History of the Diamond Awards

The prestigious Diamond Awards have a history of over 20 years, recognizing the best in Gospel Music from coast to coast. Many of today’s top artists have received Diamond nominations and awards, from Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver to the Booth Brothers to the Hoppers. We are pleased to salute Christian artists who strive to use their talent to the best of their ability and to God’s glory.

The Diamond Awards began in 1991, hosted by Allen Smith and the Gospel Voice Magazine. A Pastor with over 40 years in the ministry, Rev. Allen Smith became involved in Southern Gospel music through concert promotion in the churches where he was ministering. In the mid-90’s he began as a DJ in a radio station in DeSoto, Missouri. He and his church started a southern gospel magazine, which grew quickly and became the Southern Gospel News Magazine. A weekly email newsletter followed, SGN Scoops Ezine. Today the publication is known as SGN Scoops Digital Magazine, and is owned by Coastal Media Group and Rob Patz.

The Diamond Awards were unique at their inception, as the awards are totally fan based. Fans are involved from the initial nominations right to the final choosing of the recipient. These awards were the first to offer online ballots, allowing all fans access to the voting procedure. They were also the first to introduce Industry and Artist Favorite Website Awards, and the first to have a Favorite Duet Award.

This awards program is also known for its support of regional groups, which can and do receive nominations and awards. Regional groups are also a part of the awards ceremony, a program that hosts some of the finest talent in Southern Gospel. The ceremony itself is designed to be a program of recognition but also of worship, as all participants are present to give all the glory to God.

Just as Allen Smith was seen as an industry innovator, Coastal Media Group and SGN Scoops work diligently to find new ways to promote Southern Gospel music. Keeping the Diamond Awards fan-based as Smith intended is a priority, as it is important for SGN Scoops to recognize the voice of Gospel music audience and to reflect that in the Diamond Awards. However, the main priority is to recognize the incredible talent of the Gospel artists and to thank the Lord that they are using this talent for His glory.

Declaration and Promise To Appear At The Creekside Gospel Music Convention

Seattle, WA (October 16, 2012) – SGN Scoops and Coastal Media Group are pleased to announce the appearance of 2012 Diamond Award nominees Declaration and Promise at Creekside Gospel Music Convention, October 29-31, 2012. These talented male trios have made a splash in Southern Gospel in the last two years and Creekside welcomes the addition of their strong, traditional tight harmonies. Promise and Declaration join an exciting lineup of artists at the Pigeon Forge event, which is free to all attendees.
From Knoxville, Tennessee, Promise is a trio with experienced vocalists and a professional presentation. Fresh from an appearance on the main stage at the National Quartet Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, this group brings a youthful edge to the Creekside program.
“Promise is thrilled to be able to attend and be a part of the first ever Creekside Gospel Music Convention,” said founder and lead singer David Mann. “We’re thrilled with the privilege of sharing the platform with some of Southern Gospel’s best. It’s going to be a fantastic time full of good gospel music and wonderful fellowship.”
Declaration’s members have a solid background in Southern Gospel and exhibit a dedication to excellence in vocal talent. This up-and-coming young trio from Nashville tours with The Booth Brothers and an energetic presentation that will thrill all ages.
“Declaration is very excited to be a part of the Creekside Gospel Music Convention,” said lead singer, Kasey Kemp. “Rob, Rhonda, Lorraine and all the folks of SGN Scoops are working hard to present a quality Christ-honoring event. We hope to see you folks there.”
“Bringing both Declaration and Promise to the stage of Creekside is a joy,” said Rob Patz, CEO of Coastal Media Group and publisher of SGN Scoops. “The fact that both groups have been nominated for 2012 Diamond Awards is a significant achievement and shows that these young Gospel artists have the talent and experience to take their music to audiences across the country and across the world.”
Creekside Gospel Music Convention will be held at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, from October 29 through 31, 2012.  The 75th celebration of Lou Hildreth will be held  on Monday, the 29th.   The 2012 Diamond Awards will be presented on October 30 and October 31 is Family Night. Admission to all events is FREE.
For more information on Creekside Gospel Music Convention visit:
http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/

For more information on Promise, visit:
http://www.promisetrio.com/Promise/Home.html

For more information on Declaration, visit:
http://declarationtrio.com/about.htm

Rooms are available at the hotel on site for just $54 per night.　 Reservations can be made by phone or online.　 By phone, call toll-free at Toll Free:　1-800-223-6707　or local call　865-908-3015. Online Reservations- go to http://www.smokymountainconventioncenter.com/.
Click “Book My Room” then Click “SGN Scoops.”

