EMI Gospel (www.emigospel.com) was founded April 1, 1998, with a focus on the Message, Music, and Relationship through: The creation of authentic Gospel music that clearly communicates the message of Christ. The label is committed to the development of recording artists who have world-class talent and a passion to use that talent to spread the gospel through music. EMI Gospel reaches the urban gospel and mainstream audience with traditional and contemporary music. EMI Gospel is the home of some of the most influential artists in the industry with a roster that includes Smokie Norful, Kierra Sheard, Tri-City Singers, Myron Butler and Levi, Vanessa Bell-Armstrong, Aaron Neville, The Clark Sisters and The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Sheri Jones-Moffett, Heather Headley and others. • Smokie Norful was Billboard Magazine's #1 Gospel Artist in 2004. • EMI Gospel honored as Billboard Magazine's #2 Gospel Imprint in 2004. • EMI Gospel artists have received 16 Stellar Awards and more than 30 nominations. • In 2005, EMI Gospel artist Smokie Norful earned the label's first Grammy Award. • Kierra Sheard made history with the first album by a new artist to debut at #1 on the Billboard top Gospel Albums Chart and a gold record in Japan for her second album. • Smokie Norful was awarded gold records for his debut album, I Need You Now and his second album, Nothing Without You. • The Tri-City Singers were awarded a gold DVD for their project, Finale. • EMI Gospel/ Dexterity Sounds won a Grammy Award for Bishop T.D. Jakes' Potter's House Choir album, A Wing and A Prayer. • In 2007, EMI Gospel artist The Clark Sisters won three Grammy Awards. • In 2008, EMI Gospel artist Jason Champion achieved a #1 pop radio single in Japan. • In 2009, EMI Gospel/Vector Recordings released the All Star Gospel Celebration, Oh Happy Day, featuring Johnny Lang & The Fisk Jubilee Singers, 3 Doors Down, Jon Bon Jovi, Heather Headley & Al Green, Michael McDonald, Aaron Neville, Robert Randolph & The Clark Sisters, Mavis Staples & Patty Griffin and Joss Stone & Buick Audra. Oh Happy Day received a Grammy Award in 2010.