Each year, Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) recognizes the songwriters and publishers behind the most-performed Christian songs across radio and television. The annual BMI Christian Music Awards is a significant event in the industry, celebrating the impact and reach of Christian music. In 2011, the awards ceremony took place at BMI’s Music Row offices in Nashville, honoring the previous year’s standout hits. This event highlighted the diverse talent within Christian music, from gospel to rock, and underscored the songs that resonated most widely with audiences.
The 2011 BMI Christian Music Awards saw tobyMac, a prominent figure known for blending genres, secure his second consecutive title as Christian Songwriter of the Year. He shared this honor with Rodney Griffin, a celebrated name in Southern Gospel, and Bo Rinehart from the pop-rock band Needtobreathe. Their collective success underscored the breadth of talent being recognized. Adding to the accolades, “What Faith Can Do,” penned by Scott Krippayne and published by Pirk Music, was named Christian Song of the Year. This powerful song, performed by the alternative rock band Kutless, truly captured the hearts of listeners. Further cementing its industry leadership, Universal Music Publishing Group was named Christian Publisher of the Year for the fourth year running, boasting an impressive five songs on the most-performed list.
The evening was not just about awards; it was also a celebration of music itself. Attendees were treated to live performances from some of the award-winning artists. Triumphant Quartet delivered a powerful rendition of “When the Trumpet Sounds,” while songwriter Scott Krippayne himself performed the moving “What Faith Can Do.” Sidewalk Prophets also graced the stage, offering a heartfelt performance of “The Words I Would Say.”
The ceremony was hosted by Jody Williams, BMI Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, Nashville, and Beth Laird, Director of BMI’s Nashville Writer/Publisher Relations Department. They presented awards across various categories, including Christian rock, contemporary Christian, inspirational, urban gospel, and southern gospel. Phil Graham, BMI Senior Vice President, Writer/Publisher Relations, joined them to present the top honors: Song, Songwriter, and Publisher of the Year.
A poignant moment of the evening was a tribute to Don Butler, the late co-founder of the Gospel Music Association (GMA). Butler, who passed away earlier in 2011, was remembered for his visionary leadership and significant contributions to the gospel music industry. His work as an executive, singer, and producer of GMA events and television programs left a lasting legacy. He served as the GMA’s board executive director from 1976 to 1991, shaping the landscape of Christian music.
2011 BMI Christian Music Award-Winning Songs: The Full List
Below is the complete list of songs recognized at the 2011 BMI Christian Music Awards, representing the most played songs of 2011 on Christian radio and television. These songs showcase the diversity and impact of Christian music across different genres.
- BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL – Andrew Fromm (Francesca Battistelli)
- THE BEST IN ME – Aaron Lindsey, Marvin Sapp (Marvin Sapp)
- CITY ON OUR KNEES – tobyMac (tobyMac)
- CLOSE TO YOU – BeBe Winans (BeBe and CeCe Winans)
- FOLLOW YOU – Ed Cash, Leeland Mooring (Leeland featuring Brandon Heath)
- FORGIVEN – Dan Gartley (Sanctus Real)
- GET BACK UP – tobyMac (tobyMac)
- GOD FAVORED ME – Jules “Juda” Bartholomew (Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship Choir Marvin Sapp & DJ Rogers)
- GOOD NEWS – Norman West (Vanessa Bell Armstrong)
- HE LOCKED THE GATES – Rodney Griffin (Kingdom Heirs)
- HERO – John Cooper, Korey Cooper (Skillet)
- IT PAYS TO PRAY – Rodney Griffin (Greater Vision)
- LAY ‘EM DOWN – Bo Rinehart (Needtobreathe)
- LIFE GOES ON – Marty Funderburk (The Talley Trio)
- MORE BEAUTIFUL YOU – Kate York (Jonny Diaz)
- OUR GOD – Jonas Myrin (Chris Tomlin)
- REVELATION SONG – Jennie Lee Riddle (Phillips, Craig & Dean)
- SAFE – Phil Wickham (Phil Wickham featuring Bart Millard)
- SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL – Bo Rinehart (Needtobreathe)
- STUFF OF LIFE – Jim Brady, Barry Weeks (The Booth Brothers)
- THEY THAT WAIT – Michael Bethany, Phillip Feaster, Fred Hammond, Calvin Rodgers, Dynna Latyse Wells (Fred Hammond featuring John P. Kee)
- UNTIL THE WHOLE WORLD HEARS – Roger Glidewell, Mark Hall (Casting Crowns)
- WALK ON THE WATER – Joshua Mark Crosby, Britt Nicole (Britt Nicole)
- WHAT FAITH CAN DO – Scott Krippayne (Kutless)
- WHEN THE TRUMPET SOUNDS – Wayne Haun, Joel Lindsey (Triumphant Quartet)
- THE WORDS I WOULD SAY – Dave Frey, Ben McDonald, Sam Mizell (Sidewalk Prophets)
Conclusion
The 2011 BMI Christian Music Awards not only celebrated the achievements of songwriters, publishers, and artists but also shone a spotlight on the most played songs of 2011 in Christian music. These songs, recognized for their widespread airplay and impact, represent the power of music to inspire and uplift. From the Songwriter of the Year winners to the Song of the Year and Publisher of the Year, the awards highlighted the collaborative effort behind creating impactful Christian music. The tribute to Don Butler added a layer of historical significance to the event, reminding everyone of the foundations upon which the Christian music industry was built. The most played songs from 2011 continue to resonate with listeners, showcasing the enduring quality and message of Christian music.