Debut Perfomance From CROSBY LANE At Diamond Awards

10-03-2012- To debut a brand new group has been a long-standing tradition of The Diamond Awards and this year, there is no exception. With much excitement SGNScoops announces the official debut performance of Christian Music’s newest group, Crosby Lane! Crosby Lane is based out of Nashville and consists of five music veterans, Erin Johnston, Tonja Rose, Michaela Lindsey, John Lemonis, and E.J. Ford. The group CROSBY LANE is named for the most prolific hymn writer of all time, Fanny Crosby.  The music of CROSBY LANE is enthusiastic, and includes fresh arrangements of hymn classics and powerful renditions of praise and worship songs. It is about the music that has moved – and still moves – generations to worship the Lord!
“The Diamond Awards has always been known as a place to introduce new artists and we are tremendously excited to introduce to our audience, Crosby Lane,” says Rob Patz,owner of the Diamond Awards.
Group member, John Lemonis adds, “Crosby Lane is absolutely thrilled to be debuting at the 2012 Diamond Awards! It is the perfect place for our first public performance. We are greatly indebted to all of the artists and fans who support Southern Gospel music! We look forward to being with you in person and have the deepest respect for everyone who makes and supports music that lifts the name of Jesus. We are honored to be in that number and can’t wait to see you all in Pigeon Forge!”
The 2012 Diamond Awards Show is hosted by the Creekside Gospel Music Convention and is scheduled to take place Tuesday, October 30 at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge. Admission to all events at the Creekside Gospel Music Convention is free to the public.
To find out more about Creekside Gospel Music Convention, visit http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/
For more information about Crosby Lane, visit  http://www.crosbylane.com/

Rob In Pigeon Forge Talking About Creekside

Creekside Gospel Music Convention – Showcasing Beautiful Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

By Lorraine Walker

Preparations are underway for the exciting new Creekside Gospel Music Convention,
to be held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. The Smoky Mountain Convention Center will
host this musical event on October 29, 30 and 31, with three days of the best in Southern
Gospel Music. The Convention will also spotlight the 2012 Diamond Awards Show, as
well as honor Lou Hildreth, celebrating her 75 years in the gospel music industry. All of
this and more will take place in Sevier County, one of the most beautiful settings that the
Smoky Mountains has to offer.

Rugged mountain trails, trickling streams and fall foliage bursting with color are only
one side of Sevier County that visitors to Creekside Gospel Music Convention will enjoy.
Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg together form one of the greatest tourist destinations in
Tennessee, showcasing the entertainment of theme parks and attractions, shopping malls
and flea markets, and restaurants offering everything from home-cooking to fine dining.
Convention attendees can participate in nature escapes and city experiences, as well as
music and ministry, reveling in a retreat to rejuvenate body, mind, soul and spirit.

Among the many attractions Sevier County has to offer, visitors can experience:

Pigeon Forge Restaurants: So with varieties to suit every taste, you’ll want to stay longer
to try them all. A few of the restaurants include: Alamo Steakhouse, All American
Pancake House, Dixie Stampede and Show, Genos Restaurant, Great American Steak
Buffet, Log Cabin Pancake House, Mandarin House, Bellacinos, Sagebrush Steakhouse,
Smokies Breakfast House, and many more.

Sevier County Attractions: When you aren’t listening to the award-winning artists at
the Creekside Gospel Music Convention concerts, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg have
a myriad of attractions to keep you and your family entertained. From ziplines and
helicopter rides to comedy and musical theatre, attendees will need to plan ahead to
fit everything into a fun-filled schedule. Museums, adventure parks, Dollywood and
miniature golf are a few of the vacation destinations in this County that promises good
times for the entire family.

The Great Smoky Mountains: Nature lovers and city slickers alike will find their minds
refreshed by spending time in the beauty of the Mountains. The Great Smoky Mountains
National Park (GSMNP), established in 1934, is home to the world’s greatest variety of
mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians. According to the National Park Service
website, over 1500 bears live in the GSMNP, or approximately two bears per square
mile. It is also the "Salamander Capital of the World,” providing a home for over 24
species of salamanders. The park’s streams host 60 types of fish. Nature trails and scenic
overlooks provide visitors with a chance to park their cars, step outside and inhale the
complete Mountain experience.

