GMWA History - NYCU

GOSPEL MUSIC WORKSHOP OF AMERICA FAST FACTS·

Founded by the late Rev. James Cleveland· Bishop Albert Jamison currently serves as Chairman of the Board· The largest artistic organization of its kind with more than 185 active chapters in the United States, United Kingdom, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe and Asia· Active membership of approximately 75,000 includes professional and amateur gospel vocalists, instrumentalists, composers, arrangers, directors and producers· About 75 percent of the recordings on Billboard Magazine’s gospel charts are written, arranged, produced and/or performed by GMWA members.

GMWA ANNUAL CONVENTION FACTS·

First convened in Detroit in 1968 · Begins the second Sunday in August each year· Includes an Academic Division that offers more than 160 classes, workshops and seminars that are accepted in several states for undergraduate, graduate or continuing education credits· National Mass Choir is made up of 2,000 to 3,000 vocalists from chapters around the world and produces a new recording at each convention after only 16 hours of rehearsal· New recordings also are produced annually by the GMWA Women of Worship (women’s chorus), Men of Promise (men’s chorus) and Youth Division Choir· Convention registrants average 15,000 each year with an additional 3,000 to 5,000 guests from the host community who attend daily worship services and evening concerts during the week-long convention.

REV. JAMES CLEVELAND FACTS·

Born December 5, 1932 in Chicago, IL· First sang under the direction of the “Father of Gospel Music,” Thomas A. Dorsey· Performed with renowned artists including the Caravans, Thorn Gospel Singers, Mahalia Jackson, the Gospel All Stars, the Meditation Singers, the Cleveland Singers, Jessy Dixon, Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight· First smash hit was “The Love of God” with the Voices of Tabernacle of Detroit· Classic “Peace Be Still” was recorded in 1962 with the Angelic Choir of Nutley, NJ· Served as musical consultant for the television series “Roots” and many other film, TV and stage productions· Credited with writing, arranging, producing and/or recording more than 450 songs· Founder and pastor of the Cornerstone Institutional Baptist Church in Los Angeles· Received four Grammy awards and the NAACP Image award· Became the first ordained minister to receive a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 1981·

Died February 9, 1991 in Los Angeles, CA============================