APRIL MARKS FIRST ANNUAL CHRISTIAN MUSIC MONTH

Industry Joins Together To Shine Spotlight On Christian and Gospel Music Leading Up To Easter

The Recording Academy + Gospel Music Association Launches Christian Music Month Focused ‘Positive Vibes Only’ Performances 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (April 1, 2025) – Gospel Music Association (GMA) is proud to announce that industry leaders and organizations across Christian and Gospel music are coming together for the month of April to celebrate the first annual Christian Music Month (CMM), a movement designed to encourage fans everywhere to listen, engage, and share the power of Christian music.

Easter marks the biggest day of the year for Christian music consumption. Dedicating an entire month to Christian music will build on that momentum to shine a spotlight on the music and message that transforms lives.

In honor of Christian Music Month, GMA is partnering with The Recording Academy, the organization behind the annual GRAMMY Awards, to launch four exclusive performances of their Positive Vibes Only series, which celebrates gospel and Contemporary Christian music. Featuring Tauren Wells, Josiah Queen, Jekalyn Carr, and Adrienne Bailon ft. New Breed, each video will premiere on GRAMMY.com and the Recording Academy YouTube Channel throughout April:

April 7th – Tauren Wells

April 14th – Josiah Queen

April 21st – Jekalyn Carr

April 28th – Adrienne Bailon ft. New Breed

Christian Music Month has been fully embraced across the industry, with Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify, and TBN+ all creating official destinations on their platforms to highlight CMM. Christian Radio support is being led by Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB), while event participation is happening through partnerships with Awakening Events and TPR, featuring CMM branding on major tours like Forrest Frank, MercyMe, Winter Jam and more. 

This is a historic moment for Christian music. The GMA is encouraging industry members and fans alike to support Christian Music Month this April.

ABOUT THE GOSPEL MUSIC ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION

Since 1964, the Gospel Music Association’s mission has been to expose, promote and celebrate the Gospel through music. The GMA serves the richly diverse creatives and professionals within the Christian and Gospel music industry by preserving the legacies of those who’ve gone before us and celebrating the work of today’s artists through events like the GMA Dove Awards, GMA Easter Celebration, and GMA Christmas Celebration – which reaches millions of people around the world annually.

ABOUT THE RECORDING ACADEMY 

The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals.

Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music’s history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in times of need through MusiCares, and celebrates artistic excellence through the GRAMMY Awards — music’s only peer-recognized accolade and highest achievement.

As the world’s leading society of music professionals, we work year-round to foster a more inspiring world for creators.

Gospel music fans, we have some exciting news! The dates for the 40th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards have officially been set – and we get the feeling you won’t want to miss it.

This year’s awards will be held August 14-16, 2025 in Nashville, TN. 

Great music is coming to a city near you! Cochran & Co has announced the Running Home Tour with special guests Megan Woods and Mackenzie Phillips this spring.

The tour will kick off in South Burlington, VT on April 23 and end in Odessa, MO on May 10. Act soon – tickets are already low for some of the dates!

Grammy-winning music icon CeCe Winans is bringing together women from across the nation for the 4th annual Generations Live! 25’ Women’s Conference, set to take place May 9-10, 2025, at the Curb Event Center at Belmont University in Nashville, TN. This dynamic two-day event promises an empowering experience designed to strengthen bonds between women of all ages, with the goal of fostering wisdom, faith, and connection between generations.

Since its inception, Generations Live! 25 has been a transformative gathering where women leave inspired, encouraged, and equipped to make meaningful changes in their lives. “The heart of Generations Live! has always been about bringing women together to share, learn, and grow,” says CeCe Winans. “When we unite as sisters and pass down wisdom from one generation to the next, something powerful happens. We’re reminded that we’re stronger together.”

This year’s conference lineup features an extraordinary roster of speakers, including CeCe Winans, Priscilla Shirer, Jackie Hill-Perry, Sheryl Brady, Ashley Phillips, Tamara Bennett, Shannon Smith, and Rochelle T. Parks. Attendees will also be treated to inspiring musical performances by special guests Doe and Charity Gayle, adding a special time of worship to the weekend.

