Steven Curtis Chapman accepts Artist of the Year award at the 2009 Doves with wife Mary Beth by his side
By Andy Argyrakis, senior music editor, gmclife.com
With the 2010 Dove Awards ready to beam from Nashville's Grand Ole Opry to gmc viewers across the globe on Sunday, April 25, it's only fitting to flash back to highlights from last year's festivities. From the poignant and worshipful to the fun and unusual, here are a few of the most memorable moments.
1. Gospel music defined
Though it might not be a paramount performance or a moving acceptance speech, the opening segment that featured several familiar faces defining what gospel means to them is certainly worth repeating. Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Sandi Patty, Kirk Franklin, TobyMac, Natalie Grant and others reminded fans how the genre doesn't just uplift us as believers, but sows seeds we can pass on to the world at large.
Next: Steven Curtis Chapman wins "Artist of the Year"
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2. Steven Curtis Chapman wins "Artist of the Year"
Given all that his family experienced last year, along with the release of his unprecedented Beauty Will Rise, Steven Curtis Chapman was more than deserving of this coveted trophy. As he accepted the award, he offered the music industry, fans and friends communal thanks for their unconditional support during the grieving process after losing their youngest daughter Maria, while asserting hopes that the music created as a result will witness to and inspire the masses.
3. Third Day performs "Revelation"
As one of Christian music's most treasured acts that's also dabbled in worship and acoustic tunes, it was nice to see Third Day return to its rock n' roll roots. The title cut from its latest studio CD brims with potency and energy, which extended into an impromptu jam session that found the fellas having the time of their lives and the audience eating up every second of the electrified sincerity.
4. The Blind Boys of Alabama with Mac Powell perform "Free at Last"
Considering its career spans an astounding 70 years, the Blind Boys of Alabama are among the most enduring groups of any genre in music history. They dug deep into the Delta blues with a stirring version of "Free At Last," accompanied by the southern soul vocals of Mac Powell and a choir of jubilant voices.
Next: Edwin Hawkins leads a performance of "Oh Happy Day"
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5. Edwin Hawkins leads a performance of "Oh Happy Day"
With the Blind Boys and Powell still on stage, gospel great Edwin Hawkins led an all-star rendition of this crossover soul classic, which was celebrating its 40th anniversary. Additional accompaniment came from American Idol's Mandisa and Phil Stacey, Gospel Dream's Melinda Watts and singer/pastor extraordinaire Donnie McClurkin.
6. Brandon Heath scores "Male Vocalist of the Year"
For a guy who was relatively under the radar circulating in discreet singer/songwriter circles, Brandon Heath sure did make an international splash by picking up this highly heralded honor. Though he remained incredibly humble when accepting the award, it was clear the nod didn't just validate his spiritually focused artistry, but also widened his audience beyond the porch pop niche.
7. Chris Tomlin performs "I Will Rise"
Known for putting his role as a worship leader before recording artist, Chris Tomlin took a pastoral approach to performing this tender-hearted tune. Accompanied by a beautiful string section, the singer/songwriter ushered the live and home audiences into the presence of God, interjecting some Sunday morning church into the star-studded affair.
Next: Sandi Patty hosts a tribute to Dottie Rambo
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Download free mp3s: Dove-nominated "Songs of the Year"
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8. Sandi Patty hosts a tribute to Dottie Rambo
She was touring until the day she diedin a tragic bus crash, makingDottie Rambo's sudden passing a shock to her friends and loved ones. Sandi Patty's beautiful tribute to the late great southern gospel singer was complemented by several of southern gospel's elite, most notably a collaborative finale that included Ronnie Milsap, Jason Crabb and Larnelle Harris.
9. Tenth Avenue North takes home "New Artist of the Year"
While some categories remain easy to predict, (such as Casting Crowns swooping up "Group of the Year") it's always impossible to guess who will take home this important designation for fresh faces. Pop/rockers Tenth Avenue North beamed from ear to ear when their group's name was called, though even more impressive than an articulate speech was the guys' commitment to put ministry first.
10. Steven Curtis Chapman "Cinderella"
Even more emotional than winning the aforementioned award was Steven Curtis Chapman's acoustically framed rendition of this touching tune inspired by his daughters. As his sons played in the band on stage and his wife looked on as tears welled up in her eyes, it's impossible not to get choked up, and in turn, chalking this up as one of the most poignant moments in Dove Award history.
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About the Writer
Andy Argyrakis is a Chicago-based entertainment writer/photographer who appears in the Chicago Tribune, Illinois Entertainer, Daily Journal, Concert Livewire, Hear/Say Magazine and Image Chicago (to name few). His record label writing credits include Warner Brothers, Atlantic, Curb, EMI and Universal, with additional photo credits for Fuse TV, Live Nation, Nikon, Pollstar, Celebrity Access, Paste Magazine, MTV.com and Vibe.com. He's also the author/narrator of "Access Matthews" (an audio CD tracing the career of Dave Matthews Band) and spends considerable time on tour, including outings with Arlo Guthrie, The Guess Who, Madina Lake (on Linkin Park's Projekt Revolution) and Gospel Music Channel's very own "Gospel Dream" (where he served as season one judge).
Related Coverage
2010 Doves: The Un-Nominated, Deserving
How the Doves Might Fly: winner predictions by the senior editorial team
Brian Courtney Wilson Debut CD Leads to Dove Nomination
Download free mp3s: Dove-nominated "Songs of the Year"
