| 1. SONG OF THE YEAR: “I Can Pray” stands head and shoulders above the other choices. This was a bases loaded home run for the Dove Brothers last year. If EH&SS fans don’t turn out in huge numbers to vote, I expect this title will win. |
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| 2. ALBUM OF THE YEAR: I don’t expect the fans to agree that Janet Paschal’s artistic hymns project was the best last year, but I’m encouraged to see that the staff at SGN found it worthy of inclusion. There’s several good choices here…too many to predict an obvious winner. |
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| 3. PACESETTER: EH&SS are setting the standard for how a professional group operates in this industry. They work high profile dates, record vocals for a new CD release a year before it’s planned for release, and re-brand Southern Gospel just enough to attract new audience members while retaining many traditional fans. |
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| 4. BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF THE YEAR: This was a difficult choice. Everyday Driven is the most talented group on the list, but they really aren’t billing themselves as Southern Gospel. Mercy’s Well is another possible choice for me. In the end, I went with Tribute because I think they showed the most potential in their performances at NQC in 2007. |
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| 5. MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: There isn’t a bad singer on this list. I picked Jerry Martin. Gerald Wolfe will win, though. It’s his destiny in life to win awards. |
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| 6. FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Greene, Isaacs, Paschal, and Gooch each have their own unique style. So does McCrae, but her overly decorative style isn’t quite in the same class. |
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| 7. MALE GROUP OF THE YEAR: The DBQ had a big year in 2007. Greater Vision and Triumphant should also be contenders. Gold City didn’t have a new CD release and the Booths’ releases in 2007 were “table” products, but both groups were VERY strong in live performances last year. The winner fans will pick is a toss-up, but I predict Gold City. |
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| 8. FEMALE GROUP OF THE YEAR: With the Ruppes gone, there’s no clear winner in this category any more. I like Rejoice! |
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| 9. MIXED GROUP OF THE YEAR: KP&NR is my choice. |
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| 10. BEST LIVE PERFORMER: The Booth Brothers have this unique ability to draw the entire audience in to what they’re doing artistically on stage. Their sets at the 2007 NQC were a highlight of my trip. |
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| 11. SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR (Artist): I’m sad to see that the non-Artist songwriter category has been dropped. I encouraged the inclusion of that category when I used to be on the SGN staff. Fans will always choose an artist due to name recognition. Some of the artists on this list have written some great songs, but many of the truly great songwriters in our industry are overlooked…especially the ones that hone their craft on a daily basis while seldom performing. |
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| 12. PRODUCER OF THE YEAR (Artist): See my comments on number 11. |
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| 13. TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN SONG OF THE YEAR: Obviously, my overall pick for Song is also going to be my pick in a more specific category. |
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| 14. TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN ALBUM OF THE YEAR: My overall pick for Album is also my pick for this more specific category. |
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| 15. PROGRESSIVE SOUTHERN SONG OF THE YEAR: “Last Night” is a memorable song. “A Little Song Coming On” isn’t. The other choices fall somewhere in between. |
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| 16. PROGRESSIVE SOUTHERN ALBUM OF THE YEAR: I loved the Back To The Roots concept. I wish more groups with a long history would do something similar rather than churning out collections of standards so often. I’ve also been pleasantly shocked by the number of fans who’ve mentioned that “Water Grave” is a highlight on the CD for them. |
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| 17. COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS SONG OF THE YEAR: Williams ran with a unique concept for “A Homesick Angel.” I like it. I’d have preferred “The Old White Flag” by Triumphant Quartet in this category, though. Also, “The Rock’s Between The Hard Place And You” sounds more like a Country song than a traditional song to me. I’d have picked it over “A Homesick Angel” if it had been in this category. |
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| 18. COUNTRY/BLUEGRASS ALBUM OF THE YEAR: I’ve heard good things about Crossway and the Freemans this past year, but unfortunately, neither group sent me these titles for review. Between Big Sky, Austins Bridge, and Favor, I went with Favor. |
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| 19. SPECIAL EVENT PROJECT OF THE YEAR: Together is the most high profile title on the list. My main reason for choosing it is because (unfortunately), it’s the only title from this list that I’ve actually heard. |
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| 20. MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR: Gordon Mote is a studio quality player who transfers well to the stage. Unlike some of the other categories, there’s not a bad choice on this list. |
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| 21. FAN FAVORITE ARTIST OF THE YEAR: When the Doves, Booth Brothers or Gold City are nearby, they’re always a must see. I settled on DBQ. |
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Good to hear. I probably knew that at some point in time and then promptly forgot all about it.
I’m pulling for Lindsey and Haun in these categories.
