Inaugural 'National Gospel Music Heritage Month' Launches

ATLANTA, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- September marks America's first-ever
National Gospel Music Heritage Month, so-designated by House of
Representatives (H.Con. Res. 370) and Senate (S. Res. 595) in resolutions
passed this summer. The dual legislation proclaims September 2008 as Gospel
Music Heritage Month, honoring gospel music for its valuable long-standing
contributions to American culture. The initiative was created by Gospel Music
Channel, the country's first and only television network devoted to all forms
of gospel/Christian music, with support from The Recording Academy(R) and the
Gospel Music Association.
Gospel Music Heritage Month honors a true American art form for its vast
contributions to our culture, bringing a message of hope and inspiration to
people of all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds. People are encouraged
to celebrate Gospel Music Heritage Month by attending concerts, events,
watching and listening to gospel music, learning and reading about gospel
music and more. Visit http://www.gospelmusicheritage.com for more information.
Gospel Music Channel will celebrate Gospel Music Heritage Month on-air,
online and on-demand by featuring the greatest names ever in gospel music
throughout September. Mahalia Jackson, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Amy Grant,
Al Green, Dixie Hummingbirds, Kirk Franklin, Michael W. Smith, Bobby Jones,
Natalie Grant, Bill Gaither and many others will be seen in GMC world and
network premieres, documentaries, original specials and series.
"This is the opportunity for the millions of gospel/Christian music fans
to have their own national month to honor and celebrate the rich heritage of
their music," said Charles Humbard, Founder and President of Gospel Music
Channel.
"Gospel music is an historical American art form that has spanned hundreds
of generations and both inspires and entertains across racial, ethnic,
religious, and geographic boundaries. We must officially recognize the great
contributions to American culture that have derived from the rich heritage of
gospel music and its artists," said Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-
Texas).
Gospel Music Channel is the fastest-growing network in television today
and can be seen in nearly 40 million homes on various cable systems around the
country and on DIRECTV on Channel 338.
SOURCE Gospel Music Channel

Jim Weiss of Gospel Music Channel, +1-770-692-4579,
jim@gospelmusicchannel.com