Gospel Music Heritage Month Celebration
In 1994, President Bill Clinton issued a proclamation designating 1994 as the Year of Gospel Music. He 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.”
Join us Friday, September 11, 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, including inspirational solo performances.
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 will share their stories, knowledge, experiences, and passion for this enduring musical tradition.
Panelists will include:
- Sheree Evans – soloist, minister of music, recording artist, and executive pastor
- Fred Harris – radio station owner, radio personality, pastor, and 2026 Stellar Award nominee
- 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
- Clarence “J.C. Loves” Thornton – radio station owner, radio personality, and pastor
- Danita Waller-Paige – minister of music, singer, radio personality, pastor, and has worked with renowned artists such as Michael Bolton, Jennifer Holiday, Dr. Bobby Jones, Karen Clark-Sheard, and Dorinda Clark Cole
- Walter Witherspoon – songwriter, recording artist, producer, multi-instrumentalist, and pastor
Enjoy a soul-stirring solo by Mother Elois Reed and a special musical ensemble featuring Arkansas artists and songwriters Odis H. Richmond, Jr., Harold Wade, Sr., Marcia Smith, Viola Burse, Dedric Jones, and Bessie Lancelin.
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.
ASL interpretation is available during our events.
This program is in partnership with the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Presidential Library.