Nashville, TN (July 11th, 2024) – The Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce Tauren Wells will be returning as host and performer for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards for his second consecutive year. The GMA Dove Awards will happen live and in person on October 1, 2024 at the Allen Arena in Nashville, TN. 

“Last year’s Dove Awards was such an incredible experience, we’ve decided to run it back!” says Tauren Wells. “I’m so excited to return as host for this year’s Dove Awards. It’s going to be a great night!”

The GMA also revealed the much anticipated itinerary for its annual Music City Fan Experience which includes: 

• One-night-only Brandon Lake Off The Record concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium
• New Artist Showcase featuring the 2024 class of New Artist Of The Year Nominees
• River cruise aboard the General Jackson Showboat including a songwriters showcase and stunning views of Nashville
• Ticket to the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards hosted by Tauren Wells

Packages include a hotel stay in the heart of downtown Nashville. For more information and reservation details CLICK HERE.

Tauren Wells is a celebrated platinum-selling musician, preacher, public speaker, and father, with eight GMA Dove Awards (including Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year), 10 GRAMMY® nominations, and a Billboard Music Award nomination. In addition, Wells has achieved seven number 1’s, and over 1.2 billion global streams to date and counting. Through his precise artistry, masterful lyrics and dance-oriented performances, Tauren uniquely connects his contemporary Christian and Gospel sound with elements of pop, hip-hop and R&B. “Take It All Back,” Tauren’s fastest rising single of his career, is a viral hit with 62M Global RTD stream and added to over 133K personal playlists on Spotify. Having toured with industry greats (Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, etc.), he’s also performed on Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, Tamron Hall Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show. Born and raised in Michigan, Tauren currently resides in Texas with his wife and four sons. In 2024, The Wells family launched Church of Whitestone in Austin, TX, where Tauren and his wife are co-lead pastors. More about Tauren Wells HERE.

The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards are produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returns as director, Michael Nolan as scriptwriter, Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.

###

About Gospel Music Association & Foundation:
Since 1964, the Gospel Music Association’s mission has been to expose, promote and celebrate the Gospel through music. The GMA serves the richly diverse creatives and professionals within the Christian and Gospel music industry by preserving the legacies of those who’ve gone before us and celebrating the work of today’s artists through events like the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Easter Celebration, and GMA Christmas Celebration – which reaches millions of people around the world annually.

For more information about the Gospel Music Association, visit www.gospelmusic.org. Join the GMA social communities on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube and LinkedIn.

Bestselling Author & Poet Made Grand Announcement with Lecrae at Sold Out Podcast Tour in NYC Earlier This Evening

Atlanta, GA – JUNE 13, 2024 – Bestselling author and poet Jackie Hill Perry is making a triumphant return to music, announcing her new partnership with hip hop label Reach Records, founded by Grammy award-winning rapper Lecrae. Her debut single under the label, “First Draft,” is available across all digital platforms now.

The prolific writer made the grand announcement last night at her sold out podcast tour “With the Perrys” in New York City with the help of Lecrae who made a special guest appearance. 
“To get back into music feels like a privilege and joy that I never knew I would be able to experience again at least at this level,” explains the poet. “I think to be able to partner with Reach [Records] and collaborating and creating new music means there is a level of excellence, creativity and beauty that will come from this partnership. As far as the song, it is what the title says it is, it is a ‘first draft’ so it’s not necessarily perfected, but it is a preview of the fact that I am tightening up my pen and figuring out what it means to rap, how I rap and the way I rap. It’s a first draft. “
“First Draft” marks a new chapter in her illustrious career. Written by Jackie herself, and produced by Juberlee and Alexandria Dollar, the track demonstrates the artist’s unique blend of vulnerability, transparency and strength.

Jackie is a captivating voice in Christian culture, and shares her profound journey through poignant lyricism and unwavering authenticity. Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Jackie navigated a tumultuous path of self-discovery, ultimately finding her voice through poetry and hip-hop. These mediums allowed her to delve deeply into her faith, struggles, and victories, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Jackie’s return to music is a momentous occasion, promising to enrich the Christian hip-hop landscape with her distinctive voice and powerful message. With her unparalleled ability to blend artistry with authenticity, Jackie invites listeners on a journey of faith, hope, and profound transformation.
As a speaker, author, and musical talent, her artistry transcends entertainment. Jackie’s words carry a purpose, intertwining the complexities of life, faith, and culture. Drawing from personal experiences of redemption, she delivers a powerful message of hope and healing to a world in need.
You can watch the official music video for “First Draft” here.
For more information on Jackie Hill Perry and her new music venture please visit www.jackiehillperry.com and www.reachrecords.com.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lecrae (@lecrae)

Follow Jackie Hill Perry:Website: www.jackiehillperry.comInstagram: @jackiehillperryTwitter: @JackieHillPerry
Follow Reach Records:Website: www.reachrecords.comInstagram: @reachrecordsTwitter: @reachrecords

About Reach Records:Reach Records is an Atlanta based independent hip-hop label founded in 2004 by Lecrae and Ben Washer. Long before acclaim, awards, plaques, chart positioning, and radio play, the two started the label because they both love hip-hop and Jesus. Reach Records was launched with no strategy, no funds, no big players, but they made big moves! Today Reach Records is a trailblazing label with a roster of nearly 10 artists and a staff of 20 who are unashamed about sharing their faith and passionate about hip-hop. Reach Records is committed to building a movement that combines faith with music and popular culture. 

Being the first Woman signed to Reach Records in 2019, Wande has been a pioneering force in Christian hip-hop! Today, she unveils her latest single of 2024, “SEND THAT,” featuring the esteemed 4x GRAMMY-winner Lecrae.

Stream “SEND THAT” here.

Building on the momentum of her 2023 singles, notably “IN THE LIGHT” and “Wild & Free” featuring DOE, Wande gears up for another breakthrough in her career this year. The theme of breakthrough holds profound significance for Wande in this phase of her journey. Having weathered mental, physical, and emotional challenges, she not only recognizes the enemy’s attacks but also acknowledges God’s guiding hand in helping her find her voice amidst adversity.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by WANDE | Christian Rapper 💅🏾👑👱🏾‍♀️🇳🇬 🤍 (@omgitswande)

“SEND THAT” encapsulates Wande’s current mindset: Walking in the Authority of Victory. It echoes the triumph Jesus secured for us on the cross, empowering listeners to confront challenges with unwavering faith. Collaborating with the dynamic Lecrae, the track exudes energy, emphasizing the surrender to God’s will. It serves as a poignant reminder to walk in alignment with God in all facets of life.

Reflecting on the song, Wande shares, “This record captures my journey toward breakthrough. It’s about embracing discomfort and boldly walking the path God has laid out for us. Collaborating with Lecrae on this track has been phenomenal. His desire for spreading a message of faith and empowerment perfectly complements the song and his legacy reinforces just how powerful God is when you trust in his plan for you.”

This marks the second collaboration between Wande and Lecrae, following their remix of her debut single with Reach Records, “Blessed Up,” released in 2021. Anticipation runs high for this reunion, promising to captivate audiences worldwide.