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Greater Fort Lauderdale has become the home for the preservation of gospel music. Thomas Dorsey, considered the father of gospel music, would be proud. Dorsey is best known for his work, beginning in the 1940’s and ‘50s, with renowned singer Mahalia Jackson and the hundreds of compositions which popularized what is now considered America’s heritage music. Interestingly, Dorsey’s blending of jazz and blues rhythms with Christian messages was not well-received, and he faced many personal and professional setbacks before making his mark on history.
Broward County has been making its mark for the past two years as home to the Dr. Bobby Jones International Gospel Industry Retreat, held twice a year in the spring and fall. The 21st bi-annual event, which opens Nov. 17 and runs through Nov. 21 at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa on Hollywood Beach, promises to be an artistic and educational gem of a showcase for professionals, youth, and audiences. The groundbreaking of the Gospel Complex for Preservation and Education in Lauderhill, west of downtown Fort Lauderdale will also be featured. The complex is positioned to become an international center for the celebration of gospel music.
As always, the retreat is drawing national attention with seminar classes, youth workshops, and television performances featuring major gospel stars, under the direction of Dr. Jones. Three TV tapings will be held Nov. 19th and 20th, and they are open to the public.
But this year, the spotlight is also on the Gospel Complex and its significance to the industry. A VIP golf tournament and fundraiser will be hosted by radio giant and philanthropist Tom Joyner and Donna Joyner. Ebony Magazine is sponsoring a reception for major performing artists to learn about the complex, as well as a gospel brunch with Mothers of NBA and NFL Players. Events are also planned to raise funds for the youth education and career development programs -a major component of the gospel music center’s plan. Industry insiders will come together for a series of discussions on ways in which they can become an integral part of the success of the complex, and a tour of area churches. On any given Sunday, a visitor to Greater Fort Lauderdale can find numerous English and Spanish-speaking congregations that feature traditional and contemporary threads of the tapestry Thomas Dorsey helped to create in his 60-year career.
One thing seems clear: The Gospel Complex will be a place where people can come to learn about the history of gospel music, and performers can share their love of the music with others. Dorsey, who died in 1993, would be proud; his early struggles were worthwhile.
--Kitty Oliver
Broward County has been making its mark for the past two years as home to the Dr. Bobby Jones International Gospel Industry Retreat, held twice a year in the spring and fall. The 21st bi-annual event, which opens Nov. 17 and runs through Nov. 21 at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa on Hollywood Beach, promises to be an artistic and educational gem of a showcase for professionals, youth, and audiences. The groundbreaking of the Gospel Complex for Preservation and Education in Lauderhill, west of downtown Fort Lauderdale will also be featured. The complex is positioned to become an international center for the celebration of gospel music.
As always, the retreat is drawing national attention with seminar classes, youth workshops, and television performances featuring major gospel stars, under the direction of Dr. Jones. Three TV tapings will be held Nov. 19th and 20th, and they are open to the public.
But this year, the spotlight is also on the Gospel Complex and its significance to the industry. A VIP golf tournament and fundraiser will be hosted by radio giant and philanthropist Tom Joyner and Donna Joyner. Ebony Magazine is sponsoring a reception for major performing artists to learn about the complex, as well as a gospel brunch with Mothers of NBA and NFL Players. Events are also planned to raise funds for the youth education and career development programs -a major component of the gospel music center’s plan. Industry insiders will come together for a series of discussions on ways in which they can become an integral part of the success of the complex, and a tour of area churches. On any given Sunday, a visitor to Greater Fort Lauderdale can find numerous English and Spanish-speaking congregations that feature traditional and contemporary threads of the tapestry Thomas Dorsey helped to create in his 60-year career.
One thing seems clear: The Gospel Complex will be a place where people can come to learn about the history of gospel music, and performers can share their love of the music with others. Dorsey, who died in 1993, would be proud; his early struggles were worthwhile.
--Kitty Oliver
posted by GuestBlogger-GFL at 3:53 PM
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