A Gospel Music Heritage Celebration
Join us Friday, September 12, at noon, for an uplifting celebration as we recognize Gospel Music Heritage Month. We will explore the history of Gospel Music in and outside of Arkansas with a panel of local gospel music artists, radio personalities, and producers; included are inspirational solo performances by Dee Dee Jones and Valerie Keener.
This lively panel discussion will include a conversation about the rich heritage of gospel music through the eyes of those who are deeply rooted and passionate about the music’s rich heritage and preservation.
Panelists information:
- Sheree Evans – soloist, choir director, recording artist, and executive pastor
- Bishop Fred Harris – radio station owner, radio personality, and pastor
- Dee Dee Jones – recording artist, entertainer, and two-time Showtime at the Apollo winner
- Dr. Dedric Jones – state chapter representative for the Gospel Music Workshop of America, music producer, songwriter, national recording artist, choir director, and minister
- Stan Jones – 7-year record label executive, multi Dove, Stellar & Grammy Award nominee, Billboard chart-topping songs with Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp, Brian Courtney Wilson & The Mississippi Mass Choir and others, 2025 Stellar Award Producer of the Year
- Valerie Keener – local chapter representative for the Gospel Music Workshop of America, recording artist, and choir director
- Bishop Kenneth L. Robinson – chairman of the Gospel Music Workshop of America Quartet Division, BKLR Music Quartet Convention, recording artist, radio personality, and pastor
- Clarence Thornton – Moderator: radio station owner, radio personality, and pastor
President Bill Clinton issued a proclamation designating 1994 as the Year of Gospel Music and called upon “Americans to celebrate Gospel music with appropriate ceremonies and activities and to reflect on the role that this music has in reinvigorating and renewing our souls and our communities.”
In remarks at the June 1998 WETA’s “In Performance at the White House” event highlighting gospel music, President Clinton described the genre as “truly an American gift” that lifts our hearts and minds and soothes our soul, calms our spirits.”
ATTEND: Register here to attend the program in person at the Clinton Center. The program will be available on our YouTube channel the following day.
DINE: Order lunch to-go or dine in at our on-site restaurant, 42 bar and table, before or after the program. View the menu or make your reservation online or call 501-537-0042.
This program is in partnership with the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Presidential Library.