An honorable night of celebration honoring individuals for their contributions to gospel music in the state of Florida, past & present
MEET OUR 2026 Inductees
The Miracle Lights were formed in the year of 1984, in the month of October. The founder Elder Lionel Nelson formed the Miracle Lights because of his love for quartet music. The Miracle Lights began with Elaine Nelson, Rene Singletary, Yolanda Durante (Deceased), Leslie Davis, Kathy Davis-Freckelton, and Angela Chiverton (Deceased).
The current members are Elaine D. Nelson, Christina Robinson, Rosselin “Bleu” Jones, Kathy Freckleton, and Barbara Howard.
Throughout the throughout the years, there have been other great singers who have graced several platforms as Miracle Lights.
Later in the years, Eld. Nelson began pursuing ministry in another direction. Lady Elaine D. Nelson became the leader of the group, along with her late father Apostle Mosby E. Nelson, and booking manager Michael A. Smith.
They began traveling the states singing the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1996, The Miracle Light released their first album titled FINALLY & with songs titled: I Find No Fault, I've Got An Angel, and Guide
Me. Later in the years, they released a single & It's My Right. God has allowed their music to reach the nation on virus radio stations locally and nationally.
In 2008 the Miracle Lights were awarded the GMWA James Cleveland award for Best Quartet Gospel Singers. The Miracle Light was also signed to a 2-year recording contract with Destiny Joy Records, founder Vicki Winans.
They all are currently pursuing their individual God given ministries in their local churches and throughout the states.
In the year of 2021 the Miracle Lights celebrated the 35th Reunion at Upper Room Ministries. The sanctuary was fill with over 100 supporters. This night was a night of joy, love and praise.
The Miracle Lights believe in giving God their best praise.
Mary Bush-Smith is a veteran gospel singer, radio personality, and community servant whose ministry has made a lasting impact throughout Gadsden County, North Florida, and beyond.
Born and raised in Quincy, Florida, Mary discovered her love for gospel music at an early age, beginning her singing journey at just 10 years old. After graduating from high school in 1971, she attended Tallahassee Community College, where her participation in the college’s gospel chorale helped strengthen her calling and passion for music. The group performed locally and traveled for performances, giving Mary an early foundation for the ministry that would follow.
Mary would go on to share her gift across the United States while remaining deeply connected to her church and community. Her love for gospel music eventually expanded into broadcasting, where she became the beloved voice behind the Mary Bush-Smith Gospel Hour on 93.3 FM. Her longevity in gospel radio has allowed her to introduce, celebrate, and preserve gospel music while providing encouragement and inspiration to generations of listeners.
Beyond music and broadcasting, Mary has demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. For many years, she organized benefit concerts that helped provide holiday food baskets to families in need. She also enjoyed a distinguished professional career with the Florida Department of Revenue, retiring after 33 years of service.
Her contributions have received recognition throughout the region. Mary was selected as an honoree for Tallahassee Community College’s Cherry Hall Alexander African American History Calendar, which celebrates individuals who have made meaningful contributions to communities throughout North Florida.
Today, Mary Bush-Smith continues her gospel broadcasting ministry, carrying forward a legacy built upon faith, music, service, and community. Her decades of dedication have made her a respected voice in North Florida gospel music and a testament to the power of using one’s gifts to uplift others.
Mary Bush-Smith’s life and ministry represent a remarkable legacy of gospel excellence—one that continues to inspire audiences, artists, radio listeners, and her community.
Pastor Shirley was born October 12, 1954, in the windy city of Chicago, Illinois and lived there for the first 20 years of her life. Her mother, the late Martha Fortineaux; kept Shirley in church, where she sang in the church choir. On several occasions the choir was called to sing back-up for many Gospel Giants at a television production called, “Jubilee Showcase.” Later, Shirley moved to Los Angeles, where she had the privilege of singing with the radio choir of the legendary James Cleveland, who was often accompanied by Billy Preston.
Then, under the tutelage of Don D.C. Cody, Pastor Shirley Watts began hosting Sunday Morning Gospel from 1995-2003 on Magic 101.3 in Gainesville, Florida. Her Sunday Morning Gospel soon became the number show on Sundays. After leaving Magic 101.3, the Lord blessed Shirley to start two radio stations; Praize 96.3 in Ocala and Praize 107.5 in Gainesville.
Then in 2005, Pastor Shirley along with the church she pastors, Community Praise Center Incorporated (CPCI), launched PRAIZE 107.5 FM WPZM-LP--a 24-hour Gospel Radio Station, also located in Gainesville, FL. PRAIZE 107.5 FM presents community news, thought-provoking sermons, interviews and strives to keep the community informed about health, financial wellness, and more. Additionally, PRAIZE 107.5 was nominated for the prestigious Stellar Award.
