(L-R) Jonathan “JJ” Jones, Vice President-Creative of R&S at ASCAP, Kenneth Leonard Jr., Grammy Award-winning artist and ASCAP songwriter, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, J. Marie Jones, Senior Director, Rhythm & Soul at ASCAP, and Jason Reddick, Director of Creative Services at ASCAP (Photo by Alston Media Group)
Grammy Award-Winning Gospel Artist Tasha Cobbs Leonard Honored for Success of “Gracefully Broken”
NEW YORK, August 14, 2026 – On August 13, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP), together with Motown Gospel, celebrated the most renowned names in gospel music at the Stellar Awards Nominee Mixer at The Omni Hotel in Charlotte, NC.
The exclusive, invite-only reception kicked off with guests mingling and connecting over hors d’oeuvres and cocktails before ASCAP Vice President, Creative Membership Jonathan ‘JJ’ Jones welcomed attendees. The celebration continued with a special presentation from Motown Gospel Executive Vice President Walter Thomas and the Motown Gospel team honoring Grammy Award-winning artist and ASCAP songwriter Tasha Cobbs Leonard, who was presented with a platinum plaque for her single “Gracefully Broken.” The RIAA certification celebrates the achievement of more than 1 million units sold, reflecting the success and an enduring impact of Leonard’s music.
The room was filled with some of gospel music’s most notable artists, influencers and 2026 Stellar Gospel Music Awards nominees including: JJ Hairston, Jovonta Patton, Kim Person, Mike Teezy, Nia Allen, Maurette Brown Clark, Brandon Camphor and One Way, Dante Pride, Stan Jones, William Murphy and more.
Written by : Bob Marovich
Bob Marovich is a gospel music historian, author, and radio host. Founder of Journal of Gospel Music blog (formally The Black Gospel Blog) and producer of the Gospel Memories Radio Show.
