TobyMac and Mark Hall of Casting Crowns Win Big at Dove Awards
TobyMac, once known for being in the group dc Talk, and now known as a mega-selling rap artist and smash producer won Artist Of The Year and Casting Crowns singer Mark Hall collected four trophies at Wednesday’s 39th Annual Dove Awards, which celebrate the best in gospel music.
“Are you kidding? This is crazy, man. I thought I was Mr. Pre-Televised awards,” joked TobyMac, known in the real world as Toby McKeehan. “God has been faithful time and again to surround me with people that sharpen me and that make me better.”
In addition to Artist Of The Year, an award he also won in 1996 as a member of dc Talk, TobyMac took home Dove Awards for Rock/Contemporary Album for “Portable Sounds” and Short-Form Video for his hit “Boomin.” “Portable Sounds” debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart when it was first released.
Mark Hall, who was the night’s leading nominee with six nominations, won Song Of The Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song Of The Year for “East To West,” which he co-wrote with Bernie Herms. He was also individually nominated for Special Event Album Of The Year for the multi-artist worship project “Glory Revealed,” as well as Inspirational Recorded Song Of The Year for “By His Wounds.”
Hall’s band, Casting Crowns, also had four nominations and won three for Group Of The Year, Best Pop/Contemporary Album Of The Year for “The Altar and the Door,” and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song Of The Year for “East To West.”
Some of the other winners of the night included:
- Chris Tomlin won Male Vocalist Of The Year
- Natalie Grant won Female Vocalist Of The Year
- Brandon Heath won New Artist Of The Year
- Cindy Morgan won Songwriter Of The Year
- Ricky Skaggs and the Whites won Bluegrass Recorded Song Of The Year for “Salt of the Earth”
- Israel & New Breed won Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year for “A Deeper Level”
- Chris Tomlin won Worship Song of the Year for “How Great Is Our God”
- Disciple won Rock Album Of The Year for “Scars Remain”
- Skillet won Rock Recorded Song of the Year for “Comatose”
A complete list of winners as well as all of this year’s nominees can be found here.
The evening’s performers included American Idol alum Phil Stacey, Chris Sligh and Mandisa with Amy Grant in a musical tribute to Michael W. Smith. A lot of former American Idol contestants have found a home in the Christian music ranks.
Switchfoot played “This is Home,” a song from the soundtrack of the upcoming film The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
The Doves closed with a salute to the Grand Ole Opry stage, where the show was held. Charlie Daniels led the house through a rousing version of the hymn “I’ll Fly Away.”
The Gospel Music Association’s Dove Awards were broadcast live on XM Satellite radio and on the Gospel Music Channel. In past years the awards were syndicated and shown later on tape.
I just have to say, I’m completely stoked about the wins for TobyMac. I’m a huge fan of his music and I think he’s hands down, absolutely one of the best producers in music, of any genre. I listen to his stuff all the time and “Portable Sounds” is a great album.
Add New Comment
Viewing 25 Comments
Thanks. Your comment is awaiting approval by a moderator.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.
Do you already have an account? Log in and claim this comment.