International Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum 8th Annual Induction Awards Banquet
By: Keith Crosby
2004 Inductee, Gospel Artist Bill Moss
The International Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum (IGMHFM) held its 8th Annual Induction and Awards Ceremony on October 23, 2004, at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Detroit. Each year the IGMHFM inducts up to 10 individuals that have contributed to the advancement of gospel music into its Hall of Fame. This years inductees were Rev. Milton Biggham, Anna Crockett Ford, Dr. Albert Lewis, Jr., Donnie McClurkin, Bill Moss and the Celestials, Joseph Niles, The O’Neal Twins, and CeCe Winans. Each of the inductees is a legend in their own right for their many contributions to gospel music over the years either as a singer, songwriter, musician, producer, or radio/television personality.
This black-tie affair provided an evening of elegance, class, and outstanding gospel entertainment for all in attendance. Dr. Bobby Jones was scheduled to be the Master of Ceremonies but was unable to attend due to a death in his family. In his absence it was co-hosted by comedian Horace “HB” Sanders and popular radio host Tracy Morgan of Heaven 1580 AM in Washington, D.C. Performers at this year’s ceremony included Sony/BMG recording artist LaShell Griffin, One Luv, Shelby 5, In a Way, Same Seed, Bill Moss and the Celestials, Gospo Centric recording artist J Moss, and others. One couldn’t help but be impressed by such a gala event as this. It was quite a major production by David Gough, IGMHFM Chairman/Founder; IGMHFM staff; and event producer, Pierre Mayo. They are to be commended for a job well done.
Several IGMHFM 2004 Inductees with Chairman/Founder, David Gough (back row, center)
The International Gospel Music Hall of Fame & Museum is a gem of gospel music history here in Detroit. The museum opened in March of 1995. It opened with the goal of preserving the memories of those who have made significant contributions to the furtherance of gospel music, and establishing a depository for gospel music annals where people can come to share, learn, and enjoy the legacy of gospel music. The museum has vintage album covers, original recordings, documents, photographs, and other memorabilia. It is open year round and is available for tours by appointment only.
The IGMHFM is in the middle of a campaign to raise funds to build a new larger state-of-the-art facility. The new facility will be able to house all of the artifacts and exhibits that cannot be displayed in the current facility due to insufficient space. I urge those of us who love gospel music and want to preserve its history to support the IGMHFM in their efforts by giving a tax-deductible contribution. Contact the I.G.M.H.F.M. at (313) 592-0017, 18301 W. McNichols, Detroit, Michigan, 48219, or on the web at www.igmhfm.org.
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