2013 Award Winners

Board Award
Diamond Award Shelton Bissell The Diamond Award is the Pioneer Award. The diamond is a brilliant stone that is strong and takes years to form. It has facets that reflect the smallest amount of light, creating more brilliance than any other stone. Jesus said to be a light in the darkness to the world. The recipients of this award have been a true example of this stone. They have many facets in their ministry and their lifetime achievements that reflect the brilliance of the Son they serve.
Ruby Award Marsha Borgeson The Ruby Award is the Heart and Soul Award. It is given to the person who has shown dedication and effort to the promotion of USAGEM. They have promoted equality and consistency for all genres of gospel music. They have displayed great heart for both membership and participation. – See more at: https://usagem.org/award-winners#sthash.SAGqH0CA.dpuf The Ruby Award is the Heart and Soul Award. It is given to the person who has shown dedication and effort to the promotion of USAGEM. They have promoted equality and consistency for all genres of gospel music. They have displayed great heart for both membership and participation. – See more at: https://usagem.org/award-winners#sthash.SAGqH0CA.dpuf The Ruby Award is the Heart and Soul Award. It is given to the person who has shown dedication and effort to the promotion of USAGEM. They have promoted equality and consistency for all genres of gospel music. They have displayed great heart for both membership and participation. – See more at: https://usagem.org/award-winners#sthash.SAGqH0CA.dpufThe Ruby Award is the Heart and Soul Award. It is given to the person who has shown dedication and effort to the promotion of USAGEM. They have promoted equality and consistency for all genres of gospel music. They have displayed great heart for both membership and participation. – See more at: https://usagem.org/award-winners#sthash.SAGqH0CA.dpuf The Ruby Award is the Heart and Soul Award. It is given to the person who has shown dedication and effort to the promotion of USAGEM. They have promoted equality and consistency for all genres of gospel music. They have displayed great heart for both membership and participation.
Pearl Award Jim Sheldon As it takes years and years to form, the pearl is an organic gem that is formed from adversity. The natural pearl represents both inner and outer beauty. Just as God works in our lives through pain and problems, these are opportunities to grow and demonstrate our trust in the Lord. Bearing our circumstances bravely and even thanking God for them is one of the highest forms of praise. This honor is bestowed through dedication, loyalty, sacrifice, and love of Jesus Christ. From adversity and pain, the recipient of this award has emerged a beautiful pearl.
Sapphire Award Laura Mathy The Sapphire Award is the Bartimaus Award. It is given to the person who has shown great participation without accolades. They have supported USAGEM in every way. They have been faithful in attendance, traveling a great distance to participate in all functions.
Emerald Award Bruce and Connie Lee Cutler
Member Voted Awards
Female Vocalist Of The Year Joanne Cash Yates This award is presented to a female artist known for her delivery, songs, and performing excellence. She may be a part of a duo, group, or perform as a solo artist.
Male Vocalist of the Year Rene Jones This award is presented to a male artist known for his delivery, songs, and excellent performance. He may be a part of a duo, group, or perform as a solo artist.
Duo Of The Year Rene and Edie Jones A duo is comprised of two vocalists who consistently perform together as a unit. The recipients of this award have proven to have compatibility in their style, range, personality, and song selection. Successful duos are known for their unique blend and harmony.
Vocal Group Of The Year The Gardners A vocal group is comprised of three or more vocalists who consistently perform together as a unit. This award is presented to a group known for their compatible vocals, harmony, blend, range, personality, and song selection. Through their collective style, successful vocal groups have the unique ability to enhance their songs on recordings, videos, and live performances with their impeccable harmony, sound, and blend.
Southern Gospel Crown Jewel The Gardners This award is presented to an artist, duo, or group for excellence in performance, songs, and recording in the field of Southern Gospel Music. This award is genre specific.
Bluegrass Crown Jewel Sandi Kay Shupe and New Hickory This award is presented to an artist, duo, or group for excellence in performance, songs, and recording in the field of Bluegrass Music. This award is genre specific.
Black Gospel Crown Jewel Dewitt Johnson This award is presented to an artist, duo, or group for excellence in performance, songs, and recording in the field of Black Gospel Music. This award is genre specific.
Contemporary Christian Crown Jewel Rockin’ Reggie Vinson This award is presented to an artist, duo, or group for excellence in performance, songs, and recording in the field of Contemporary Christian Music. This award is genre specific.
Contemporary Christian Crown Jewel Danny Jones This award is presented to an artist, duo, or group for excellence in performance, songs, and recording in the field of Contemporary Christian Music. This award is genre specific.
Christian Country Crown Jewel Rene Jones This award is presented to an artist, duo, or group for excellence in performance, songs, and recording in the field of Christian Country Music. This award is genre specific.
Song Of The Year and Performing Artist “I Stand My Tallest” The Gardners This award is presented to an artist, duo, or group for a particular song