Dave Paulson, dnpaulson@tennessean.com The Tennessean
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The world of gospel music continues to expand and evolve, and you could find plenty of proof in Nashville on Tuesday night.
The Gospel Music Association Dove Awards returned to Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena on Tuesday, and for the first time in the show’s 46-year history, its top prize went to a rapper.
Christian hip-hop star Lecrae was named Artist of the Year, recognizing a breakthrough year that saw his 2014 album “Anomaly” debuting at No. 1 on the album charts — of any genre. Following a 2008 win by rap-pop artist TobyMac, Lecrae is the first pure hip-hop artist to win the award. He had to accept his award from afar, as he had a tour date in California on Tuesday.
Soul-pop artist Lauren Daigle made her first trip to the Doves a memorable one. The Louisiana singer was named New Artist of the Year, and her “How Can It Be” earned two awards (including Song of the Year) for writers Jason Ingram, Jeff Johnson and Paul Mabury.
“This just blows my mind," Daigle said after taking the stage. At first, she said she wasn’t sure what she was going to say if she won an award, but it eventually came to her.
“We as Christians have a legacy to leave, and it’s all about a love of Christ to permeate the music and reach the hearts of all of the people out there, that don’t know him and do know him.”
It was a big night for Nashville talents, too. Grammy-winning group For King & Country took home awards for Contemporary Christian Artist and Album of the Year (though they too had to accept their awards from the road). Both songwriter awards — for artist and nonartist — went to Nashvillians: singer/songwriter Matt Maher and writer-producer Seth Mosley, who was also named Producer of the Year.
“We live in a time when music’s in a really weird place,” Maher told the audience from the podium. “And we’re all able to do what we do because of the support of the church. So I just want to thank Jesus, for the church.”
Gospel’s past, present and future collided on the Allen Arena stage, as this year’s show packed in more than a dozen musical performances. The night began with a bang from Nashville’s Building 429, which brought a horn section for its funky rocker “Impossible.” Atlanta rockers Casting Crowns captivated the room with the hymn “At Calvary.”
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The industry-heavy audience was on its feet for Kirk Franklin and a parade of Southern gospel groups, but it also didn’t bat an eye at the full-throttle rap of KB. The Florida artist and his crew had a dramatized standoff with a police officer in riot gear — until both sides spontaneously broke into dance.
“We’re better together,” he said as the crowd cheered.
As progressive as the Doves are, they’re also devoted to traditional sounds. Tasha Cobbs and Gaither Vocal Band were named Artists of the Year in gospel and Southern gospel, respectively. From the podium, Cobbs paid tribute to her late father and thanked everyone “who took a chance on a small girl from Jesup, Georgia, who had something to say about Jesus.”
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Top winners at the 46th annual Dove Awards
Artist of the Year: Lecrae
Song of the Year: “How Can It Be” – Lauren Daigle, (writers) Jason Ingram, Jeff Johnson, Paul Mabury, (publishers) Flychild Publishing, Open Hands Music, Ponies Riding Shotgun, Sony/ATV Timber Publishing
New Artist of the Year: Lauren Daigle
Gospel Artist of the Year: Tasha Cobbs
Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year: For King & Country
Southern Gospel Artist of the Year: Gaither Vocal Band
Songwriter of the Year (Artist): Matt Maher
Songwriter of the Year (Nonartist): Seth Mosley
Producer of the Year: Seth Mosley
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Love For His People
Charlotte, NC USA