2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Honors John P. Kee

BMI celebrated John P. Kee at the 2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards. The ceremony was hosted by Mike O’Neill, BMI’s president & CEO, and Catherine Brewton, VP, at Flourish in Atlanta, GA.

As a Trailblazer of Gospel Music, John P. Kee was honored for his significant contributions to the genre and for seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary gospel music in a way that has resonated with listeners for many years. His impact on the church has been great. However, Pastor John P. Kee's influence can be traced everywhere: from rural neighborhoods similar to the one he hails from, across genres, and across the world at large.

"There's No Me Without John P. Kee"

Some of the biggest names in Christian music gathered to pay homage to the Prince of Gospel, affectionately known by many as "Uncle John." The room, dimly lit and buzzing with laughter and the sound of old friends catching up, felt more like a family reunion than a formal ceremony.

It wasn't difficult for the gospel artists and executives to recount their fond memories of the legend and to share the ways in which he helped their careers and blessed their lives.

A Simple Song: Musical Selections at the Awards

Musical tributes were given by vocal powerhouses Lena Byrd, who sang “Yes Lord,” followed by Chrystal Rucker’s performance of “The Anointing.”

Speaking of the anointing, it definitely fell when Kelontae Gavin and Jekalyn Carr gave their passionate renditions of “Never Shall Forget" and "Standing in the Need".

Lisa Knowles-Smith and her children KJ and Ndia took us to church with their quartet-style mashup of "Lily in the Valley" and "He'll Welcome Me." The room went crazy when they transitioned to Lisa's hit single, "Jesus." Calling on Jesus while thinking about Him welcoming you into heaven is a surefire way to send the saints up in praise.

Vanessa Bell Armstrong followed with “Wave It Away,” featuring Donald Lawrence & Company, and Zacardi Cortez ended the tributes with an heartfelt performance of “Jesus Is Real.”

The ceremony concluded with a legendary mic toss, during which Pastor John sang the opening line to his hit “New Life," followed by Isaac Carree, Zacardi Cortez, Eric Dawkins, Kirk Franklin, Jonathan McReynolds, Tasha Page-Lockhart, Lisa Page Brooks, and Marvin Sapp.

2025 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Awards

Throughout the afternoon, BMI recognized the 25 most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year, including the BMI Gospel Song of the Year award, which went to “Goodness of God” written by Ed Cash, Ben Fielding (APRA), and Jason Ingram.

During his acceptance speech, Ed hesitantly shared an issue that weighed heavily on his heart. Although nervous about how the message would be received, he asserted that the Holy Spirit had laid it on his heart to speak up if given the opportunity. He apologized for the racial discrimination he'd witnessed and even participated in over the course of his life. The crowd stood and showed him love in response to his vulnerability.

Charles Jenkins and Kirk Franklin Tie For Gospel Songwriter of the Year

Charles Jenkins and Kirk Franklin each wrote two of the most performed Gospel songs of the previous year and tied for BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year. Kirk Franklin secured his fourth Songwriter of the Year award and was honored for “All Things” and “Try Love.”

Over the course of his successful career, Charles Jenkins has won eight BMI awards, but this was his first time winning Songwriter of the Year at the BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Awards. He was recognized for his hit songs “God Be Praised” and “Look at God,” which was performed by Koryn Hawthorne.

Gospel lndustry Greatness

Capitol CMG earned BMI’s Gospel Publisher of the Year for having the highest publisher share percentage of the top 25 songs.

BMI is a global leader in music rights management. With over 80 years of service, it negotiates music license agreements and pays royalties to songwriters and publishers when their songs are performed publicly.

Each year, it recognizes the publishers and songwriters of the most performed songs in Gospel music. See the full list of 2025 award recipients here: https://www.bmi.com/award-shows/trailblazers-2025/