Dove Awards

Dove Awards. These are awards given annually by the Gospel Music Association (GMA)* for outstanding achievement in the Christian music industry: i.e., that part of the commercial music industry that markets electronic and print mass-mediated products in popular musical styles to English-speaking Protestants worldwide, but especially in North America. Modeled on the Emmy, the Oscar, and the Grammy, the Dove was established by GMA ca. 1969. The earliest awards ceremonies were held in Memphis, Tennessee, 1969-1970, after which they were held in Nashville, 1972-2011. In its first year, awards were given in 11 categories, all going to artists in the tradition now known as Southern Gospel, out...