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15 November 2010
Dallas, TX -- The American Heart Association has joined with GMC, formerly
the Gospel Music Channel and Music World Gospel
to educate people about stroke
through an online gospel singing competition.
Most Powerful Voices, held now thru February 14, is engaging independent artists
and choirs to compete on behalf of the American Heart Association’s Power To
End Stroke cause campaign as voters from across America get to select the winners.
Competitors are required to upload a video or MP3 recording of one song by December
3. In order to move to the next round, competitors need public votes. Participating
choirs and independent artists may be from a church, the military, a school
or any other group and must be at least 18 years -old.
The top 40 choirs will have an opportunity to be showcased to music industry
leader and entrepreneur Mathew Knowles, CEO and President of Music World Entertainment,
among other judges. “It is our dream at Music World Entertainment to empower
people and bring an uplifting message to the world. The partnerships with Music
World Gospel, GMC and the American Heart Association’s ‘Most Powerful Voices’
competition is consistent with our mission,” said Mathew Knowles. “Gospel music
is a meaningful and powerful vehicle of expression and inspiration. I am excited
and look forward to meeting and hearing these individual artists and talented
choirs from across the country.”
Following the judges selection of the top 20 contestants, the public will choose
the winning choir and a winning independent artist who will be announced on
February 14, 2011. The winners will perform at the Power Awards Show on May
6 in New York City at the Apollo Theater. The American Heart Association hosts
the annual event to honor people who increase stroke awareness among African
Americans.
In addition, the winners will receive:
* One song recorded by Music World Gospel for a Most Powerful Voices compilation
CD and a song featured at an online retailer
* A professional coaching session from Music World Gospel artist Brian Courtney
Wilson
* $5,000 worth of music equipment from Roland, manufacturer and distributer
of electronic musical instruments
* $1,000 cash prize from Music World Gospel
* Recognition on GMC’s national television network
* And more!
When people register to vote or compete in the competition, they receive monthly
e-newsletters from the American Heart Association’s Power To End Stroke campaign
and other information to help them to reduce their risk of stroke.
Power To End Stroke reaches African Americans because of their disproportionate
risks of stroke. Stroke is the third leading cause of death for all Americans,
and African Americans are at increased risk due to the higher prevalence of
risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and previous heart attack
and/or stroke.
“Stroke is a serious issue in the African-American community,” said Dr. Rani
Whitfield, a family practitioner in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and American Heart
Association spokesperson. “It is a leading cause of severe, long-term disability,
and more than 100,000 African Americans will suffer a new or reoccurring stroke
this year. That’s why it’s an important requirement of this competition to register
people to receive stroke information. We need to reach as many people as possible
to help them to reduce their risk and to know what to do in a stroke emergency
to help improve stroke outcomes.”
“GMC’s mission is to inspire, uplift and entertain. We believe the Most Powerful
Voices contest will inspire people to make positive lifestyle changes to prevent
strokes and entertain them through uplifting music from outstanding independent
artists and choirs across America. We are thrilled to be part of such a beneficial
program to prevent strokes and showcase great artists and music,” commented
Philip Manwaring, Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning, Research, and
Technology for GMC.
For more information and to register for the contest, visit http://power.gmclife.com.
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About the American Stroke Association
Created in 1997 as a division of the American Heart Association, the American
Stroke Association works to improve stroke prevention, diagnosis and treatment
to save lives from stroke — America’s No. 3 killer and a leading cause of serious
disability. To do this, we fund scientific research, help people better understand
and avoid stroke, encourage government support, guide healthcare professionals,
and provide information to stroke survivors and their caregivers to enhance
their quality of life. To learn more, call 1-888-4STROKE or visit www.strokeassociation.org.
About GMC
GMC (www.watchGMCtv.com), the fastest-growing network in television and the
number one digital network in perceived value (source: BETA Research), is America’s
favorite channel for uplifting music and family entertainment. Recently, The
Parents Television Council(TM) awarded its Entertainment Seal of Approval(TM)
to GMC for being “an authentic family-friendly cable network.” GMC is the only
television network to receive the highly coveted honor in 2010. GMC can be seen
in nearly 48 million homes on various cable systems around the country, on DIRECTV
on channel 338 and on Verizon FiOS on channel 224.
About Music World Gospel
Music World Gospel (MWG) is the premiere faith-based record and management company
under the umbrella of Music World Entertainment. Founded in 2002 by music industry
leader Mathew Knowles, MWG is dedicated to developing creative and innovative
approaches to producing and promoting gospel, sacred, and inspirational music
worldwide. Its mission is to reach, inspire and empower a diverse audience around
the globe. MWG features a roster of award-winning recording artists, joint ventures
and special projects including, Trin-i-tee 5:7, Juanita Bynum, Brian Courtney
Wilson, Micah Stampley, Pastor Rudy Rasmus and The ESSENCE Gospel Project.