History and Education: For those who want to know more about the history of Sevier
County, there are many original farm buildings, mills and churches that still stand in
the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Discover how the original land-owners
were asked to leave their homesteads as the Park was established. Go further back into
history and explore the land of the Cherokee nation, natives removed from the area in the
1830s. To learn more about the past dwellers of this lovely land, visit the Great Smoky
Mountains Institute at Tremont, an environmental education centre celebrating ecological
and cultural diversity.

The Creekside Gospel Music Convention offers a terrific vacation destination and
attendees should make their plans now to experience everything that Pigeon Forge and
the Smoky Mountains have to offer. Embrace the beauty of God’s creation in the majesty
of the mountains, the fellowship of family and friends while participating in neighboring
attractions, and the refreshment of a spiritual retreat as you enjoy the musical ministry
that is Southern Gospel.

For more information on The Creekside Gospel Music Convention, visit: http://
www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/
For more information, and to register your vote for The 2012 Diamond Awards,
visit: http://www.sgnscoops.com/2012-diamond-awards/
For more information on the GSMNP, visit http://www.nps.gov/grsm/index.htm.
For more information on black bears in the GSMNP, visit http://www.nps.gov/
grsm/naturescience/black-bears.htm#CP_JUMP_95932 ,
Also visit the website for the Great Smoky Mountains Association, which is a
nonprofit organization authorized by Congress to support the Park's educational,
scientific, and historical programs. http://www.smokiesinformation.org/
For more information on the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont, a non-
profit residential environmental education center, visit www.gsmit.org
You can get there from here! Easily accessible from major cities, find the distance
from your city to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg:
● Atlanta, GA — 197 miles
● Charleston, SC — 344 miles
● Charlotte, NC — 215 miles
● Memphis, TN — 433 miles
● Nashville, TN — 221 miles
● Raleigh, NC — 335 miles
● Washington, DC - 489 miles

Rhonda Frye & Charlie Sexton Talking At SGNScoops Magazine

Creekside Gospel Music Convention Welcomes Ken & Jean Grady, Ava Kasich, Jim Sheldon and Shannon Knight!

Plans for the Creekside Gospel Music Convention are in full swing! We are excited to announce Ken and Jean Grady of Gospel Music Today will be part of the event. “We’re excited about the Creekside Gospel Music Convention,” Ken shares, “We’ve worked with Rob Patz many times and we’re expecting a first class event.
Branson’s favorite female voice,  Ava Kasich confirmed her attendance as well: “I am so thrilled to be a part of The Creekside Gospel Music Convention in Pigeon Forge, TN!  What a wonderful time of fellowship and the greatest music in the world- SOUTHERN GOSPEL MUSIC!!!  I am honored to be nominated for the 2012 Diamond Award for Christian Country Album of the Year for STONES. See you there!”
Christian Country artist, Jim Sheldon announced he would join the celebration too! “The folks at SGNScoops do such a great job with this awards program. I am honored to be included and totally shocked and excited to see my name in three categories for the Diamond Awards,” Sheldon offers.
Crossroads/Skyland Label recording artist, Shannon Knight is looking forward to meeting gospel music fans during the Creekside Gospel Music Convention! Shannon appears weekly on the Trinity Broadcasting Network and has appeared with The Daryl Williams Trio on Gaither Homecoming Videos. Shannon is very excited about appearing at the Creekside Gospel Music Convention where he will be performing songs from his brand new solo project, BROKEN AND BLESSED. Shannon will also be performing his radio single, “Good News” which is soon to be released to radio. Shannon looks forward to meeting with all of the gospel music fans at this great event!
Make plans to join SGNScoops this October 29, 30, 31 in Pigeon Forge, TN at the Smoky Mountain Convention Center. We will celebrate Ms. Lou Wills Hildreth’s 75 years in gospel music; enjoy gospel music and this year’s Diamond Awards show.  All events are free to the public. For booth information, email Rob Patz at rob@sgnscoops.com. Also visit http://www.creeksidegospelmusicconvention.com/ for more information. See you there!