The Academy teams with the Gospel Music Channel and Capitol Hill to honor gospel music's cultural significance

GRAMMY.com

The Recording Academy — in conjunction with the Gospel Music Channel, Sens. Blanche L. Lincoln (D-Ark.), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) and Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) — today announced the "Gospel Music Heritage Month" initiative at the GRAMMYs on the Hill event at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.

The legislation in the House of Representatives (H. Con. Res. 370) and the Senate (S. Res. 595) designates September 2008 as "Gospel Music Heritage Month," honoring gospel music for its valuable long-standing contributions to American culture. The initiative was created by the Gospel Music Channel, the country's first and only 24/7 television network devoted to all forms of gospel/Christian music.

"A key mission of The Recording Academy is recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "To have gospel music nationally recognized in the month of September pays great homage to this influential and inspirational genre. It's an honor to make this announcement at our GRAMMYs on the Hill event in our nation's capital."

"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 the Gospel Music Channel. "We thank Senators Lincoln, Hutchison and Leahy, and Representatives Jackson Lee and Bono Mack, for their efforts, and The Recording Academy for its partnership. We look forward to celebrating 'Gospel Music Heritage Month' in September."

"Gospel music is a cornerstone of the American musical tradition and has grown beyond its established audience to achieve pop culture and historical relevance across the globe," said Lincoln. "My home state of Arkansas has a rich history in gospel music and I am proud to honor this tradition that has touched audiences around the world."

"In addition to its contribution to American music, gospel music has provided the cultural and musical backdrop across all of mainstream media, including art, books, television and motion pictures," commented Hutchison. "It is infused in the DNA of our entire society and a month to recognize its importance and vast contributions to our country is long overdue."

"Gospel music is an important American legacy and continues to play a significant role in the lives of millions. It is appropriate to honor the countless contributions gospel music has made to our society," said Leahy.

"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 Jackson Lee.

"By surpassing culturally constructed boundaries, gospel music has emerged as the musical thread uniting the fabric of America and is more popular than ever. It is important that we recognize and celebrate the vital role that gospel music and all its many styles have played in shaping music history," commented Bono Mack.

For more information on the "Gospel Music Heritage Month" resolution, please visit www.GospelMusicChannel.com.