The Independent Gospel Music Hall of Fame is an institution rooted in Christ-centered traditions, therefore, we require our Inductees to model good moral character and Christ-like principles.
The NARMP's Gospel Division has adopted a resolution that authorizes the IGMHOF Induction Review Board to evaluate candidates for induction on the merit of their contribution to the advancement, advocacy, and preservation of Gospel music, and on the depth of their impact on independent Gospel music culture and industry. Our Induction Review Board and the NARMP Gospel Division relies on available information gathered and/or researched from public forums and other credible industry sources to determine who we will induct into the Independent Gospel Music Hall of Fame. We're not an investigative body, therefore we use the information that we've gathered over time to inform us regarding all induction decisions.
The Independent Gospel Music Hall of Fame does not permit the induction of a nominee if they have been credibly accused of an act of moral turpitude or if they've been found guilty of breaking any local, state, or federal laws which subjects them or the Independent Gospel Music Hall of Fame or the NARMP to public scandal and ridicule. If a nominee for induction or an inductee is convicted of a crime, the Independent Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Induction Review Board may convene and determine if the induction awarded should be revoked pending the facts and merits of the case.
CRITERIA FOR INDEPENDENT GOSPEL MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTION
1. NOMINATION PROCESS: In order to nominate a candidate for induction into the Independent Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the person making the nomination must be an active member of the National Association of Radio & Music Promoters (NARMP) and in good standing. If you are interested in nominating a candidate for induction, and you are not a confirmed and current active member, but you desire to do so. Please click here.
2. CATEGORIES: After our inaugural year, there will be seven (7) inductee categories:
1. Traditional Gospel Artist
2. Contemporary Gospel Artist
3. Musician/Songwriter
4. Producer/Engineer
5. Gospel Radio Legend
6. Gospel Radio Luminary
7. Industry Influencer/Professional
We consider both living and deceased individuals for the Independent Gospel Music Hall of Fame. If the nominated candidate is deceased, we will present their induction posthumously. We require deceased individuals be deceased for a minimum of 3 years before being eligible for election to the IGMHOF. If an inductee dies after being officially added to our current slate of inductees, we will keep that individual on the ballot.
3. GENERAL MERIT: All candidates for induction will be reviewed and considered on the merit of their contribution to the advancement, advocacy, and preservation of Gospel music, and on the depth of their impact on independent Gospel music culture and industry
4. ELECTORAL PROCESS: The candidate for induction in each category who receives a majority of votes by IGMHOF Electoral College shall be elected as a Hall of Fame inductee.
5. IMPACT ON PEOPLE: One of the criterion utilized to evaluate a candidate centers on the way that the candidate expands his/her/their impact through people. We look to gauge how influential the candidate has been with regard to how those they come in contact with are inspired by them to create their own impact on the independent gospel music culture.
6. INFLUENTIAL ACTIONS: Our Nominees may have excelled in a narrow, specific sphere such as songwriting, publishing, musician, recording artist, etc., or a nominee may have been active in several areas. In any case, nominees music have achieved definitive recognition and respect in the field of gospel music.
7. SPHERE OF INFLUENCE: In order to become eligible, our candidates must have been actively participating in the Gospel music community/industry for a minimum of 20 years, and been actively participating in the independent Gospel music space for a minimum of 10 of those 20 years.
While we primarily stay within the tenure guidelines, we do allow for some flexibility with respect to the candidate's length of time in Gospel music. We may consider an uninterrupted length of many years, or we may consider specific and/or separate periods of time. On rare occasion, a candidate for induction may earn election into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame with one deciduous action, provided that their impact on independent gospel music culture is deemed historically relevant. As a general rule, we consider the longevity of participation in the independent gospel music landscape won't in and of itself merit recognition.