Michael W. Smith to be Inducted into Gospel Music Hall of Fame

By Kevin P. Donovan, Christian Post Reporter Friday, January 09, 2009

Christian music legend Michael W. Smith and Country music star Dolly Parton will be among the latest additions to the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, according to an announcement this week.

The Gospel Music Association Foundation (GMAF) will also be inducting Dr. Bobby Jones, The Dixie Hummingbirds and music producer Lair Goss into the GMA Gospel Hall of Fame next month, announced GMAF president and CEO John W. Styll on Wednesday.

"This year's class of GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame inductees have all achieved great professional and personal success in many different areas of the music and entertainment industries," stated Styll, "but each shares a common heritage of the Gospel's powerful impact on their lives."

Established in 1971, the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame honors and celebrates the economic, cultural, social and spiritual contributions past and present that Christian and gospel music have made not only to Music City, but to the world.

Since its inception, the Hall of Fame has inducted more than 150 members, including The Winans, Elvis Presley, Amy Grant, Andrae Crouch, and Sandi Patty.

This year's induction ceremony and dinner will be held on Feb. 2 at The Richland Country Club in Nashville, starting with a medallion ceremony and reception at 6:30 p.m. The induction ceremony and dinner will begin at 7:30 p.m.