|PIC1|Legendary Christian artist Michael W Smith was honoured recently by the Recording Academy at the "Grammy Salute To Gospel Music" event at the Lincoln Theatre in Washington DC.

Smith, along with The Clark Sisters and Dr Bobby Jones, was presented with the Recording Academy President's Merit Award which recognises the contributions that key individuals have made in the music industry and the impact their efforts have had on music and the business of music.

The Grammy Salute To Gospel Music event recognises those who have made significant contributions to gospel music, while supporting the history and importance of the genre.

Last weeks event featured performances by four-time Grammy winner Yolanda Adams, soulful gospel singer Vanessa Bell Armstrong, award-winning gospel singer Byron Cage, honourees The Clark Sisters and contemporary Christian music singer Crystal Lewis. Also to hit the stage were two-time Grammy winner Donnie McClurkin, contemporary gospel singer Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, gospel composer/pianist/arranger Richard Smallwood, honouree Michael W Smith and four-time GRAMMY winner BeBe Winans.

Performances were under the leadership of award-winning musical director Donald Lawrence.

During Smith's portion of the evening, Crystal Lewis performed a moving version of "Breathe" before a very interactive crowd. Donnie McClurkin then took stage and sang "Place in this World" followed by the Michael W Smith classic, "Friends".

Smith humbly accepted the Recording Academy President's Merit Award and then sang "Above All" before an audience on its feet.

In April, Smith joined an elite group of music industry figures when he was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame.