Gospel Music Hall of Fame 2025 will induct over 100 gospel legends on September 5–6, 2025, at the St. Louis Convention Center. Honorees include Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, The Clark Sisters, and Whitney Houston (posthumously), with the two-day celebration featuring live performances, an interactive expo, and recognition of lifelong contributions to Christian music.
The power of gospel music lies in its ability to transcend generations and styles while remaining rooted in faith, offering hope and healing to all who listen.
Record-Breaking 2025 Gospel Music Hall of Fame Class Honors 100+ Legends
The 4th Annual Gospel Music Hall of Fame ceremony, scheduled for September 5-6, 2025, at the St. Louis Convention Center, promises to be a historic gathering of gospel music royalty. Dr. Monica R. Butler, founder of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, emphasizes the spiritual significance of this milestone: “Through the power of Gospel music, we not only celebrate our rich heritage but also unite hearts and souls in faith, hope, and joy.”
This unprecedented class of inductees includes multiple Grammy, Stellar, and Dove Award winners, representing every era and style of gospel music from traditional quartet singing to contemporary Christian hip-hop. The ceremony’s timing during the 46th Anniversary of Black Music Month underscores gospel music’s central role in African American cultural and spiritual expression.
Living Legends: Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and The Clark Sisters Lead 2025 Class
Leading the living inductees is Kirk Franklin, the 20-time Grammy Award winner whose innovative approach revolutionized gospel music for new generations. Franklin’s ability to bridge traditional gospel with contemporary sounds has made him a cultural ambassador for faith-based music.
The power of gospel music lies in its ability to transcend generations and styles while remaining rooted in faith, offering hope and healing to all who listen.
— Yolanda Adams, Grammy-winning Gospel Artist
Yolanda Adams, the four-time Grammy winner known as the “First Lady of Modern Gospel,” brings her powerhouse vocals and crossover appeal to the Hall of Fame. Her career demonstrates how gospel artists can achieve mainstream success without compromising their faith message.
The Clark Sisters—featuring Elbertina “Twinkie” Clark, Karen Clark Sheard, Dorinda Clark-Cole, and Jacky Clark-Chisholm—collectively represent gospel music’s royal family. Their innovative harmonies and songwriting have influenced countless contemporary artists while maintaining deep roots in traditional church worship.
Yolanda Adams – Gospel Music Hall of Fame 2025 Inductee
Contemporary Gospel Powerhouses Join Hall of Fame Ranks
The 2025 class also celebrates contemporary gospel’s brightest stars. This includes Tye Tribbett, the three-time Grammy winner whose energetic worship style has redefined praise and worship music. Tribbett’s induction recognizes how modern gospel artists serve as both entertainers and ministry leaders.
Deitrick Haddon, the two-time NAACP Image Award winner and actor, represents gospel music’s multimedia expansion into film and television. His work demonstrates how gospel artists increasingly use multiple platforms to share their faith message.
Dr. Jekalyn Carr, one of the youngest inductees as a Grammy-winning recording artist, symbolizes gospel music’s bright future. Her success shows how new generations continue carrying forward the genre’s spiritual legacy while appealing to younger audiences.
Dr. Jekalyn Carr – Gospel Music Hall of Fame 2025 Inductee
Posthumous Inductees: Honoring Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston, and Gospel Pioneers
The posthumous inductees represent gospel music’s foundational figures and those whose recent passing left immeasurable voids in the community.
Whitney Houston’s Gospel Legacy Lives On
Dr. Whitney Houston’s induction recognizes her often-overlooked gospel foundation. Before becoming “The Voice” known worldwide, Houston began singing gospel at age five and always maintained her spiritual musical roots throughout her career.
Whitney Houston’s gospel roots were the foundation of her extraordinary talent. Giving her voice a depth and authenticity that resonated across all genres and generations.
— Bishop TD Jakes, Renowned Pastor and Influential Speaker
Houston’s gospel recordings and live performances of songs like “I Love the Lord” showcase the spiritual foundation that powered her extraordinary vocal ability. Her 220 million records sold worldwide often carried gospel influences that introduced spiritual themes to mainstream audiences.
Cissy Houston: Mother of Gospel Excellence
Emily “Cissy” Houston’s induction honors a two-time Grammy winner whose career spanned multiple generations and musical styles. As a member of The Drinkard Singers and The Sweet Inspirations, she helped shape the sound of American popular music while maintaining her gospel roots.
Cissy Houston’s influence extends beyond her own performances to her role as a mentor and mother figure in gospel music. Her work as a backup vocalist for artists across genres demonstrated gospel music’s versatility and universal appeal.
Dr. Whitney Houston – Gospel Music Hall of Fame 2025 Inductee
Industry Leaders and Behind-the-Scenes Heroes Get Recognition
The 2025 inductees also honor the business leaders and industry professionals who built gospel music’s infrastructure.
