Daryl Coley & Richard Smallwood Feted at BMI Trailblazers Luncheon

The Gospel music industry gathered en masse as Broadcast Music, Incorporated  (BMI) celebrated the music and ministry of Daryl Coley and Richard Smallwood at its 15th annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon.

Donnie McClurkin was joined this year by Erica Campbell (Mary Mary) as  hosts for the luncheon, along with Del Bryant, BMI President and Catherine Brewton, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Atlanta.  During the celebration, BMI honored Kirk Franklin for penning “Take Me to the King,”  BMI’s Most-Performed Gospel Song of the Year performed by Tamela Mann and appearing on her Billboard chart topping Best Days CD.

The musical tributes were phenomenal and included presentations from  Zacardi Cortez (“Jesus Saves”), Tasha Page-Lockhart (“He’s Preparing Me”), Earnest Pugh (“More Like Jesus”), Floyd Wilkinson (“II Chronicles”), Beverly Crawford (“Can’t Tell It All”) and Jason Nelson (“Sovereign”). Serving as the event’s triumphant finale, the charismatic songs of Richard Smallwood were then celebrated with dynamic performances by Yolanda Adams (“ Total Praise”/“I Love The Lord”), Anaysha Figueroa-Cooper and Timiney Figueroa (“Angel Watching Over Me”), Y’Anna Crawley (“He Won’t Leave You”), Dorinda Clark Cole (“What He’s Done For Me”), Donnie McClurkin (“Jesus Lover of My Soul”/“Center of My Joy”) and Marvin Sapp (“Healing”).