Gospel Grammy's Review
By Contributing Writer; LA Virgil
Humbleness Surmounts Fame
I recently had the privilege of attending the Grammy's Salute to Gospel
Music in Washington, DC at the Lincoln Theatre. This was their official
kick off to their 50th Anniversary Celebration. The Grammy President Neil
Portnow stated that this was the first time that the event was ever held
outside of Los Angeles and that we as members were allowed to invite a
limited number of guests from the public. He also stated that the Lincoln
Theatre in the nation's capital was so fitting to hold this event. Now the
Lincoln Theatre is the only theatre that used to allow blacks to watch
movies and plays back in the days of segregation. President Bush and his
wife, Laura sent special acknowledgements that were read by the
President's aid.
Also present was the new Vice-Chairman of the Recording Academy's
board of trustees, famed producer, Mr. Jimmy Jam. The musical director
was Donald Lawrence and the hosts for the event were Yolanda Adams
and Donnie McClurkin. The honorees were Dr. Bobby Jones who let me
test my new camera on him, Michael W. Smith and The Clark Sisters who
apparently the ushers had mistakenly placed me, my aunt and a few
friends in their seats. As a result Karen Clark Sheard stood by us waiting
patiently to be seated, when it was all said and done I was able to share a
few laughs and camera tests with their close family relative.
The performers were spectacular with perfect pitch, sound and lighting
and we know how important that is. Several celebrities were present as
well but those performing were: Yolanda Adams, Vanessa Bell Armstrong,
Byron Cage, Crystal Lewis, Donnie McClurkin, Kierra KiKi Sheard, Richard
Smallwood and BeBe Winans.
A synopsis of the honorees contributions to the music industry and the
world were displayed on a screen. But what touched me and others most
was the testimonies and giving of thanks to the Lord by the performers
and honorees alike. Practically all of them shed tears of joy and
effortlessly allowed the Holy Spirit to take over that auditorium. Every one
of the honorees spoke of how this award meant the most to them. They
showed clips of Smith helping the poor and he spoke of how he was using
his blessing from the Lord to assist our global poverty. Karen Clark
Sheard gave her personal testimony and started to do a Holy Ghost
dance as she praised the Lord for allowing her to live and go through her
health battle to see this day.
L.A. and Bee Winans
They were so humble that you forgot their celebrity status like BeBe who
gladly took a business card from me for his sister. There was none of that
false pretense we all went behind the veil to illustrate to those that do not
know the Lord what it is really like to experience the peace of Jesus. At
the end of the day these Gospel artists walked the talk of what it is like to
wear on their sleeves the humbleness of Christ. And I say this because I’
ve been to several events and you can tell the difference in the celebrity
attitude.
You see when you have Jesus you don’t need that additional self esteem
booster for He already raised you up so there is no need to act like a star
for “stars” are to remain up above. Jesus walked this earth, not on a cloud
and those celebrity Christians illustrated the difference in attitude between
themselves and other celebs. For you may have an artist that has sold
fewer records, been around for a shorter period of time and still act “stuck
up like they are untouchable.”
Don’t get it twisted I understand they have to be protected but how you
portray your spirit speaks and preaches volumes. So humbleness can
surmount the world trappings of fame!
| August 2nd & 3rd 2008 |
(A compilation of Hisrecords Int’l
Inc. and HISPublishing Int’l Inc.)
“Assisting creative journeys using
various artistic tools to Strive Beyond.”
Hismultimedia is an internationally
established creative marketing vehicle
with all music and media related
international directors and affiliates.
This is a multifaceted creative
divisions company. In addition we are
comprised of recognized ASCAP and
BMI songwriters as well as filmmakers
and journalists.
The Company officially came into
fruition August 3rd, 1999 for the sole
purposes of marketing and promotion.
It is affiliated with the National
Academy of Recording Arts and
Sciences (NARAS) and a member of
ASCAP.
The underlying purpose for the HIS
establishment was and is to facilitate
and provide a vehicle for “hungry,
dedicated and creatively gifted”
individuals around the globe.
Whether it be music, film, writing or
dance we make it happen.
HIS is where the creative journey
begins to take flight! We know it is our
God given mission to assist in
bringing positive creative visions to
light! As a result we do offer demo
shopping and marketing deals in
addition to our many services.
Therefore our team players must be H-
onest, possess I-integrity, I-nspiration
and S-elf preservation. Our company
believes in advancing creative visions
by networking and engaging the
professional services of music
composition, promotion, audio and
visual production, scriptwriting,
journalism, event planning, marketing,
public relations and distribution.
Hence we have partnerships and
relationships with recording studios,
marketing entertainment companies,
professional management, producers,
authors, publishing companies,
venues and established artists.
HIS request for artistic individuals is
for them to recognize that their
creative talents are truly a gift from
the Divine and therefore it is our
responsibility as creative vessels to
convey positive messages via the Arts!
Team consists of:
LA Virgil, MBA President/Founder
A truly seasoned Artist, an
International film documentarian,
television producer, published
journalist, ASCAP songwriter,
arranger, consultant, event planner
and community activist. An extensive
précis..
