GMA & Sparrow Records to release Dove Hits 2002 compilation album; launch new series

The Gospel Music Association recently announced a major multi-year agreement with the distribution partnership of EMI CMG, Provident Music Group, and Word Entertainment to produce an annual Dove Hits compilation record, announced Frank Breeden, president of the Gospel Music Association.

Under the new agreement, marketing, manufacturing, and distribution of the Dove Hits record will rotate among the three record companies for the next three years. The label partners, with input from GMA, will select the song list for these recordings. Dove Hits 2002 will be marketed through EMI CMG's Sparrow Records, and has a street date of April 9, 2002. Provident will be responsible for the record in 2003 and Word has the project for 2004.

"We are pleased that the major music companies have come together under this partnership to share GMA's goal of establishing this annual compilation of Dove Award nominated songs as one of the most important and highly anticipated releases of the year. The Dove Awards are the longest running awards show and most prestigious recognition for excellence in our industry and it's important that a Dove Hits record reflect that, which this partnership will ensure," said Breeden.

Dove Hits 2002 will also include the exclusive addition of the new song, "In God We Trust," which was commissioned by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) as the Christian music industry's unified response to the tragic events of September 11. The all-star anthem features vocals by tobyMac, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Rachel Lampa, Steven Curtis Chapman, Crystal Lewis, Jaci Velasquez, Mark Stewart of Audio Adrenaline, Janna Long of Avalon, Michael Tait, Kevin Max, Anointed, Nicol Smith and Todd Smith of Selah, and Russ Lee. More than 50 Christian music artists also participated in the choir for the song, written by Dove and Grammy Award winner Wayne Kirkpatrick ("Change the World") and Dove Award winner 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 the "In God We Trust" single.

"It's appropriate that 'In God We Trust' be included on Dove Hits 2002 because it evokes the spirit in which our industry came together this past year to bring hope and encouragement to our fellow citizens after the nation's terrible tragedy. This bonus cut, like the other songs that were nominated for Dove Awards, represents the unique voice our industry brings to music," said Breeden.

In addition to a roster of songs that includes 11 number one Christian radio singles, Dove Hits 2002 will be the only place that consumers can purchase "In God We Trust," which will also be released as a single from the project.

"This will be one of the biggest hits of the year," comments Grant Hubbard, Sparrow's vice president of promotions. "The magnitude of this group of artists coming together on one song is huge! Over 150 years of artist experience, millions of albums sold, countless #1 singles -- all this adds up to a great response from radio and an immediate response from consumers."

Sparrow is launching a massive 12-month marketing campaign for Dove Hits 2002. A national radio advertising and promotional campaign will target the album launch and extend through the Dove Awards, with special promotions planned around key retail holidays. Print advertising will reach core Christian music fans by focusing on music publications and Christian women's lifestyle publications. In addition, Sparrow will target affinity artist/album websites and online destinations to educate core consumers about Dove Hits 2002 and the Dove Hits series.

The Dove Hits 2002 recording will be a featured release in the National Association of Record Merchandisers- (NARM) sponsored point-of-purchase (POP) campaign for mainstream retailers to promote Christian music sales through the Dove Awards. CBA stores will also have the record featured on all Dove Awards POP materials.

Dove Hits 2002 track listing:

• "Live Out Loud" - Steven Curtis Chapman
• "Come Together" - Third Day
• "Wait For Me" - Rebecca St. James
• "Above All" - Michael W. Smith
• "I Believe I Can Fly" - Yolanda Adams
• "With All Of My Heart" - ZOEgirl
• "Welcome Home" - Shaun Groves
• "Blue Skies" - Point of Grace
• "Remember Me" - Mark Schultz & Ginny Owens
• "Anybody Wanna Pray" - CeCe Winans
• "Extreme Days" - tobyMac
• "Thank You" - Kirk Franklin & Mary Mary
• "Every Season" - Nichole Nordeman
• "The Glory" - Avalon
• "Call On Jesus" - Nicole C. Mullen
• BONUS TRACK: "In God We Trust"