Performing rights group BMI (see website) held their annual Gospel Trailblazers Luncheon at the popular Rockets restaurant, in downtown Nashville on Friday, January 12th, 2007, just prior to the Stellar Awards.

The event honors legends in the world of Gospel, with previous honorees including The Clark Sisters, The Hawkins Family, The Rance Allen Group, and John P. Kee.

Photo Gallery

See the numerous photos from BMI Gospel Trailblazer's Luncheon. Check out the full gallery, including candid shots! Photo Gallery of BMI Gospel Trailblazer's Luncheon

This year's event honored BMI-affiliated artists and songwriters, Fred Hammond and Yolanda Adams. With Kim Burrell acting as MC, a crack band under the direction of Joe Wilson, and vocal crew under the direction of Donald Lawrence, the tone was set for a rousing and praise-filled afternoon.

The capacity crowd sat down to a innovative turkey casserole dinner, but quickly got to their feet when the musical tribute to Fred Hammond began. Beginning with Israel Houghton who sang "Pass Me Not", and moving to Marvin Sapp singing "Glory to Glory to Glory". Fred Hammond accepted the award with a moving testimony.

Yolanda Adams was then honored by Melonie Daniels singing the old school "My Liberty" from Yolanda's Southeast Inspirational Choir days, and then Sheri Moffat-Jones, Coko, Kim Burrell and Karen Clark Sheard also offering musical tributes.

BMI executives Catherine Brewton, Wardell Malloy and Thomas Cain were on hand to celebrate with artists and industry notables, making the event reside in the memory for a very long time.