For 40 years, the Houston Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America has been inspired to promote and preserve gospel music, its traditions, and its rich heritage.

Shortly after organizing the parent organization in 1967, the brilliant Rev. James Cleveland, along with Thurston Frazier, traveled to Houston and met with two of the gospel music giants in the city at that time, namely Willie Thornton and Jesse Williams.  That very historical meeting resulted in the eventual organization of the Houston Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America.  The late Rev. W. Leo Daniels was appointed the first Texas State Representative.  Under Rev. Daniels’ leadership, the chapter grew enormously, both numerically and spiritually.  Some of the charter members of the Houston Chapter include Willie Thornton, Shirley Joiner, V. Michael McKay, Alvin Dread, the late Rev. Eugene Williams, Jesse Williams, Lee Ida Brown Campbell, and Barbara McCloud, just to name a few.

The City of Houston and The Houston Chapter of GMWA are proud of being home to many of today’s most phenomenally gifted talents in the gospel music industry. The GMWA National Convention, which convenes every year, is the highlight of our fiscal year.  Held in a different city every year, chapters from across the country and internationally convene for a week of spiritual renewal, educational opportunities provided by an impressive curriculum of classes, fellowship, and ministry enrichment.

As the Houston Chapter enters its 40th Year Celebration, we gratefully salute the memory of our founder the Late Reverend James Cleveland and the pioneering members of the Houston Chapter for their visionary ingenious, and the provision of such a rich heritage in gospel music. As a part of this celebration the Houston Chapter will host “A Salute to Houston’s Gospel Music Legends" to be held July 13, 2009 – 7:00 PM at the Hyatt Regency Hotel.

The Houston Chapter, which meets on the first Saturday of each month, maintains an open door policy for membership.  We invite you to join us and be enriched by a spirit-inspired fellowship of anointed musicians, directors, songwriters, composers, singers, and gospel enthusiasts from around the city and surrounding areas. 
 

The Houston Chapter
Of The Gospel Music Workshop of America, 
“Where Everybody is Somebody." 
www.houstongmwa.com

"A Salute to Houston's Gospel Music Legends"
P.O. Box 8373
Houston, Tx.  77288
713-866-4002
www.houstongospelmusiclegends.com