Jeff Pardo was named BMI Christian songwriter of the 12 months for the second time in three years on the BMI Christian Awards, which have been held at its Nashville workplace on Tuesday (June 17). The personal occasion was hosted by Leslie Roberts, BMI’s avp, artistic.
Pardo, 43, wrote or co-wrote 5 of BMI’s 25 most-performed Christian songs: “Don’t Cease Praying,” “Heaven Modifications All the things,” “Reward the Lord” with Jake Henry and Micah Tyler, “Operating House” and “Sturdy” with Anne Wilson. Pardo acquired a Grammy nomination in 2013 for co-writing “My Jesus” with Wilson and received two GMA Dove Awards in 2022. He has efficiently crossed genres as nicely, working with artists reminiscent of Girl A, Ben Rector and Tauren Wells.
BMI’s Christian track of the 12 months went to “Reward,” written by Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Stephen Furtick and Chandler Moore. The hit by Elevation Worship that includes Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore spent 31 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Scorching Christian Songs chart and 9 weeks at No. 1 on the Christian Airplay chart.
Main as much as track of the 12 months, BMI named the 25 most-performed Christian songs of the earlier 12 months. The roster included 18 first-time award winners.
Capitol CMG Publishing introduced house writer of the 12 months for representing 17 of the 25 most-performed songs of the 12 months together with “Reward” in addition to “Don’t Cease Praying,” “I Imagine,” “Jesus Does” and “Take It All Again.”
As well as, Jackie Patillo, president of the Gospel Music Affiliation and the GMA Basis, was honored with the BMI Highlight Award. As a shock tribute, five-time GMA Dove Awards feminine vocalist of the 12 months (and nine-time Grammy nominee) Natalie Grant, carried out her first recording, “I Am Not Alone.” She was accompanied by Bernie Herms.
“That is greater than only a enterprise,” Patillo stated in accepting the award. “We’re all making a distinction and impacting tradition, and that’s what we rise up for day by day.” Earlier recipients of the BMI Highlight Award embody Dottie Leonard Miller, Randy Edelman and Frank Gari.
Particular moments on the occasion embody Roberts calling BMI’s 2019 Compass Award winner Elwyn Raymer to the stage to start out the celebration with a prayer; nation songwriter Jordan Rowe giving the viewers a preview of his unreleased track, “Manner Again;” and first-time BMI award-winner Seph Schlueter sharing his hit “Counting My Blessings.”
For an entire record of winners, go here.