This year’s event is expected to reach full capacity, but in-person tickets are still available.  For those who can’t travel to Nashville, livestream access is available for individuals, small groups, and churches making it easier than ever to experience the conference virtually. 

Canaan James Hill covered an Earnest Pugh classic for his American Idol audition, which aired Mar 30. All three judges said “yes” and awarded him one of three platinum tickets after hearing his powerful rendition of “I Need Your Glory.”

Pugh applaued the performance too, posting on social media, “He did this song so much justice. I am grateful.” The song “I Need Your Glory” was released in 2011 on Pugh’s Earnestly Yours album.

American Idol airs on ABC Sundays and Mondays at 8pm ET.

The Heritage is the newest signing to Chris Tomlin’s Bowyer and Bow imprint on Universal/Capitol Christian Music Group. The dynamic collective of worship leaders joins the elite roster that includes Blessing Offor and Pat Barrett. Celebrating their label home, The Heritage releases their debut album HOME available today. 

“This all started with us writing worship songs for our local church,” shares The Heritage of their inception as a group. “We simply wanted to create music that would impact the way people worship God. Never did we imagine that our paths would cross so unexpectedly with Chris Tomlin and his entire team, but God did far beyond what we could have ever imagined. We are excited to partner with Bowyer & Bow and Capitol CMG to expand our reach and share God-honoring, Christ-centered worship music with a wider audience. To God be the glory!”

“The first time I heard The Heritage, I was deeply moved,” shares Chris Tomlin. “There was something so genuine and refreshing in their sound: a mix of honesty, passion, and heart fully focused on worship. These young worship leaders from South Carolina carry something special, and I believe God is going to use their songs in a powerful way. I can’t wait for the world to hear their debut album. My prayer is that it speaks to people the same way it spoke to me.”

The Heritage is brought together under the leadership of Worship Pastor Joshua Phillips from Christian Heritage Church in Graniteville, SC. Songs from The Heritage blend the timeless nature of worship music, echoing a deep passion for scripture, while embracing the creativity of a fresh, innovative spirit and sound of a new generation. Listen to the live recorded debut project HOME here and watch the music video below. 

Brad O’Donnell, President of CCMG, adds, “We love our partnership with Chris Tomlin and Bowyer and Bow and are excited to work together on our latest signing, The Heritage. The band’s incredible story and sincere, fresh take on worship music are sure to stand out and encourage people around the world.”

Get ready and mark your calendars! Singer, songwriter and worship leader Ryan Ellis has announced he’s going out for his first headlining tour this summer.

The Better Days Tour will kick off May 17 in Chama, New Mexico and wrap June 1 in Orlando, Fl. Lee Vasi will join the tour as the opener for Ellis.

Bethel Music announces its upcoming WORSHIP & MINISTRY NIGHTS TOUR that will kick off on June 5 in Daytona Beach, FL, featuring renowned worship leaders Jenn Johnson, Paul McClure, Hannah McClure, Edward Rivera, David Funk, Kristene DiMarco, John Wilds and Emmy Rose. Each night will be a powerful night of worship and ministry with moments to respond, wait on the Lord, and be unified as His people. In this sacred space, Bethel Music expects God to touch the hearts of His people and to do something extraordinary.

The 12-city tour will visit select cities across the U.S., including Daytona Beach, FL, Myrtle Beach, SC, Charlotte, NC, Milwaukee, WI, Grand Rapids, MI, Indianapolis, IN, Chicago, IL, Minneapolis, MN, Denver, CO, Lubbock, TX, San Antonio, TX, and Austin, TX.

In each of these locations, the worship collective will be performing songs from their latest album, “WE MUST RESPOND” which serves as a call to action, inviting believers to respond to God’s love and surrender in worship. Attendees can expect an unforgettable night of worship, as they are ushered into His presence in a fresh and intimate way.

Says Jenn Johnson: “We are SO excited for this tour!! These nights of worship and ministry are going to be so special as we encounter the presence of God and respond to His glory and His goodness.”