Boris Franz Richards- Primary
Director
A seasoned musician, producer,
engineer, CEO and President of BMR
Entertainment. He has worked with
Ruffhouse, Columbia and PolyGram
records. Has worked on projects such
as Kriss Kross, Fugees. Lester
Chambers of the popular commercial
recording “Time Has Come” Frankie
Smith of the popular “Double Dutch
Bus” , John Murray and worship as
well as Twenty Century Fox on the
soundtrack of In Her Shoes featuring
Shirley Maclaine and Cameron Diaz.
Michael Coates Esq. –Legal Advisor
An attorney who received his
undergraduate at Dartmouth College,
NH. Received his law degree from
Antioch Law School, Washington DC.
He has many entertainment industry
connects including lawyer of Dru Hill,
Jasmine Guy etc.
Gayle Morris – Director
She is experienced in both
professional management and
promotion having had first hand
experiences with her brother Nate
Morris of the globally famous “Boyz
11Men”as well as friends in the
industry.
Inc. and HISPublishing Int’l Inc.)
“Assisting creative journeys using
various artistic tools to Strive Beyond.”
Hismultimedia is an internationally
established creative marketing vehicle
with all music and media related
international directors and affiliates.
This is a multifaceted creative
divisions company. In addition we are
comprised of recognized ASCAP and
BMI songwriters as well as filmmakers
and journalists.
The Company officially came into
fruition August 3rd, 1999 for the sole
purposes of marketing and promotion.
It is affiliated with the National
Academy of Recording Arts and
Sciences (NARAS) and a member of
ASCAP.
The underlying purpose for the HIS
establishment was and is to facilitate
and provide a vehicle for “hungry,
dedicated and creatively gifted”
individuals around the globe.
Whether it be music, film, writing or
dance we make it happen.
HIS is where the creative journey
begins to take flight! We know it is our
God given mission to assist in
bringing positive creative visions to
light! As a result we do offer demo
shopping and marketing deals in
addition to our many services.
Therefore our team players must be H-
onest, possess I-integrity, I-nspiration
and S-elf preservation. Our company
believes in advancing creative visions
by networking and engaging the
professional services of music
composition, promotion, audio and
visual production, scriptwriting,
journalism, event planning, marketing,
public relations and distribution.
Hence we have partnerships and
relationships with recording studios,
marketing entertainment companies,
professional management, producers,
authors, publishing companies,
venues and established artists.
HIS request for artistic individuals is
for them to recognize that their
creative talents are truly a gift from
the Divine and therefore it is our
responsibility as creative vessels to
convey positive messages via the Arts!
Team consists of:
LA Virgil, MBA President/Founder
A truly seasoned Artist, an
International film documentarian,
television producer, published
journalist, ASCAP songwriter,
arranger, consultant, event planner
and community activist. An extensive
précis..
Boris Franz Richards- Primary
Director
A seasoned musician, producer,
engineer, CEO and President of BMR
Entertainment. He has worked with
Ruffhouse, Columbia and PolyGram
records. Has worked on projects such
as Kriss Kross, Fugees. Lester
Chambers of the popular commercial
recording “Time Has Come” Frankie
Smith of the popular “Double Dutch
Bus” , John Murray and worship as
well as Twenty Century Fox on the
soundtrack of In Her Shoes featuring
Shirley Maclaine and Cameron Diaz.
Michael Coates Esq. –Legal Advisor
An attorney who received his
undergraduate at Dartmouth College,
NH. Received his law degree from
Antioch Law School, Washington DC.
He has many entertainment industry
connects including lawyer of Dru Hill,
Jasmine Guy etc.
Gayle Morris – Director
She is experienced in both
professional management and
promotion having had first hand
experiences with her brother Nate
Morris of the globally famous “Boyz
11Men”as well as friends in the
industry.
| His Multimedia |
L.A. VIRGIL
An Artist. She is a film maker, producer, journalist, song writer, consultant, a community activist, a pioneer and
was once referred to as the Mother Theresa of Bermudas creative talent. She has pioneered not for the fame or
fortune but has shed tears over us recognizing, believing and supporting ourselves.
Fondly known as LA she is comfortable working behind the scenes inspiring people to pursue their dreams and
has produced several events including:
"Voices Unheard" at the Belmont, which was the first vocal section of the British Federation for the Advancement
of the Performing Arts Festival, "Chances '97", the first "Road Safety Music video commercials" "Gospofest 97
and 2005" and promoted "Radical Praise" the first Gospel reggae concert at St. Paul's AME Centennial Hall
where she was publicly ridiculed and "A Night of Bermuda's Stars" - for the Bermuda International Business
Association. (Click here for continuation of this article)
An Artist. She is a film maker, producer, journalist, song writer, consultant, a community activist, a pioneer and
was once referred to as the Mother Theresa of Bermudas creative talent. She has pioneered not for the fame or
fortune but has shed tears over us recognizing, believing and supporting ourselves.
Fondly known as LA she is comfortable working behind the scenes inspiring people to pursue their dreams and
has produced several events including:
"Voices Unheard" at the Belmont, which was the first vocal section of the British Federation for the Advancement
of the Performing Arts Festival, "Chances '97", the first "Road Safety Music video commercials" "Gospofest 97
and 2005" and promoted "Radical Praise" the first Gospel reggae concert at St. Paul's AME Centennial Hall
where she was publicly ridiculed and "A Night of Bermuda's Stars" - for the Bermuda International Business
Association. (Click here for continuation of this article)
| PEOPLES' FESTIVAL PROFILES |
