CONTEMPORARY CH ;i E-1`.

Jackson, Way, Agajanian Top CCMA Awards

BY DEBORAH EVANS PRICE NASHVILLE -Alan Jackson, Dennis rÒTM Agajanian, and Del Way were the top Spirit_ winners at the eighth annual Chris- LONG TIME COMING: Like many Long admits to going through a tian Country Music Assn. (CCMA) BLESSED BY ASSOCIATION: If the in their relationship and their associa- artists who've spent most of their couple of weeks of feeling depressed. Awards, held Nov. 5 at Nashville's early response to John P. Kee's new tion with God. I want them to know lives singing in a group, Avalon's "There were days I thought, 'I'm never Ryman Auditorium. Jackson, Aga- release, Blessed by Association -due that they are blessed also." Janna Long has always wanted to going to get this record finished. It's janian, and Way each won two acco- in stores Nov. 12 -is any indicator, Verity's massive rollout includes record a solo album. "It's always been not going to make its release date. I'm lades, with Agajanian being named Verity Records has another big hit on churches, mailers, and a 20 -city tour a dream of mine," admits Long, who never going to walk again.' I just real- entertainer and top musician of the its hands. of key markets. TV spots will announce will continue performing with Aval- ly needed to be encouraged." year, while Way was voted song- "The first single, `I Won't Let Go,' has the release dates; a Thanksgiving food on as well. "I grew up singing in "Nothing Is Impossible" was one writer and new artist of the year. been added at 100% of gospel radio and giveaway at 30 -plus radio stations is church. I knew I wanted to make song that helped lift Long's spirits, as Jackson's "Where Were You (When is in heavy rotation at WPGC -AM [Lan- being planned, and a consumer print music a career, but I also knew it was did "Somebody Loves You." "It the World Stopped Turning)" was ham, Md.], WFMV [Columbia, S.C.], ad campaign is under way. "I want peo- what God was calling me to do. reminded me of when I was a kid and named song and video of the year. WGIV [Charlotte, N.C.], and Spirit XM," ple to understand the power of the rela- would sing 'Jesus Loves Me' in Sun- Verity/ senior VP of mar- tionship with the Lord," Kee says.' this day school and how simple that song keting Jazzy Jordan says. "We're more body of work will elevate the spirit and is, yet at the same time how profound than pleased by the response." hopefully open doors ... it's not just for it is. The God who made the world Credit the excitement being gener- gospel listeners." and everything in it loves me on an Chrlstiaa Cmn[ry Musk Association ated for Kee's new release to a tried - individual basis and knows exactly and-true styling that helped earn him THE HEAD OF THE PACK: With 10 what I'm going through today." Hosted by Collin Raye and Lisa the title Prince of Gospel. Yet while the nominations-including artist, male During her convalescence, Long Ryan, the awards show concluded 22 tracks are signature John P. Kee, vocalist, and song of the year, Richard says her husband, singer /songwriter the annual CCMA convention. Held there are a few surprises, starting with Smallwood led the list of nominees Greg Long, has been a rock, helping Nov. 1 -5, the gathering featured an introduction from Rance Allen that for the 18th annual Stellar Gospel her tremendously. He also joins Long seminars and showcases geared kicks off the high-energy first cut, "He's Music Awards, which were anounced on her album, lending vocals to up- toward artists who write and per- the Greatest." Also joining Kee are his Oct. 22. beat cut "Superman." form Christian country music. The oldest children, Shannon and Chris, followed with an Long, who is managed by Nor- show aired on various TV and radio both of whom travel and perform with impressive six nominations, includ- man Miller of Proper Management, outlets, including Total Living Net- him. Other change -ups include the ing artist, female vocalist, and CD feels she's known primarily as a bal- work, Daystar TV Network, Corner- African- flavored "Karama" and the of the year. and Don- "After I left college, the doors that lad singer but says she thinks her stone Television, Family Net, and country- spiked "Just for Me." ald Lawrence trailed with five nom- continued to open were opportunities solo album showcases even more of LeSea Network's World Harvest inations each. Other multiple nom- to be part of a group," says Long, who, her musical personality. "I think Radio. The CCMA Awards were also inees included Commissioned and when touring with Truth, met fellow people will be surprised at how streamed live on the Internet. . Avalon member Jody McBrayer (who much gospel and R &B influence I Stella Parton was named main- Among the show's highlights will also released a solo debut this fall). "I have. I grew up listening to Aretha stream artist of the year. She has been be a special presentation of the presti- kind of tucked away the dream of Franklin, Mahalia Jackson, and garnering attention this year with her gious James Cleveland Award to doing my own thing and thought that James Cleveland." autobiographical release, Appalachi- Andraé Crouch for his work in the one day, when the time was right, an Blues. Parton calls the album "the development and progression of God