Performing rights organization BMI puts on one spectacular luncheon each year the day before the Stellar Gospel Awards.

In all honesty, the invite-only, must-attend affair has become more popular than the actual Stellar Awards themselves, because its a who's who soiree where the finest in gospel music are saluted by their peers in song.

This year BMI paid homage to gospel greats Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Mighty Clouds of Joy and Pastor Marvin Winans at its ninth Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon on Friday, Jan. 11, 2008.

The event was hosted by Dorinda Clark Cole of The Clark Sisters and held at Rocketown, a popular Nashville entertainment complex owned by Contemporary Christian artist Michael W. Smith.

After words and presentations by BMI brass Del Bryant, Catherine Brewton and Wardell Malloy, the event began with songwriter extraordinaire Percy Bady being recognized for penning gospel's most-performed song of 2007, 'Um Good,' recorded by Smokie Norful. Norful was also on-hand to sing the song, which was featured on his last release 'Life Changing.'

Keith "Wonderboy" Johnson kicked off an energetic tribute to the Mighty Clouds of Joy by rocking the house with their hit, 'I Came To Jesus.'

He was followed by Rance Allen who delivered 'I've Been in the Storm Too Long.' The former Stax Records legend was joined in an encore of the song by Joe Ligon and the Clouds themselves. (I was hoping someone would have sung their biggest hit, "Ride The Mighty High!")

Former R&B singer Dave Hollister (apparently subbing for an absent Margaret Bell) sung an ambitious rendition of 'Peace Be Still' beginning the Vanessa Bell Armstrong tribute. Singing background vocals for Armstrong as a 16-year-old was the beginning of Hollister's professional career.

Luncheon host Cole did a pickup on the classic Armstrong tune and her vocal adlibs shifted the energy of the room from industry gathering to a revival-like feel.

J. Moss followed with a rendition of Armstrong's 'He Looked Beyond My Faults (And Saw My Needs)' and Kelly Price, admittedly one of Armstrong's biggest fans, ended the salute with a powerful version of 'Nobody But Jesus.' The newly svelte and blonde honoree offered a few extra bars of the song herself before accepting her award.

Soul crooner Anthony Hamilton, accompanied by accomplished producer/musician Tommy Simms on acoustic guitar, began the Marvin Winans tribute with an emotional rendition of 'The Question Is.'

The tribute could have ended there in my opinion, as the sincerity of the neo-soul superstar's performance didn't leave a dry eye in the place. Hamilton got so caught up while ministering-and in church we call that the Holy Ghost-that he reprised the song again as he himself sang through a waterfall of tears that streamed down his face.

Praise and worship master Fred Hammond followed and after reflecting on how his career began as a result of being a musician for The Winans, he sang 'Long Time Comin' (Holdin' On).'

Men of Standard singer Lowell Pye then offered a strong delivery of 'Trust in God.'

Winans' son Marvin "Coconut" Winans Jr. and nephew Juan Winans then sang a medley of Winans' songs, beginning with 'Millions.'

Pye joined the two former Winans Phase 2 singers to help drive the songs home, before being joined onstage by the award recipient himself for a makeshift sing-a-long. (I was surprised Winans' best friend Donnie McClurkin was there.)

Celebrated gospel sensation Donald Lawrence oversaw the all-star vocal ensemble that provided the background sounds throughout the tribute. Sheri Jones-Moffett, Ted Winn, Blanche McAllistor, San Franklin-Stancil and Pye were the singers offering the phenomenal vocal arrangements.

Sought-after musician Joe Wilson, who has worked as musical director for everyone from Destiny's Child to Natalie Wilson & S.O.P., led the team of A-list musicians in the band. (Note to BET: I'm sure BMI could put you in touch with Wilson for your gospel-themed shows! An accomplished musician with a church sensibility is just what you need!)

In addition to the many gospel executives and industry notables-way too many to name-artists and celebrities that I happened to see at the Annual Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards Luncheon included Deitrick Haddon and wife Damita, Coko, The Clark Sisters, Sherri Shepherd, Jonathan Nelson, Vickie Winans, Micah Stampley, Virtue, Ricky Dillard, Richard Smallwood, Trin-I-Tee 5:7 (I see you dancing Chanel!), Jason Champion, Stephen Hurd, Dewayne Wood, Byron Cage, William Murphy, Darwin Hobbs, Mark Hubbard, Angella Christie, Marvin Sapp, Natalie Wilson, Delores Washington and Inez Andrews of The Caravans, Christopher, Dr. Bobby Jones, Tye Tribbett, Ray Bady, 7 Sons of Soul, Angie Winans, Canton Jones, Fred Jerkins, DaQuela Payne, Micah Stampley, Tarsha McMillan Hamilton and LaRue Howard.

Can't wait until next year!

(All of the images provided in this feature were taken by photographer Arnold Turner. Check out his other work at www.myspace.com/arnoldskodakmoments)