Donald Lawrence was named Songwriter of the Year, while "Never Would Have Made It"--co-written by Marvin Sapp and Matthew Brownie--was awarded Song of the Year during the 2009 BMI Christian Music Awards at the weekend in Nashville.

During a ceremony April 18--the first day of the Gospel Music Association's GMA Music Week 2009, which runs through Wednesday, April 22, in Nashville--Lawrence was recognized with the songwriter honor for "Giants," recorded by Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers, and "Livin' "--recorded by The Clark Sisters.

Universal Music Publishing Group--comprised of Bridge Building Music and Universal Music-Z Songs--was awarded Publisher of the Year, which was determined by the highest percentage of copyright ownership in award songs. Universal Music's four award-winning songs included Lawrence's two award-winners as well as "Give Me Words to Speak," written and performed by Aaron Shust, and "Love Song for a Savior"-co-written and recorded by Matt Bronleewe, Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell and Steve Mason of Jars of Clay.

Additionally, 2007 BMI Christian Music Awards Songwriter of the Year Casting Crowns' Mark Hall and Skillet's John Cooper and Brian Howes garnered two awards each. Other winners included Toby Mac, Steven Curtis Chapman, Sanctus Real producer Chris Stevens and Sanctus Real member Dan Gartley, Mainstay guitarist Scott Campbell, singer-songwriter Matt Maher and Needtobreathe's Bo Rinehart.

BMI, a performing rights organization that recognizes the writers and publishers of the most-performed Christian songs on radio and television, presented awards for several songs in five categories, including Christian Rock, Contemporary Christian, Inspirational, Urban Gospel and Southern Gospel.

Click here for a complete list of the 2009 BMI Music Awards winners.

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