BETHEL MUSIC WORSHIP & MINISTRY NIGHTS TOUR

*Dates, special guests, and artist performances are subject to change.

June 5 Daytona Beach, FL

June 6 Myrtle Beach, SC

June 7 Charlotte, NC

June 12 Milwaukee, WI

June 13 Grand Rapids, MI

June 14 Indianapolis, IN

June 15 Chicago, IL

June 17 Minneapolis, MN

June 19 Denver, CO

June 20 Lubbock, TX

June 21 San Antonio, TX

June 22 Austin, TX

Air1, in partnership with TPR., is thrilled to announce the Worship Now Tour coming to 12 cities this fall with an incredible lineup including Phil Wickham, Charity Gayle, Josh Baldwin, and Benjamin William Hastings. Pre-sale tickets are available Tuesday, April 8 with all tickets on sale Thursday, April 10.

“Worship brings people together like nothing else can,” said Mandy Young, Air1’s Vice President of Radio. “Phil Wickham, Charity Gale, Josh Baldwin, and Benjamin William Hastings help our listeners worship through every day on Air1. I’m excited for those same listeners to experience that LIVE during the Air1 Worship Now Tour!”

“I’m beyond honored to be part of the Air1 Worship Now Tour this October,” shares Phil Wickham. “I already know these nights will be so special—not just because of the incredible songwriters and worship leaders I get to share the stage with, but because of the way these cities will come together as one church to lift the name of Jesus. We don’t want anyone to miss out, so mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and join us for an unforgettable time of worship. Can’t wait!”

This tour brings Air1’s “Worship Now” movement to these local cities beginning in Missouri on October 8 and ending in Washington on October 26.

Charity Gayle adds, “Air1 has been such a great partner for worship leaders like myself to share the Gospel message through our music, and I’m so excited to be going on the Air1 Worship Now Tour this fall to keep doing that in person! Not to mention, I get to worship alongside some of my favorite artists (who happen to be friends). There is nothing sweeter than praising Jesus together and I can’t wait for you to join us!”

The Air1 Worship Now Tour will deliver powerful nights of worship nationwide. Don’t miss the chance to experience unforgettable music and community during this special tour event!

“The thing for me that has always made Air1 so special and stand apart from anyone else is the fact that it is a radio station devoted to worship,” Josh Baldwin says, “Songs that are meant to get our eyes off of ourselves and whatever circumstances we’re facing and help us direct them towards Jesus.

So I’m so excited to be on a tour with the same goal! I love leading worship with my friends, and our goal for these nights is to come together as a church and lift the name of Jesus. We want these nights to continue what we were put on earth to do…worship the King of kings!”

Benjamin William Hastings concludes, “Humbled and honestly fired up to be part of the Air1 Worship Now Tour. I’ve got a feeling these nights are gonna be something special—not just because of the absolute legends I get to share the stage with, but because I believe something powerful happens when a city gathers in unity.

Over the last little while, I’ve felt a real stirring—a renewed passion for worship and what it means to bring songs before God again. And for that reason, this feels timely for me and maybe for you. If so, pencil it in, round up your people—family, friends, even that one cousin who’s always late—and come be part of what I’m praying will be a truly memorable night! See you soon!”

Air1 Worship Now Tour – Fall 2025

October 8 – Independence, MO
October 9 – Fishers, IN
October 10 – State College, PA
October 11 – Canton, OH
October 15 – Lubbock, TX
October 16 – Belton, TX
October 17 – San Antonio, TX
October 18 – Tulsa, OK
October 23 – Sacramento, CA
October 24 – Reno, NV
October 25 – Nampa, ID
October 26 – Everett, WA

GRAMMY-Award winning singer/songwriter Brandon Lake announced that his upcoming record reveal concert event next week (Apr 2 at 7P ET) will be livestreamed. “I can’t wait to let you in on what we’ve been creating the past year….Don’t miss it— gonna be cray cray,” Lake said of the upcoming show, which will take place at The Riviera Theater in Charleston, SC.

Stream & Enjoy