GOSPEL MUSIC WORKSHOP CELEBRATES
40TH ANNIVERSARY
Founded in 1967, by the late Rev. James Cleveland, “The King of Gospel”, The Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA), the world’s largest gospel music association, is excited to celebrate 40 years of being together. In honor of our 40 year celebration, we would like to announce the launch of our own record label, “WEIS Music Group”, which stands for “Where Everybody is Somebody”. In commemorating this celebration we would like to make available our first two recordings. “GMWA, Live in Kansas City 2004”, and “GMWA Live in Milwaukee 2005”.
With over 75,000 members in more than 185 chapters in the United States, United Kingdom, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia, GMWA will take its 3000 voice choir to Disney Orlando for its annual convention for the first time in the organizations history. Please come and join us August 12, 2007 thru August 18, 2007. Our theme: “Life Begins at 40: A New Beginning”
To receive both CD's for $17.95 including shipping
send check or money order to:
Performance Division – GMWA
6709 La Tijera – Box 305
Los Angeles, CA 90045
(323)933-4230
www.gmwanational.org
The Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) was founded in 1967 by the late Rev. James Cleveland. Rev. Cleveland who is known as the “King of Gospel” left his own legacy by selling millions of records, and influencing many of today’s gospel artist.
The Gospel Music Workshop of America is the largest artistic organization of its kind in the world with 75,000 members in more than 185 chapters in the United States, United Kingdom, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia. Active membership includes professional and amateur vocalists, instrumentalists, composers, arrangers, directors and producers. About 75 percent of the recordings on Billboard Magazine’s gospel charts are written, arranged, produced and or performed by GMWA members, such as Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and Donald Lawrence just to name a few.
Each year an annual convention is held, which officially begins the weekend of the second Sunday in August and attracts 12,000 to 15,000 registrants. An, additional 3000 to 5000 local gospel lovers attend workshops and musical services during the week.
During this convention a National Mass Choir is made up of 2,000 to 3,000 vocalists from chapters around the world and produces a new recording at each convention after only 16 hours of rehearsal. New recordings also are produced annually, by the GMWA Women of Worship, Men of Promise and Youth choir. In total 4 albums are produced at this convention.
In 2004, GMWA launched its own recording label called, “WEIS” Music Group. “WEIS” stands for “Where Everybody is Somebody”, which is our theme that was set by the founder, the late Rev. James Cleveland. The chairman of the board, Bishop Albert Jamison appointed Ms. Rodena Preston (the sister of the late Billy Preston) as the president of the company. Ms. Preston, who was recently inducted in gospel music’s Hall of Fame is also the Los Angeles chapter representative, and in charge of the conventions performance division.
When GMWA recorded on other industry labels, we received numerous Grammy nominations and Stellar awards. In 2005, we were thrilled when “WEIS MUSIC GROUP”, received a Stellar nomination for its very first recording of GMWA, “Live in Kansas City 2004”.
This year GMWA is excited to celebrate 40 years of gospel music, and will for the first time in their history take their convention to Disney Orlando. The theme is “Life Begins at 40: A New Beginning”.
GMWA is the breading and nurturing ground for gospel music and today’s gospel artist. Join us as we take gospel music into the 21st century. |
