Donnie McClurkin to Receive Recording Academy Honors

Grammy award-winning gospel singer Donnie McClurkin has been named a recipient of the New York Chapter's Recording Academy Honors 2007 for his significant contributions and achievements that have enriched the musical community.

McClurkin will join an elite host of honorees including music veteran Bon Jovi, R&B artist Alicia Keys and the creators of "West Side Story" for a black tie gala Wednesday, September 26 at New York City's Cipriani Wall Street.

The event will attract recording artists, key entertainment executives and community leaders. The Recording Academy Honors celebrate outstanding individuals whose work embodies excellence and integrity and who have improved the environment for the creative community.

Noted as gospel's premier male vocalist, a master songwriter and profound minister, McClurkin became a household name after the release of his self-titled CD in 1996.

The debut CD led to other gold albums including Again and the double platinum-selling Live From London And More, recorded in England at the Fairfield Hall. McClurkin expanded beyond the gospel base with the hit single "We Fall Down", which was heard internationally on R&B and adult contemporary radio formats as well.

McClurkin reached even greater heights with his latest platinum-selling Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs, a collection of church favourites coupled with renditions of Richard Smallwood's "Total Praise" and "Ooh Child" featuring Kirk Franklin.

The double disk CD set has crossed both Christian and gospel genres with McClurkin's unique and original style, taking fans from church to worship.

His many successes are evident by the number of awards he has received, including a 2007 Trumpet Award, two Grammy awards, a NAACP Image Award, a BET Award, a Soul Train Music Award and two Doves and numerous Stellar Awards.

McClurkin's accomplishments have placed him on an international platform as a highly requested psalmist and preacher. On September 18 he will share the stage with an all-star line up - Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Jessye Norman, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Carlos Santana, Garth Brooks, Queen Latifah, John Legend and Baby Face among others- for The Dream Concert to benefit the building of the Martin Luther King Jr National Memorial Project Foundation. The concert, which is being held at the Radio City Music Hall, will benefit the construction of the King memorial on the National Mall in Washington DC.

Whether it is behind the pulpit on Sunday mornings or singing in a large arena, McClurkin's mission is to reach people by spreading the gospel.