Vicki Mack Lataillade: The Business Mind Behind Gospel Success
Vicki Mack Lataillade’s induction as co-founder of Gospo Centric Records represents gospel music’s entrepreneurial spirit. Under her leadership, Billboard magazine named Gospo Centric the No. 1 Gospel label in America, with sales exceeding 30 million units.
When they told her she couldn’t be an executive, she became the CEO of the largest and most successful independently owned gospel record label in the world.
— Ebony Magazine, Industry Leading Magazine
Her publishing company catalog of over 1,200 songs includes works by Kirk Franklin, Walter Hawkins, and Kurt Carr, demonstrating how industry leaders support artistic creativity.
Radio Legends and Broadcast Pioneers
The broadcast inductees, including Meta Washington of SiriusXM’s Kirk Franklin’s Praise channel, represent gospel radio’s crucial role in building faith communities. These personalities don’t just play music; they provide spiritual encouragement and connect listeners across geographic boundaries.
Gospel radio’s unique combination of music, ministry, and community building has made it an essential part of many believers’ daily spiritual practice.
Vicki Mack Lataillade – Gospel Music Hall of Fame 2025 Inductee
St. Louis Hosts Gospel Music’s Biggest Celebration During Black Music Month
The choice of St. Louis as the host city reflects the city’s rich gospel music heritage and Dr. Monica Butler’s vision for the Hall of Fame. The St. Louis Convention Center venue accommodates the ceremony’s expanded scope while honoring local gospel traditions.
Why St. Louis Matters to Gospel Music History
St. Louis has produced numerous gospel legends and maintains active church music programs that nurture new talent. The city’s central location makes it accessible for gospel music fans from across the country.
This is one of the birthplaces of gospel music… St. Louis is full of living legends. St. Louis is still making music. The history here is immaculate.
— Dr. Monica R. Butler, Founder at Gospel Music Hall of Fame
Dr. Monica R. Butler – Gospel Music Hall of Fame 2025 Organizer
How to Experience the Gospel Music Hall of Fame 2025 Celebration
Attending the Gospel Music Hall of Fame 2025 in St. Louis is more than an event—it’s a faith-filled journey into gospel music history. Follow these steps to make the most of this record-breaking celebration of over 100 gospel legends.
- Secure Your Tickets Early
Visit the official Gospel Music Hall of Fame website for ticket packages. With over 100 inductees, seats will fill quickly.
- Book Accommodations Near the St. Louis Convention Center
Staying nearby ensures easy access to both the two-day induction ceremony and the interactive expo.
- Explore Gospel Music History in St. Louis
Take time to visit historic churches, music landmarks, and cultural centers that showcase St. Louis’s rich gospel heritage.
- Plan Your Expo Experience
The 2025 expo features panels, memorabilia, and live performances. Review the event schedule in advance to prioritize your must-see activities.
- Engage with Gospel Legends and Industry Leaders
Meet artists, attend Q&A sessions, and gain insight into the legacy of pioneers like Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and Whitney Houston.
- Stay Connected with Post-Event Coverage
Subscribe to ELEV8 Magazine for exclusive interviews, faith stories, and updates on gospel music trends.
What the 2025 Gospel Hall of Fame Means for Faith Communities
This historic induction class represents more than musical achievement. It celebrates gospel music’s ongoing role in spiritual formation and community building. These artists have provided soundtrack for countless worship services, personal devotions, and life celebrations.
The diversity of inductees, from traditional quartet singers to contemporary hip-hop artists, demonstrates gospel music’s ability to evolve. All while maintaining its core mission of spreading God’s love and hope. As these legends receive recognition, they inspire new generations of faith-based artists to continue carrying the gospel music tradition forward.
The September ceremony promises to be a powerful celebration of faith, music, and community that honors the past while energizing gospel music’s future.
FAQ – Gospel Music Hall of Fame 2025
The 2025 class includes over 100 inductees, with living legends like Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, The Clark Sisters, Tye Tribbett, and Deitrick Haddon, plus posthumous inductees including Whitney Houston, Cissy Houston, and other gospel pioneers.
The ceremony takes place September 5-6, 2025, at the St. Louis Convention Center in St. Louis, Missouri, coinciding with Black Music Month celebrations.
The ceremony takes place September 5-6, 2025, at the St. Louis Convention Center in St. Louis, Missouri, coinciding with Black Music Month celebrations.
This year features a record-breaking 100+ inductees, representing the largest and most diverse class in the Hall of Fame’s history, spanning all eras and styles of gospel music.
Tickets and event information are available at www.mogospel.com, with various package options for the two-day celebration including the gala ceremony and expo.
Managing Editor @ ELEV8 Magazine | Bestselling Author | Finance Analyst – A bestselling author and finance analyst, Charles Myambo serves as Managing Editor at ELEV8 Magazine. Known for blending data precision with faith-driven insight, he brings clarity to complex topics — from money and purpose to media influence.
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