Branson, MO - During the 2011 CGMA (Country Gospel Music Association) International Convention, held October 17, 2011 through October 22, 2011, David East received two golden heart awards: Songwriter of the Year, and the Band of the Year award, given to the Hearts AFire! band which he played keyboard for. Ballots were cast throughout the week-long event by the members in attendance.
"It's such an honor to receive these awards, especially since the votes for each one came from my peers in the music industry", said David. "It doesn't happen very often, but I'm left speechless. These folks welcomed me into their organization with such hospitality."
The CGMA awards process, which occurs each year at the Divisional level and at the International level, is not designed to create a competition between the artists; but rather as a means of encouraging and lifting up CGMA artists and members. David had been awarded six silver heart awards at the 2011 CGMA Eastern Division Conference: Songwriter of the Year, Instrumentalist of the Year, Manager of the Year, Producer of the Year, Favorite Artist of the Year, and with the Hearts Afire! band, Band of the Year.
David says, "Each night before the ballots were cast, CGMA President Billy Hale led those in attendance in prayer, asking God to guide their hands as they voted for the ones who needed it most. I was most impressed by that, and to see the looks on the faces of those who were not expecting to receive an award was wonderful."
You can learn more about the County Gospel Music Association at their website, http://www.countrygospelmusic.
About David East: David East developed his love for music at the age of 8 years old, singing in his home church and at school functions. This love for music led him to first learn to play the guitar, taking weekly lessons for a year and eventually increasing his ability through self-instruction and study. Early in his life, David exhibited a strong ear for music, excelling in both instrumental and vocal performance. David has learned to play a total of 13 instruments, but he’s best known for is his piano and keyboard work. Always a fan favorite, once the big man gets behind the piano you know that you’re in for a wealth of good music and entertainment. His playing is a mixture of several different styles presented with his own flair.
About the CGMA: The Country Gospel Music Association (CGMA) began in 1996 and has been dedicated to ministry since its creation. While we appreciate the music business, and for the sake of our members, do all we can to advance the cause of the Country Gospel genre, we believe every Christian artist should be totally committed to the Everlasting Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ (II Peter 1:11) and have as their chief priority, blessing the heart of God. When the song is used as a vehicle for the Savior, it is honored of the Father and may also achieve success within the industry; but the glitter of the music business should never be our objective.
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