would make it happen." NEWS NOTES: Vanishing Point Rec- most philosophical project I've ever gospel music. Crouch, a songwriter/ But when she finally had the ords, based in Orange, Calif., has done" and says it's "been both a producer /arranger/singer, is seen as chance to begin recording Janna for signed a distribution agreement with catharsis and a celebration for me." one of the true pioneers of contempo- Sparrow Records, that dream began Diamante Music Group. The label is Clifton Jansky was named male rary gospel music. And for her out- feeling like a nightmare. In July, her owned by Scott Silletta, former vocalist of the year; Gayla Earlene standing contributions to gospel executive producer, Sparrow VP of leader of the bands Plankeye and took top honors in the female vocal- music and benchmark achievements A&R Grant Cunningham, died from Fanmail. Vanishing Point's first ist category. Well -known booking (standout performances, writing, and a head injury sustained during a soc- release -What You Want Is Now by agent Sonny Simmons was honored career record sales) in the genre, cer game. Columbus, Ohio, band House of with the Pioneer Award, and Dottie The album's lead -off single, how- Adams will receive the Stellar Awards "When Grant passed away this Heroes -will be released to Christ- Rambo was this year's recipient of ever, is Kee's first choice. "I had a hit Hall of Fame honor. summer, only two or three songs had ian retail Dec. 31 and in the general the Living Legend Award. A member off the last album [Not Guilty] titled Donnie McClurkin and Mary Mary been laid down. Then, four weeks market Jan. 4, 2003 ... Worship of the Gospel Music Assn. Hall of 'I Believe,' " he says. "This is straight- will share co- hosting honors with later, I fell and broke my ankle in leader /songwriter Terry MacAlmon Fame, Rambo is well -known as a up church, and it's my follow -up to first -time nominee and gospel music three places and had surgery," she has signed with M2.0 Communica- songwriter /performer whose work that song. newcomer Michelle Williams of recalls of slipping in water in the Dal- tions. His label debut, Visit Us, is due has been recorded by Dolly Parton, "I'm not a style changer," he con- Grammy Award -winning trio Des- las/Fort Worth airport. "I had to fin- Feb. 25 ... Southern -gospel fans Whitney Houston, and many others. tinues. "I do, however, like to em- tiny's Child. Those slated to perform ish the record in a cast without any have never been able to get enough Perennial favorites the Fox Broth- brace different styles. I'm a secret include Dorinda Clark -Cole, Smokie pain medication. It was challenging." of the Cathedrals. Though the popu- ers took home top honors in the admirer of country, but I still main- Norful, and Angela Spivey. The Long continued to tour with lar group is no longer together, its vocal group category, while Young tain who I am, and we've introduced awards will be taped Jan. 11, 2003, at Avalon, even though she couldn't musical legacy is alive and well via Harmony netted the duo of the year a style that has created a turn in the the Atlanta Civic Center for broadcast stand during performances, and fin- three new releases on Cathedral award. The Jeff Treece Band won the gospel music industry." in national syndication over cable and ished her record. She hopes the Records: Cathedrals Live! Coast to award for best trio, and Roy Fox won And his trademark balance of funk, PAX -NET stations Jan. 18 -Feb. 16. songs will minister to others the Coast, a home -video companion to the award for best comedy act. bass lines, tight harmonies, and church way she found them nurturing her the audio project that was released "We have the opportunity to touch tunes are what best -defines the latest BRIEFLY: Songwriter /producer/key- own needs. "So many of the songs I last year; Individually, the latest peoples' lives with Christian country production from the 22 -year gospel boardist /arranger Greg O'Quin will add had chosen for the record I really installment from the Cathedrals music," CCMA president Gene Hig- veteran, whose emphasis has long been yet another title to his credits this needed to hear at the very moment Unreleased series, which showcases gins says of the show, which includ- on his music's themes. "This album," month when he takes on the role of that I was recording them, because the members performing solo; and ed appearances by Hank Williams Jr., Kee says, "is intended to speak to those pastor of an Orlando, Fla. -based, non- it's been a really hard few months," The Cathedrals: Thirty Songs, a Selah, the Fox Brothers, Kim Ford, people who may not have achieved all denominational church called the Holy she says. "There's something neat three -CD set of the group's greatest Marty Raybon, and the Isaacs. of the outward trappings of success ... Nation. The artist recently patted for when your own music can really hits. All three projects are available For a complete listing of winners, the new cars or new homes. I want distribution on Tyscot Records for a touch you over and over again." from New Day Christian Distributors. log on to billboard.com/awards. them to know that their blessings are new label, Quintessence Records.

BILLBOARD NOVEMBER 16, 2002 www.billboard.com 21 www.americanradiohistory.com