2009 Songwriting Winners

The Gospel Songwriters Music Workshop 2009 Culminating Concert was one of the best concerts we have had in the history of the workshop. I know I say this every year, but this year was an exceptionally great year.  We had one of the most diverse group of songs imaginable and the range of talent was exceptional as well. God never seems to run out of words that will ultimately touch your heart through the songs that He sends through each songwriter who presents. I think every style of music was represented from Classical to Rock; and everything in between. It would take me too long to try and tell you about each and every song because they were all great. The only way you can fully appreciate what I am saying would be for you to experience the anointing for yourself. However, I will give you some highlights from the songs that were presented by telling you about the 3 songs and the 3 songwriters that were selected as our songs of the year.

Our first place songwriting winner was Sister Beverly McDonald. Some of you may remember her because she has presented such songs as “Mass Insanity”, “Jesus Is the Man” and “Without God”.   This year her winning song was “You Chose the World over Me.” This title kind of makes you think doesn’t it? The song has a jazzy bluesy feel, but makes you want to become more dedicated to God. Sister McDonald is a native of St. Petersburg, Florida and she is an avid songwriter. She has a style that is thought provoking, energetic and praise-worthy. It is obvious that Sister Beverly loves the Lord and we know God will bless her with many more anointed and powerful songs in the future.

A newcomer to the Gospel Songwriters Music Workshop, but not to the songwriting world is Brother Raymond Lewis. Brother Lewis is from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and he was our second place songwriting winner with his song, “I Can’t Stop Working for the Lord”. He is affectionately known as the “Man behind the Hat”. Raymond Lewis is a songwriter’s writer. He is a part of the new age, old school writing that is sweeping the nation. If you enjoy some Southern Baptist, Praise and Worship, and Soulful Spirituals he is your man. If you like Anthems to set you on fire, or if you like Contemporary/Urban Gospel to put you in a gospel groove; then The Man behind the Hat, is your songwriter. Mr. Lewis inspires souls with his ability to keep biblical content accompanied with its melodic twin and R&B cousin. His music will make you hit the repeat button again and again. Brother Lewis utilized the soulful sounds of Sister Carolyn Canaada of Atlanta, Georgia, to set our souls on fire. It was a presentation that none of us will ever forget.

Our third place songwriter is Brother Lance Bonner. Brother Bonner is a prolific songwriter and an anointed singer. Brother Lance was the first place winner in 2008 with his song, “More” and this year he blessed us with his song, “My Greatest Friend”. This is a powerful song that everyone enjoyed. Brother Lance was also our 2007 songwriting winner with his song, “Its Morning Time.” It’s obvious to everyone that he is going to do great things in the industry. Brother Lance has great potential and we want everyone to get ready to be blessed when he brings forth some more great music.

If you would like to see more pictures of our winners and other songwriting participants, then go to our Photo Gallery so you can see more exciting pictures of our attendees. Also, you can listen to some of the music from the Culminating concert by going to our Media Center. You can also view pictures of other activities occurring during the workshop and purchase some of the music. God bless and we look forward to seeing you at our next workshop.