On the morning of October 8, 2010 the "Queen of Gospel" Albertina Walker passed away at the age of 81.  She discovered and launched the careers of many gospel music greats such as Shirley Caesar and Rev. James Cleveland.  I had the pleasure of meeting her one year during the Stellar Awards weekend.  She was gracious enough to allow me and many others to be photographed with her.

During the GMWA gospel music convention, I had the opportunity to photograph the Caravans performing in Orlando.  They sang a few of their timeless hits, including "Mary Don't You Weep" with Inez Andrews singing lead.  They got so into the song that the music faded out before they finished singing.  That was my first time ever hearing the group perform live, and it was certainly a treat.  So much so, that I was standing with the audience and almost forgot to photograph them.

Albertina Walker will sorely be missed by all who knew her, and those who were touched by her love of God and gospel music.

On Monday August 11th, I traveled to Nashville TN for gospel music's annual GMWA Workshop Convention. The 2008 convention featured a 5-day line up of evening gospel showcases and daytime classes. For three of these days, I had the opportunity to photograph performances by artists like Trinitee 5:7, Kurt Carr, and Dorothy Norwood. Here are some photo highlights from Monday through Wednesday night at the Gaylord Opryland hotel.

Last week was AMAZING! This was my first year attending the Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention… and will certainly not be the last. I was honored just to be in the same room with so many talented gospel artists, not to mention photograph them. I had the opportunity to photograph performances by The Caravans, Tramaine Hawkins, Craig Brothers and the VA Mass Choir to name a few.

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Georgia Mass Choir

The James Cleveland Singers

Traces

The Caravans