Feature Articles

The 2005 Diamond Awards Pass Into History

One of my favorite events each year at the National Quartet Convention is the annual Diamond Awards produced by SGN SCOOPS Publisher, Allen Smith and his staff. Excitement for this event begins building in late spring and summer when the nominations are made and the voting takes place. The excitement climaxes on the Friday afternoon of convention week with the revelation of the winners.

Allen Smith has secured the sponsorship of the Lamp Music Group as well as a number of other artists and businesses to host a classy presentation. This year Lamp Music hosted a “pre-awards” showcase and the banquet room began to fill around 10:45 AM and flowed over into the 1:00 PM awards show and presentation. “Big Mo” Ostrander, minister and soloist, opened the afternoon with prayer, and the event was presented to a standing-room only audience. Those in attendance felt the excitement and suspense as the program unfolded.

A variety of artists performed during the afternoon program, allowing the audience to enjoy Southern Gospel music between the award presentations. This year Allen planned an exciting kick-off with The Jeff Treece Band and their unique brand of Christian comedy in music.

Kyla Rowland and Mark Bishop are the ever-loved annual co-hosts of the Diamond Awards and add a fresh touch to their introductions of performers and presenters with their comedic banter. Somehow Kyla always seems to get the best of Mark!

This year’s program featured songs from The Diplomats, The Royals, HisSong, Old Paths Trio, The Whisnants, Tony Peace and The Relations Quartet. Others who performed were The Sons Family, Tony Gore, Jackie and Elaine Wilburn, The Hoskins Family, Karen Peck and New River and The Hoppers. The audience welcomed each artist to the stage and applauded their contribution to the show.

Each year Allen pairs various Southern Gospel music personalities to present. This year he chose a stellar list of individuals to add to the program. These presenters are a combination of industry personnel and leaders, as well as artists.

The Diamond Award program presents a special award each year in honor of Lou Hildreth. This award recognizes individuals who make major contributions to the Southern Gospel Industry and this year, the Lou Hildreth Award went to Ed Leonard, President of Daywind Music, and to Ed Harper of the Harper Talent Agency.

Allen Smith and Paul Boden, Owner and Editor of U S GOSPEL NEWS made the presentation of the 2005 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD to none other than Lou Hildreth. Lou has contributed many years to Southern Gospel music, beginning with her years performing with her family, The Wills Family of Texas, to her current leadership in the GMA and other major organizations in Southern Gospel Music.

Another treasured award went to Connie Hopper of the Hoppers. Connie received the J D SUMNER LIVING LEGEND AWARD, honoring her years of performing and traveling with her family.

The prestigious Diamond Awards are voted on by fans and performers through the SGN SCOOPS website and magazine. It is a true honor to be nominated, and winning this treasured recognition is a very special honor.

Please join us in congratulating all the winners of the 2005 Diamond Awards. Allen and his staff extend a special thanks to all who participated in the voting.

Allen Smith and the SGN SCOOPS staff have already begun preparations for the 2006 awards. Be sure to watch for word and instructions on how and where to make your nominations and to vote for next year’s winners of the SGN SCOOPS Diamond Awards! To quote our old friend, J.D. Sumner, “I CAN’T WAIT!”

ARTISTS ALREADY SET TO PERFORM AT THE 2006 DIAMOND AWARDS ARE: Brian Free & Assurance, Ann Downing, The Browns, Big MO, The Goldens, and The Wills Family.

Co-Hosts will once again be Kyla Rowland and Mark Bishop.

The 2006 Diamond Awards will take place on Friday, September 15, 2006.

CO-SPONSORS THAT HAVE ALREADY SIGNED ON ARE: 770AM Southern Gospel-Kentucky's Official Voice of The National Quartet Convention and Southern Spin Entertainment Group

Written by Sandi Duncan-Clark