ATLANTA, GA Sept. 2, 2008 – September marks America's first-ever National Gospel Music Heritage Month, so-designated by House of Representatives (H.Con. Res. 370) and Senate (S. Res. 595) in resolutions passed this summer. The dual legislation proclaims September 2008 as Gospel Music Heritage Month, honoring gospel music for its valuable long-standing contributions to American culture. The initiative was created by Gospel Music Channel, the country's first and only television network devoted to all forms of Gospel/Christian music, with support from The Recording Academy® and the Gospel Music Association.
Gospel Music Heritage Month honors a true American art form for its vast contributions to our culture, bringing a message of hope and inspiration to people of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. People are encouraged to celebrate Gospel Music Heritage Month by attending concerts, events, watching and listening to gospel music, learning and reading about gospel music and more. Visit http://www.gospelmusicheritage.com for more information.
Gospel Music Channel will celebrate Gospel Music Heritage Month on-air, online and on-demand by featuring the greatest names ever in gospel music throughout September. Mahalia Jackson, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Amy Grant, Al Green, Dixie Hummingbirds, Kirk Franklin, Michael W. Smith, Bobby Jones, Natalie Grant, Bill Gaither and many others will be seen in GMC world and network premieres, documentaries, original specials and series.
"This is the opportunity for the millions of gospel/Christian music fans to have their own national month to honor and celebrate the rich heritage of their music," said Charles Humbard, Founder and President of Gospel Music Channel.
"Gospel music is an historical American art form that has spanned hundreds of generations and both inspires and entertains across racial, ethnic, religious, and geographic boundaries. We must officially recognize the great contributions to American culture that have derived from the rich heritage of gospel music and its artists," said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas).
Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television today and can be seen in nearly 40 million homes on various cable systems around the country and on DIRECTV on Channel 338.
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