Jackie Patillo, President of Gospel Music Association-Nashville
Photo by Lin. Woods
Jackie Patillo is on a mission to expose, promote and celebrate the gospel through music as president and executive director of the Gospel Music Association (GMA).
The GMA was created in 1964 to generate public interest in gospel and Christian music, stimulate music sales and create a cultural awareness of the music. The 4,000 member non-profit’s membership includes artists, songwriters, producers, artist managers, promoters, retailers, radio professionals and music industry affiliated businesses.
Patillo, took over the reigns of Nashville based GMA in 2011. The industry veteran came with a treasure trove of music industry, corporate and artist relationships. She uses these contacts daily to secure strategic partnerships and financial support for GMA. She said, “Prior to coming to the Gospel Music Association, I really spent my entire career in A&R. I started in A&R at Star Song back in the early 90s. And worked with CCM artists at that time, and signed a group called Phillips Craig and Dean. Went on from there to the Benson Company and we were able to sign Natalie Grant (host of GSN’s It Takes A Church) and did her first record there at the Benson Company.
Natalie Grant performs at GMA Dove Awards
Photo credit: AP Images Source: EBSCO Host
And then I moved on to Integrity. And I was the general manager of Integrity Gospel, which was Integrity’s gospel division that had Israel Houghton, Joe Pace and Lisa McClendon at the time…. And God having a sense of humor, and wanting to put me to the test, moved me to New York where I became the Vice President of A&R and Artist Development for Verity Records at the time, now RCA Inspiration.” While at Verity Patillo worked with artists like Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp and Kirk Franklin.
Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton and Kirk Franklin.
Photo credit: AP Images Source: EBSCO Host
Patillo said, “To be at the GMA now gives me another platform from which to figure out. How can the GMA be relevant to our community and our industry and how can we serve? Because the Gospel Music Association is really the only one that covers all genres of gospel music.”
According to Patillo, the multi-cultural organization presents three major events a year, “The Dove Awards, that’s coming up on October the seventh, I’m in the heat of that battle right now…I produce that show…we have a press conference coming up on August 13 to announce this year’s nominees…and we do IMMERSE, which is the GMA’s three day training program, and GMA Honors.”
These events provide opportunities for exposure and networking for Independent artists, aspiring songwriters and producers, who will benefit from a membership with GMA. Patillo stresses, “We’re encouraging them to be a member so they can take advantage of the resources that the Gospel Music Association provides.”
With the Dove Awards approaching fast, and IMMERSE 2015 registration currently open, it’s an excellent time for aspiring artists and industry hopefuls to join the Gospel Music Association. Sign up today at www.gospelmusic.org