administrative Secretary, Reverend Dr. Timothy James. Music was provided throughout the meal and the program resumed with additional greetings from Reverend.

Dr. Cristal Williams, President and Regional Minister of Tennessee. Dwayne Bell, Sr. presented some prestigious awards and a couple of the awardees were pleasantly surprised. After more acknowledgements, introductions and remarks were delivered from Dwayne Bell, Sr. guest were invited to mix, mingle, network and to take advantage of the dancing until 9:30 pm.

Dwayne Bell, Sr. left no thanked and recognized his family: wife Beverly Walker Bell, son, Dwayne Bell, Jr. (it happened to be his birthday that evening), and daughter, Honorable General Sessions Judge Rachel L. Bell, along with his own minister, Reverend Dr. Judy Cummings and the Greenwood Cemetery Inc staff. 

As he acknowledged the staff, and others, he noted that “this is an event which we look forward to hosting. An affair where we show our appreciation and acknowledge and thank our  supporters for their day to day, extreme importance and how they work collectively to keep things running smoothly.”

For over 120 years the final resting place(s) known as Greenwood has continuously served the Nashville community for 115 years as a nonprofit corporation.  Greenwood Cemetery is steeped in beauty, history, and tradition and all
income goes into perpetual care, operation, and scholarships for students majoring in religious education.

Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Nashville Alumnae Chapter Annual Holiday Dance

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The Annual Delta Sigma Theta Inc Holiday Dance and gala was one of the most amazing events that Music City USA held in2016.

On Saturday night, December 10th, thousands of Nashville’s prominent African- American entrepreneurs, leaders and socialites partied at the Municipal Auditorium for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.  Nashville Alumnae Chapter’s Annual Holiday Soiree. 

It was a night to remember and said to be one of the classiest ‘invitation only’ affairs held in the Mid-state. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is a group of women vested in culture, education, loyalty and the empowerment of our community worldwide for over 100 years. Over 50 tables were hosted by Chapter members who are some of Nashville’s most prestigious leaders. State Representative, Brenda Gilmore ,Judge Rachel L. Bell Property Assessor, Vivian Wilhoite, Senator Thelma Harper to name a few. 

Everyone in attendance was dressed to the nines and each table carried its own flair as the table host decorated their tables.  They provided an array of tasty food and drink for their guests and no two were alike. It was almost magical to see the overall transformation of the venue. The difference between the usual concert or sports events held there to the tangible transpiration that took place for the Delta party was amazing. It was a “who’s who” memorable event and a few of those in attendance included; City Councilwoman at Large, Sharon Hurt, Publisher/Founder Tennessee Minority Pages-  Tunishia Scott, Co-Founder and President of Campus RX- Dr. Dorsha James, Comedian T. C. Cope, and Vernon Winfrey, Media Mogul Oprah Winfrey’s dad, Dr. Stephanie Hale Walker and her husband Presiding Bishop Joseph W. Walker III and many more.

There was even a photo booth complete with an array of photo props and various knick knacks designed to make the outcome of each photograph taken, even more memorable. Some of them were holiday themed and others were reflective of fun characteristics. One couple was overhead saying: “Man what a party, they thought of everything!”  Party guests arrived as couples, with other friends or alone, but all by invitation only. Crimson and crème are the official Delta colors and whereas there was a great deal of red attire worn, others stuck to black and the range of colors and fashionably beautiful attire added to the overall tapestry. 

The packed house danced to the turn table skills of Victor Chatman (Victor Chatman Productions). This included many members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council and their guest alike. All in all it was an equally yoked combination of empowerment and delightful fun.  If the plans for next year’s annual event are not already in the works, no doubt it soon will be.

“The Delta Sigma Theta Christmas party is an annual event that kicks off the festive season with our family, friends and supporters”, said sorority member and attendee Beverly Walker Bell.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was founded on January 13, 1913 by 22 collegiate women at Howard University and incorporated in 1930.  These students wanted to use their collective strength to promote academic excellence and to provide assistance to those in need. In March of 1913, the Founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. performed their first public act. They participated in the Women’s Suffrage March in Washington, D.C. Historic facts are courtesy of national website: www.deltasigmatheta.org

The 47th Annual GMA DOVE Awards to Air Soon – This Year’s Theme “LOVE Amplified”

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Dove 2The 47th Annual GMA DOVE Awards was so on point and almost electrifying. This year’s theme: ‘Love Amplified’ and as the seats and media room filled to capacity at the host venue; Lipscomb University Allen Arena, you could almost see the excitement building. There were so many valuable , working components including a bevy of pre-shows, showcases, concerts and VIP kick off receptions (as always) but the “day of the DOVES” will forever remain blessed and magical. Now organizers, talent, fans and everyone with an interest or passion with Christian, Gospel music, can sit back and enjoy the show – soon.

