Photos by Naomi Richards and Candace Walker



The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) Rhythm and Soul team hosted the 2nd Annual “Morning Glory Breakfast” at this year’s Stellar Awards and the event was one to remember.

The breakfast recognized and honored many of the 2012 Stellar Award nominees for their gifts to the Gospel industry and saluted Karen Clark Sheard with its first ever Gospel Icon Award. Taking place the morning of the awards show, the invitation only affair was held in the Magnolia Room at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

Gospel artist and radio personality and my favorite girl, Darlene McCoy was the host for the event and did an excellent job moving things along. As usual her bubbly personality shined through the entire event.

Kierra Sheard performed the Clark Sister’s standard “Balm in Gilead” in honor of her mother Karen Clark Sheard. Clark-Sheard is an exceptional songwriter and has penned several Gospel hits including the Clark Sister smash “Blessed and High Favored.” She is also a savvy business woman as she is now the president of her own record label Karew Records/EMI. Her son J. Drew Sheard was also on hand to witness his mother receive her awards. Clark-Sheard thanked God as well as her family for their support over the years.

James Fortune also performed his new song “Identity” from his latest CD. I attended his listening party which was sponsored by Urban Soul Café, and let me tell you this, as soon as you can you will want to buy his CD it is awesome. Trust me.

There were several people in attendance at the event including; Pastor and new Gospel artist Dr. Claybon Lea, attorney James L. Walker, Maurette Brown-Clark, Jonathan Nelson, Daniel Weatherspoon and Phil Tarver to name a few.

Check out my slideshow below!