During the show Stellar Gospel Music Awards founder, Don Jackson bestowed a Stellar Awards Hall of Fame medallion commemorating excellence in their respective fields upon Tyscot Records founder, musician and pastor, Dr. Leonard Scott, record executive, writer/publisher relations, Catherine Brewton, gifted vocalist, songwriter, producer, musician and arranger, Fred Hammond and legendary gospel music group, Mississippi Mass Choir.
With great enthusiasm, Stellar Gospel Awards Founder, Don Jackson shared some exciting news with the packed-house, “I am pleased to announce the launch of Stellar TV — a 24-7 Gospel music entertainment network scheduled to go on the air the fourth quarter of 2017. Gospel music needs its own platform. Text “StellarTV” to 797979. We need your support.”
One of the most moving musical collaborations of the night featured the undeniable talent of three quartet music icons, Da Chozen Brothaz, Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson and Doug Williams who performed a tribute to the legendary Spencer Taylor, Jr. (of the Highway QCs) before he received the Allstate James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award. Gospel musician, pastor and civil rights leader, Reverend Clay Evans was presented with the Ambassador Dr. Bobby Jones Legend Award and the Thomas A. Dorsey Most Notable Achievement went to superstar Harvey Watkins, Jr. (of the Canton Spirituals).
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards Pre-Show also occurred the day before on Friday, March 24 to celebrate the non-televised awards, such as Hezekiah Walker for Walmart Choir of the Year, Tamela Mann for Traditional Female Vocalist and Traditional CD of the Year, Travis Greene for Contemporary CD of the Year, Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year and Praise and Worship CD of the Year, Hezekiah Walker for Choir of the Year, Chicago Mass Choir for Traditional Choir of the Year, Bri (Brianna Babineaux) for Contemporary Female Vocalist of the Year, Donnie McClurkin for Traditional Male Vocalist of the Year and Keith “Wonderboy" Johnson for Quartet of the Year.
Travis Greene, Tamela Mann and Myron Butler in the press room at the 32nd Annual Stellar Awards
Photo Credit: Maury Phillips, Courtesy of Central City Productions/TV One