WHO:
Hosted by for KING & COUNTRY and Tye Tribbett, the 47th Annual GMA Dove Awards features performances by the biggest names in Christian and Gospel music, including Natalie Grant, Matthew West, The Isaacs, Anthony Brown, Tamela Mann, Hillsong UNITED and a special reunion performance by DC Talk.
Presenters include Lecrae, Hillary Scott, Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Lauren Daigle and more.
SoundExchange Digital Radio Award recipient: Chris Tomlin

WHAT: The GMA Dove Awards celebrate the contributions of artists from every style of Christian/Gospel music. Nominees are determined by over 1,600 professional members, and winners are voted on by the entire GMA membership of nearly 2,500.

WHEN: Airing Sunday, October 16 at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT and again on Saturday, October 22 at 11 PM ET/8 PM PT

About GMA:
Founded in 1964, the Gospel Music Association serves as the face and voice for the Gospel/Christian music community and is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the Gospel through music of all styles including Pop, Rock, Praise & Worship, Urban Gospel, R&B, Hip Hop, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country, Latin and more. The GMA community includes agents, artists, church leaders, managers, promoters, radio personnel, record company executives, retailers, songwriters and other industry visionaries. The GMA produces the GMA Dove Awards and IMMERSE. For more on supporting the GMA or becoming a member, please visit www.gospelmusic.org.Dove 3

About the Trinity Broadcasting Network: 
With thirty global networks, the Trinity Broadcasting Family of Networks is the world’s largest faith-and-family television group, airing a broad range of church and ministry programming, Christian music, family-friendly movies, children’s programming, and shows for teens and young adults 24 hours a day to every inhabited continent via 82 satellite channels and thousands of television and cable affiliates. In addition, TBN’s most popular global networks are available on computers, smart phones, and other mobile devices and over 40,000 entertaining and inspirational On-Demand programs are accessible via TBN’s innovative online network, iTBN.org.

To find out more about the Trinity Broadcasting Family of Networks, log on to www.tbn.org.

Black Music Honors in Music City USA Slayed the Night

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Recently a new event Honored Music Legends in Music City through tribute and song The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) was pleased to celebrate six acclaimed honorees and a foundational music label on August 18, 2016.

BMH 3Celebrate the Soul: Black Music Honors, NMAAM’s first branded show of this caliber, was a television taping co-hosted by Grammy award winner, Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Grammy award nominated R&B Singer, Ledisi. The star-studded celebration honored noted music legends such as: Pastor Shirley Caesar, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Big Daddy Kane, Dionne Warwick, Clarence Avant of Stax Records

The night was filled with live, tribute performances featuring Grammy winning recording artists Eddie Levert, Tina Campbell, Ann Nesby, Deborah Cox, and Andra Day as well as Chubb Rock, Cherelle, Gerald Alston and Stokley Williams. Jekalyn Carr gave a dynamic performance that led up to Reverend Shirley Caesar being honored. Legendary, Grammy award winning groups, The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards and The SOS Band also performed. Presenters included Kirk Franklin, “Big Jim” Wright, Monie Love, Kathy Sledge, Ethiopia Habtemariam and H. Beecher Hicks, III (president and CEO of NMAAM), along with several others.

Nashville’s love for quality music and entertainment consistency has long since earned the vibrant city the title; “Music City USA.” The new brick and mortar museum forthcominBMH 2g to the city will proudly display a bevy of talent history. The Black Honors was a night to remember as the Tennessee Performing Arts Commission (TPAC) venue hosted a packed audience. More quality programming and upcoming events representing NMAAM are in the works.

The Black Music Honors will air in Nashville, on WTVF-News Channel 5 on Sunday, September 4, 2016 at 3:00pm (CDT). The show will premiere nationally on the Bounce TV Network, Friday, September 23, 2016 at 9:00pm (EDT) and will re-air on Sunday, September 25, 2016 at 11:00am (EDT). The show will run in syndication on the Bounce and Aspire channels between September 23rd – October 9, 2016

Make plans to visit NMAAM in Music City, in late 2018 when the physical doors open.

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