The Clark Sisters, Dr. Bobby Jones and Michael W. Smith were honoured recently by the Recording Academy at the GRAMMY Salute To Gospel Music™ event at the Lincoln Theater in Washington, DC., on June 8th. The trio were presented with the Recording Academy President’s Merit Award which recognizes the contributions that key individuals have made in the music industry and the impact their efforts have had on music and the business of music. The GRAMMY Salute To Gospel Music™ event recognizes those who have made significant contributions to gospel music, while supporting the history and importance of the genre.

Red Carpet Moment, Pictured(L-R): Jimmy Jam, Recording Academy Vice Chairman; Michael W. Smith; Dr. Bobby Jones and Neil Portnow, President of The Recording Academy

Last week’s event featured performances by four-time GRAMMY® winner Yolanda Adams, soulful gospel singer Vanessa Bell Armstrong, award-winning gospel singer Byron Cage, honorees The Clark Sisters, contemporary Christian music singer Crystal Lewis, two-time GRAMMY® winner Donnie McClurkin, contemporary gospel singer Kierra “Kiki” Sheard, gospel composer/pianist/arranger Richard Smallwood, honouree Michael W. Smith and four-time GRAMMY® winner BeBe Winans. Performances were under the leadership of award-winning musical director Donald Lawrence.

During Michael W. Smith’s portion of the evening, Crystal Lewis performed a moving version of Breathe before a very interactive crowd. Donnie McClurkin then took stage and sang, Place in this World followed by the Michael W. Smith classic, Friends. Smith humbly accepted the Recording Academy President’s Merit Award and then sang, Above All before an audience on its feet.

For more information on the honourees, visit their respective YMZ artist pages.