Indie Artists Deserve Love, Too!

From The Belle Report, by way of Bil Carpenter. TBGB congratulates all the winners of the En Sound Music Awards, but most especially Margaret Allison of the Angelic Gospel Singers, who was a guest on TBGB’s “Gospel Memories” radio show (www.gospelmemories.com) and June Rochelle, a former TBGB “Pick of the Week.”

Newark, NJ — The 1st Annual En Sound Music Awards was a complete success this past Saturday evening. Held at the Robert Treat Hotel and hosted by comedian RodZ , the evening celebrated independent gospel artists – who are often ignored by other awards shows that cater to major-label artists. Independent gospel artist, who founded the En Sound online radio network, came up with the awards concept and bankrolled the event himself.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were handed out to Margaret Allison of the Angelic Gospel Singers who cracked the audience up with her humorous acceptance speech before delivering an astounding performance that had everyone on their feet. The Rev. Timothy Wright received the same award but was a no-show, but legendary radio announcer, Brother Don, was there to scoop his up.

The big winners of the evening were Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music (left) who garnered three awards for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Chiquita Green walked away with two awards for Best Urban Soul Album and Best Jazz Performance, the latter being a tie with Jazz Guitarist, Kevin Turner. “I Love New York” jingle singer, Roz Esposito, won best inspirational song of the year for “Healer of Hearts.” Her co-writer, Steve “Hollywood” Gaspar sent Souden a note of praise afterwards. “I just wanted to send you a quick note to congratulate you on a wonderful event Saturday evening,” he wrote. “You should be very proud.”

Below are the winners highlighted in bold yellow. If you missed it…you in fact missed the indie star-studded event of the year and one of the best gospel music events of 2006. Congratulations to all! A full report of the evening is forthcoming.

Album of The Year- (In The Fellowship) – Patrick Lundy & Ministers of Music
Artist of The Year- Patrick Lundy & The Ministers of Music
Best Urban Soul Album- (Let Go) – Chiquita Green
Best Female Vocalist- June Rochelle
Best Group or duo, Female- Witherspoon
Best Group/Duo, Male- Ordained Praise
Best Holy Hip Hop Recording- (Crossing The Jordan) – God’s Fam
Best Jazz Performance (A tie)- (Full Circle) – Chiquita – (His Eye Is On The Sparrow) – Kevin Turner
Best Male Vocalist – Ernest Pugh
Best Reggae Album- (His Way) – Chevelle Franklin
Choir of The Year- John Tillery & Living Sacrifice
Best Inspirational Song- (Healer of Hearts/Written By: Roz Esposito & Steve Gaspar ) – Roz Esposito
Song of the Year_- (In The fellowship/Written by: Patrick Lundy) – Patrick Lundy & Ministers of Music
Traditional Gospel Performance_- (No Doubt In My Mind) – Bubba Johnson & The Omega Singers

Media contact: Bill Carpenter at [email protected] or 202-636-7028