The Past, Present, and Future of Gospel Music with Jackie Patillo, Executive Director of the GMA

"When God puts something together, it doesn't have to look like anything you've ever seen or sound like anything you've ever heard, there's an anointing and power to it."" This week on The Song Revolution Podcast, John Chisum and Jackie Patillo talk about the gospel music industry, and the past, present, and future of gospel music. Jackie Patillo is the Executive Director of the Gospel Music Association. She has a rich history in the music industry, working as the Vice President of Star Song Communications, as well as working for Benson Music Group, Integrity, and Verity. She has had the opportunity to help develop and give guidance to the music career of many artists including Phillips, Craig & Dean, Joe Pace and The Colorado Mass Choir, Israel and New Breed, Natalie Grant, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Byron Cage, Kurt Carr, Dave Hollister.   "There is nothing like being able to put words in the mouth of the Church to extol our King, there's nothing more powerful than that." The term "Gospel Music" can at times lend itself to certain connotations about genre and style. However, in this podcast we talk about the wide range of gospel music, and the reach of gospel music across a wide variety of genres. Part of Jackie's role at GMA is running the Dove Awards that are hosted each year in Nashville. Jackie provides a sneak peek behind the work done behind the scenes for this Awards ceremony, as well as other events that occur throughout the year. "Gospel music is not defined by its style, but by its message." The Gospel Music Association has created new opportunities for young Christian creatives to find connection and career development. They have a program devoted to Christian Executives under 30, and also a community to support band wives. If you aren't already a part of GMA, you should be! Visit their website to learn more, and join a community that will support your aspirations as a songwriter. "I consider our artists modern day Christian soldiers... They're heeding the call, they're using their talents and giftings, and they're making sacrifice to spread the gospel through music." Some topics we talk about in this episode: Introduction // Jackie Patillo - 0:56 Jackie's Journey in the CCM Industry - 3:12 Jackie's work with GMA & The Dove Awards - 10:15 Work at Lipscomb University - 20:50 The Past, Present, and Future of GMA - 24:50 The Mission of GMA - 35:12 Opportunities for Young Christian Creatives - 37:32 Wrap Up - 41:22   How to get involved Join the Successful Christian Songwriters Group on Facebook and continue the discussion! https://www.facebook.com/groups/SuccessfulChristianSongwriters/ Check out all of the resources for you to become the songwriter you were meant to be at www.nashvillechristiansongwriters.com   If you liked this episode, be sure to subscribe and leave a quick review on iTunes. It would mean the world to hear your feedback and we'd love for you to help us spread the word!