The Southern Gospel Music Guild (SGMG) recognized industry leaders Lou Wills Hildreth (photo left) and Judy Spencer Nelon (photo right) with the Lifetime Achievement Honor at a Sept. 14 reception held during the 2010 National Quartet Convention (NQC) in Louisville, Ky.

Opening with a welcome from NQC Executive Vice President Clarke Beasley, the afternoon celebration featured The Nelons singing "The Lord's Prayer," and host Jerry Goff introducing the presenters.

SGMG Vice President Beckie Simmons Bates, as well as Jimmy Blackwood, Fay Shed and Larry Gatlin--via phone call--contributed to Hildreth's presentation. Kelly Nelon Clark headed the list of presenters for Nelon, followed by Sue Dodge, Lisa Abraham and Eddie DeGarmo. Aaron Crisler presented red roses to both recipients.

Mark Lowry spoke words of appreciation for both honorees. Lowry started with Hildreth, whom he told of helping him at age 11 through her booking agency and thanked Nelon for her help in making it possible for him to perform on a showcase at the Christian artists' event in Estes Park, Colo.

"The Southern Gospel Music Guild is dear to my heart, and I am thankful that I was there when this strong and growing organization was founded," Hildreth said. "The board made an excellent choice in giving Judy Nelon a Lifetime Achievement Award also. It made the celebration complete for me. Judy and I have both served the gospel music industry and fans with an equal passion and have combined our efforts on many projects, beginning with the 1971-72 GMA board of directors. It has been a glorious ‘lifetime in gospel music,' and my heart overflows with love and thanks to a gracious heavenly Father. Thank you my friends and colleagues at the SGMG."

Nelon said: "I am grateful and blessed to be the recipient of the 2010 SGMG Lifetime Achievement Honor, especially sharing this with my dear friend Lou Hildreth and surrounded by so many I have loved and worked with for over 40 years in gospel music."

Last month, another award was given when three music label executives presented Mark Funderburg (photo, third from left), former Word Distribution president, with a commemorative plaque at the Momentum Conference, a gathering sponsored by Christian Music Broadcasters and held Sept. 8-11 at the Disney Yacht Club Resort near Orlando, Fla.

EMI CMG President and CEO Bill Hearn (right), Word Entertainment President and CEO Rod Riley (left) and Provident Music Group President and CEO Terry Hemmings (second from left) stood in unison to thank Funderburg for his efforts working with the Wow music brand and honoring him for more than 26 years in the Christian music and video industry. The plaque noted his "passion for music, dynamic leadership and commitment to people."

Credit for top photo: Aaron Crisler.

Credit for bottom photo: Jackie Luttrell, Provident Music Group.

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