20120808

RICKY SKAGGS TO BE INDUCTED INTO GMA GOSPEL MUSIC HALL OF FAME

Image634800309097524041Though Ricky Skaggs may be more widely known for his Country and Bluegrass music, there is another format that remains very near and dear to his heart -- Gospel.  In fact, it was Gospel hymns that ignited Skaggs’ love affair with music. 

To date, almost every album Skaggs has released has included at least one Gospel, Christian, or inspirational Country song. 

On August 14, Skaggs’ adoration for the genre comes full circle when he is inducted into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

“For someone who has spent my entire career playing music in the marketplace, not in the church, this is quite an honor,” says Skaggs.  “I've always loved the Gospel and I sing about it in many different ways. I've never seen myself as a Christian artist, just an artist who is a Christian. I'm very grateful for this award."   

At the tender age of three, Skaggs began by harmonizing with his mother as she sang Gospel songs.  His illustrious path to stardom has always included Gospel music, as he loves to sing praise to the Lord.

The GMA Foundation (GMAF) will induct Skaggs into the GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame on Tuesday, August 14 at the Trinity Music City Auditorium in Hendersonville, TN.  Skaggs joins fellow 2012 inductees Aretha Franklin, Dallas Holm, The Hoppers, Love Song and Rex Humbard.

About Ricky Skaggs

With 12 #1 hit singles, 14 GRAMMY® Awards, eight CMA Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), eight ACM Awards, two Dove Awards and nine ICM (Inspirational Country Music) Awards, Ricky Skaggs remains a true pioneer to the Country Music and Gospel / Christian music genres.  Since he began playing music more than 50 years ago, Skaggs has released more than 30 albums and has performed thousands of live shows.  Skaggs and his band, Kentucky Thunder, continue to keep the tour trail red hot, performing more than 80 live dates each year. Skaggs is set to release his latest studio album, Music To My Ears, in September of this year.

For additional information on Ricky Skaggs, visit www.RickySkaggs.com.

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