Karen Peck Gooch To Be Inducted Into GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame

The Gospel Music Association (GMA) recently announced this year's class of inductees into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Multiple Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter and Southern Gospel innovator, Karen Peck Gooch, is included among the 2018 class to be inducted at GMA Honors on Tuesday, May 8, 2018, at Lipscomb University's Allen Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.

Karen Peck Gooch stated, "I am overwhelmed and deeply grateful to the Gospel Music Association for this incredible honor. To be inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame is one of the greatest moments of my life and career. All I ever wanted to do is sing Gospel music. I'm thankful to the Lord for giving me the desires of my heart. Serving Him is a joy and a privilege. Also, thanks to everyone for your love and support during this special time. I am blessed beyond measure."

Karen Peck Gooch has been a trailblazer in the world of Gospel music for 38 years. Her distinctive soprano voice has transcended genre and media boundaries. In her early years as a professional singer, Karen was a featured vocalist with the Lefevres and the Nelons, both of which are in the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame. In 1991, Karen and her husband, Rickey Gooch, along with Karen's sister Susan Peck Jackson, created Karen's current group, Karen Peck and New River. With the help of several other talented musicians and singers included in the group over the years, Karen Peck and New River earned many honors and accolades. In the past several years the group has included Karen and Rickey's two children, Matthew and Kari.

Karen and her group has earned five Grammy Award nominations, six GMA Dove Awards, thirty-two Absolutely Gospel Music Awards, and over a dozen Singing News Fan Awards. The group's songs have reached the #1 position over two dozen times and her signature songs include "Four Days Late" which was named the #1 Song of the Decade by Singing News Magazine. In 2012, Karen was a recipient of the Susan Unthank Memorial Award, an award handed out each year by the staff of AbsolutelyGospel.com that recognizes women in the Southern Gospel industry for their contributions. She has also helped preserve the legacy of Southern Gospel artists through her service as president of the Southern Gospel Music Association, the first woman to hold that position.

In 2012, Karen made the move from music to movies with a featured role in the hit film "Joyful Noise," appearing alongside Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah. She also had a role in the Pure Flix faith-based movie "Redeemed" with Ted McGinley and Teri Copley.

Ed Leonard, president of Daywind Records, her label home, stated, "We are thrilled for Karen to be recognized in this way. She has spent her life singing for Jesus. That is why she sings. It is not about the awards or the recognition for Karen. When that happens, though, it is a time for all of us to congratulate her on a job well done. Induction into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame includes her work among that of the best voices of all time singing for Jesus. We are so proud to be associated with her. Karen is the real deal in every way."

Wayne Haun, multi-award-winning producer, added, "I first heard Karen's voice on the radio back in 1982. She was singing "The Wedding Day" with the Rex Nelon Singers. That voice forever changed the history of Gospel music. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd meet her, much less produce her music 29 years later. She has become a true legend, but more than that, a trusted friend."

The GMA Honors celebrates gospel music trailblazers who are being inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame. It also honors individuals and organizations that are impacting the culture globally. Alongside Karen Peck Gooch, this year's inductees include Carman, The Staples Singers, and producer Greg Nelson. In addition, the GMA will honor Bishop Marvin Sapp, Chonda Pierce (Branches Counseling Center), Ryan Lampa (People Loving Nashville), and Lipscomb University for their service contributions

Ed Harper, President of The Harper Agency, said,"I first met Karen in January of 1982 when she started singing with the Nelons. Our agency has had the honor of working with her and her group since 1996. During that time I have witnessed her commitment to a high level of quality when performing, selecting songs, the advancement of our industry and her relationship to her family and the Lord. Her passion for the music and our industry is outstanding!!! She has definitely made an impact on many lives and careers in the gospel music industry. Her induction into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame is well deserved!!"

The GMA Honors celebrates gospel music trailblazers who are being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. It also and honors individuals and organizations that are impacting the culture globally. Alongside Karen Peck Gooch, this year's inductees include CCM veteran Carman, Black Gospel heroes The Staples Singers, and industry professional Greg Nelson. In addition, the GMA will honor Bishop Marvin Sapp, Chonda Pierce (Branches Counseling Center), Ryan Lampa (People Loving Nashville), and Lipscomb University for their contributions to the Gospel music community..

The GMA Honors will take place on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. Visit www.gmahonors.org for ticket information and other details. Performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.

 

 

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