The Clark Sisters and Tramaine Hawkins will receive special honors at the 2021 Stellar Gospel Music Awards, set to tape July 10 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville. The show will air in national broadcast syndication from Aug. 7 through Sept. 5.
The Clark Sisters will receive the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award. Hawkins will receive the Aretha Franklin Icon Award. The Clark Sisters are also set to perform at this year’s ceremony, which will be hosted by Tye Tribbett and Jekalyn Carr, who will also perform. Other artists set to perform on the show are J.J. Hairston, Maverick City Music, Pastor Mike Jr. and Tamela Mann.
Jonathan McReynolds, a former Stellar Awards host, is this year’s top nominee, with eight nods. Anthony Brown and group therAPy, Kierra Sheard, Maverick City Music and Pastor Mike, Jr. each have seven nominations, including a nod each for artist of the year.
Other artists receiving multiple Stellar nominations include Tasha Cobbs Leonard, The Clark Sisters, Rev. Luther Barnes and the Restoration Worship Center Choir, the Chicago Mass Choir and co-host Carr.
“After a challenging 2020, we are thrilled to return to the mainstage in one of the music epicenters of the world, Nashville,” said Don Jackson, founder of the Stellar Awards and chairman of Central City Productions, in a statement. “With a theme of ‘Lighting the Way with Our Faith, Music and Family,’ we are set to deliver an evening of inspiration and celebration…”
“The 36th Annual Stellar Awards is sure to be the gospel celebration of the year,” said Carr in a statement. “I look forward to celebrating my peers, as well as those who have paved the way for gospel artists like myself.”
Tickets to the 2021 Stellar Gospel Music Awards will be made available soon. For ticket updates, and for the link to purchase tickets, check the Stellar Awards website. COVID-19 safety protocols will be posted at that time as well.
The Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is executive produced by Don Jackson, with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as executive in charge of production and producer. Michael A. Johnson will produce and direct this year’s award show.
Founded in 1970 by Don Jackson, Chicago-based Central City Productions, Inc. is a distributor of original targeted programming to television and cable networks. CCP’s other programs include the Black Music Honors, Stellar Tribute to the Holidays, The Black College Quiz Show Series and Mentoring Kings.
