On Friday, April 4th, the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards took center stage at Flourish in Atlanta, GA, celebrating the most impactful names in Gospel music. The star-studded evening recognized gospel pioneer and pastor John P. Kee was a Trailblazer of Gospel Music for his over four-decade-long influence and artistry that has shaped the genre globally.
Hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O’Neill and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton, the private ceremony also honored top achievers with awards for Gospel Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Publisher of the Year, alongside the announcement of the 25 most-performed Gospel songs of the past year.
As one of the evening’s highlights, John P. Kee received the Trailblazer honor in recognition of his unmatched ability to fuse traditional and contemporary Gospel. During the presentation, O’Neill applauded Kee for his “extraordinary contributions that have greatly influenced the Gospel genre and deeply touched the community.”
The musical tributes to Kee were nothing short of electrifying. Lena Byrd Miles opened with an emotional rendition of “Yes Lord”, followed by Chrystal Rucker’s performance of “The Anointing.” Kelontae Gavin and Jekalyn Carr captivated the audience with “Never Shall Forget” and “Standing in the Need” respectively. Lisa Knowles-Smith, along with her children KJ and Ndia, honored Kee with “Lily in the Valley” and “He’ll Welcome Me.” Gospel legend Vanessa Bell Armstrong, with Donald Lawrence and The Company, followed up with “Wave It Away,” and Zacardi Cortez brought the tributes to a rousing close with “Jesus is Real.”
Grateful and visibly moved, Kee addressed the room with heartfelt words:
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