Musical Icons Salute Aretha Franklin at the Kennedy Center for ‘Evolution of Gospel’

Misty Starks
Sep 9, 2018 · 2 min read

The Gospel Heritage Month Foundation presents its annual Evolution of Gospel concert at the Kennedy Center Hall, September 10, 2018, at 7 p.m. This year’s concert will feature a special tribute to the late, great Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

Evolution of Gospel will feature some of the biggest names in gospel music including Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Holliday, Regina Belle, Kathy Taylor, Richard Smallwood, Patrick Lundy and the Ministers of Music, Ricky Dillard and Ebenezer AMC Choir and many more. The concert will be hosted by Dr. Bobby Jones. Concert producer Ernest Walker of Walker Entertainment Group will spearhead the production.

The Gospel Music Heritage Foundation was formed in 2008 by gospel music advocate Carl Davis of Houston. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) and Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) led the passing of a resolution in both chambers, declaring September as Gospel Music Heritage Month.

This year marks a decade since the founding of the Gospel Heritage Foundation. The celebration, Evolution of Gospel, is a star-studded and foot-stomping event, celebrating the history of gospel music. Its format tells the story of gospel through narration and song, beginning with the Middle Passage, and it winds its path through gospel voices like Thomas Dorsey and Walter Hawkins. It spotlights the narrative with performances by our nation’s top traditional and contemporary gospel artists. Additionally, the Foundation honors individuals whose work and devotion to gospel music have resulted in world-wide exposure of the art form.

“The Evolution of Gospel is one of my favorite events to produce. This year will be extra special as we honor the incomparable Aretha Franklin. Undoubtedly there will be many tributes to the Queen of Soul this year, but this one really highlights her roots and the foundation of her musical career, which began in the church,” said Walker.

ABOUT THE GOSPEL HERITAGE FOUNDATION

The Gospel Music Heritage Month Foundation was established in 2008 to celebrate and educate people everywhere about the genre’s rich heritage through word and song. In each year since its establishment, both local and national celebrations have been held to educate and entertain diverse audiences with the rich history and legacy of gospel music.

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