GMA presents "In God We Trust" radio special in response to 9-11

The Gospel Music Association will present In God We Trust, a very special hour of music and conversation with Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Steven Curtis Chapman, CeCe Winans, Phil Keaggy, and Ginny Owens, announced Frank Breeden, president of the GMA. Inspired by the events of September 11, the radio special will air nationally the weekend of February 23, distributed by Salem Communications Corporation's Salem Radio Network.

The special will also include the world premiere of the new single, "In God We Trust," an all-star anthem featuring tobyMac, Michael Tait, Kevin Max, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Rachel Lampa, Steven Curtis Chapman, Crystal Lewis, Jaci Velasquez, Mark Stewart of Audio Adrenaline, Janna Long of Avalon, Anointed, Nicol Smith and Todd Smith of Selah, and Russ Lee. More than 50 Christian music artists (list is below) also participated in the choir for the song, written by Dove and Grammy-winning Wayne Kirkpatrick ("Change Your World") and Dove-winning Mark Heimermann ("Jesus Freak") and inspired by the events of 9-11. Gravity Records, a new independent record label, provided the production and recording of "In God We Trust" single.

"In July of 1956, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a joint resolution by Congress into law declaring 'In God We Trust,' the official motto of the United States of America. For most of the 20th Century, Americans have seen this motto written on their currency. Through the radio special and this single, we wanted to encourage all Americans to write this same phrase on their hearts. We know that many are still suffering the pain and loss associated with 9-11 and we hope they will find comfort through faith in God as they listen to some of our leading artists talk and sing," said Frank Breeden, president of the Gospel Music Association.

During the hour-long special, which was hosted by Smith, the six artists shared their stories about where they were on September 11 as well as their thoughts about how the world has changed since then. Each artist also performed a song they felt was appropriate for the occasion.

When the radio special airs, artists also point listeners to www.gospelmusic.org where they can donate to charities who are assisting 9-11 victims. Additionally, the artists that participated in the "In God We Trust" recording session signed a banner that will be auctioned on eBay, with proceeds going to the Todd M. Beamer Foundation.

"Being a part of the taping was a great honor for me. It was all you would hope it could or would be. The artists involved had no agenda other than to honor God and honor the people effected by the tragedy of 9-11. I've always believed that music can bring healing and that is my prayer for this," said Smith, who is a member of the GMA Board of Directors.

Founded in 1964, the 5,000-member Gospel Music Association is dedicated to educating the public and the music industry concerning the mission and role of gospel music in today's world. The Gospel Music Association also produces the Dove Awards, which recognizes achievement in all genres of gospel music and is the premiere television awards show for the contemporary Christian and gospel music industry.

For more information, visit www.gospelmusic.org, www.gravityrecords.com, or www.todayschristianmusic.com.

Artist performing on "In God We Trust" single:

Amy Grant
Anointed
Audio Adrenaline
Avalon
Ben Glover
CeCe Winans
Chris Harris
Crystal Lewis
dc Talk
Erin O'Donnell Gersh
Ginny Owens
Jaci Velasquez
Jake
Kelly Minter
Kim Hill
Mark Schultz
Mercy Me
Michael W. Smith
Natalie Grant
Nichole Nordeman
Out of Eden
Pete Orta
Phil Keaggy
Point of Grace
Rachel Lampa
Ronny Freeman
Russ Lee
Selah
Shaun Groves
Sonicflood
Steven Curtis Chapman
The Katinas
True Vibe
Watermark
Wayne Kirkpatrick
ZOEgirl