Washington, DC is the home of a number of talented gospel artists. Some artists include: Patrick Lundy and Ministers of Music, 7 Sons of Soul, Myrna Summers, John “Bucky” Tillery, Mike McCoy & Voices United, Terrell Hunt, and many others. Their works have afforded them several awards and nominations. We thank them for their contributions to gospel music.
In the spirit of paying homage to Washington, DC gospel artists, an email with a list of DC gospel artists was sent to individuals of different ages and backgrounds with various levels of DC gospel industry knowledge to solicit their feedback to determine the top 10 DC gospel artists. The individuals involved in this poll were not allowed to vote for artists they are affiliated with (i.e., the artists cannot vote for themselves and individuals cannot vote for artists they presently sing with). The intent was to have a selection process that was free of bias.
Now, let’s get the list going!
Coming in at #10 is a man that is well respected in the DC gospel community and the gospel industry. He wrote the Stellar award winning song I Will Bless the Lord. It’s none other than Isaiah Thomas.
While the #9 spot goes to a group that is much-admired but doesn’t have a project out yet, their background vocals can be heard on Earnest Pugh’s LP Rain On Us. Charles Butler & Trinity is #9 on the list.
#8 goes to a group whose single It’s Possible (Gotta Have Faith) is being played all over the radio. You guessed it! It’s Brandon Camphor & OneWay.
The #7 spot goes to a man that’s no stranger to being in the top 10. BET’s Sunday Best 2 competitor Clifton Ross III secures spot #7.
Aside from being the minister of music at First Baptist of Glenarden, Steven Hurd is an accomplished musician and he occupies #6 on the list.
Rain On Us soared to the top of the Billboard Gospel Music charts. For that, Earnest Pugh claims the #5 spot.
Grandma’s Hands is the single to this BET’s Sunday Best 2 winner’s forthcoming album, set to release August 24, 2010. In the meantime, Y’Anna Crawley holds down #4 spot on the list of top 10 DC gospel artists.
It Ain’t Over because Maurette Brown-Clark is #3 on the list. We love to love Maurette.
The #2 spot belongs to the Prince of Praise, Byron Cage. Byron has a long list of hit songs and awards that justify his place on this list.
There is no other artist in the Washington, DC area that deserves the #1 spot on this list over Richard Smallwood. His body of work and contributions to the gospel music industry since 1975 are ineradicable. We thank you, Mr. Smallwood.
To learn more about Brian Taylor, please follow him on Twitter @BrianbjTaylor.