Bishop Dawson is also known in the world of music as
an outstanding musician, writer, director, producer,
singer, and arranger. He serves as President/CEO of
K’MAJ Records, LLC. He began his gospel recording
career with The Genesis Ensemble, which brought
him renowned fame with 4 recordings on the Tyscot
record label. His baritone voice, or other music that he
has written or produced, can be found on at least 20
other recordings by various artist (both national, local,
and international).
Bishop Dawson has traveled extensively as an actor,
director and choral arranger for Broadway
productions and musicals. He has written and
directed for such notables as the late Vinette Carroll,
and performed in theaters with such greats as
Jennifer Holliday, Stephanie Mills, the late Teddy
Pendergrass, and BeBe Winans.
He has written 4 plays of his own, “Miracle in Bethlehem”, “He Got Up: An Easter Musical Celebration” and “The Soul of a
Black Woman” (the last two having soundtracks
produced), and his most recent, “The Saga of Being
Black”.
He is the author of “The Man in the Hole:
Learning to Accept the Season of Obscure Isolation”,
and his latest writing, “The Hidden Hurt Man” (both
listed on Amazon.com).
He is now writing 3 other books, “CLUELESS: In Search for Intimacy”,
“Separated by a Song: The Struggle of Pastors and
Ministers of Music in the Black Church Experience”,
and “Prayer....It’s More than Poetry”. He is married to
Pastor Dr. Kay Williams-Dawson, the father of children
Aryelle, Melvin III, Ahkeem, and Joseph, and is
affectionately known as “Grandty” to his
granddaughter Tamir.
The Miracle Sisters are a gospel group with deep roots in the Tampa Bay, Florida gospel music community. Known for their traditional gospel sound, spirited performances, and family-centered ministry, The Miracle Sisters have shared their music with audiences through recordings, concerts, church services, and gospel music events.
Their recorded music spans multiple projects, including Well Done (2003), Jump! (2008), and Relationships (2010). Their catalog includes songs such as “Well Done,” “I Want to Feel the Holy Ghost,” “Jump!,” “Move It Out,” “Do Your Will,” “All I Need,” “You Can Make It,” and “Somebody.” (Apple Music - Web Player)
The group includes Sheila Williams and her daughters Shakayla Tucker and Shaleah Lewis, carrying forward a family legacy of gospel music. Their song “Move It Out,” featured on the Relationships project, was written by Sheila’s father, Rev. John Thomas Salem, further demonstrating the musical heritage that runs through the family. (Southeast Georgia Today)
Over the years, The Miracle Sisters have been part of Tampa Bay’s gospel music scene while also appearing in broader gospel settings. In 2011, they were among the artists announced for the 41st Annual Gospel Announcers Guild Session in Tampa, an event that brought together prominent figures from across the gospel music industry. (Praise Indy)
Through their recordings and ministry, The Miracle Sisters represent the enduring sound of family-based traditional gospel—music rooted in faith, testimony, perseverance, and praise. Their contributions have helped preserve and carry forward the rich gospel music heritage of Tampa Bay and the state of Florida.
2026 Posthumous Inductee
Jimmie Hill Sr.
Dr. Jimmie Lee Hill Sr.
Jacksonville, Florida | Gospel Musician • Guitarist • Ministry Servant
Dr. Jimmie Lee Hill Sr. was a gifted gospel musician, guitarist, and man of faith whose musical ministry left a lasting impression on Jacksonville, Florida, and the surrounding gospel community.
From his younger years, Hill demonstrated an extraordinary love for gospel music and developed a reputation as a talented guitarist. His musicianship became an important part of numerous church services, gospel programs, choirs, and quartet appearances throughout the Jacksonville area.
Hill was connected to Jacksonville’s rich quartet tradition and is remembered for his involvement with The Gospel Modulations, a group he helped establish alongside Glenn Jones. Throughout his musical journey, he used his gifts not simply to entertain, but to minister. Fellow musicians, singers, church members, and friends remembered his ability to create an atmosphere of worship through his guitar.
His ministry touched several congregations and gospel communities over the years, with individuals recalling his service at churches including Faust Temple Church of God in Christ and Mount Calvary Baptist Church. He also assisted choirs and encouraged developing singers and musicians, leaving an influence that extended beyond the stage.
Dr. Hill was remembered as a musician who gave back to his community through his music and as a man whose faith remained at the center of his service.
On April 18, 2013, Dr. Jimmie Lee Hill Sr. transitioned from this life, but the music, ministry, relationships, and memories he created continue to speak for him.
His legacy represents an important chapter in the history of gospel music in Jacksonville and the state of Florida. Through decades of playing, serving, encouraging, and ministering, Dr. Jimmie Lee Hill Sr. helped carry forward a musical tradition worthy of remembrance and celebration.
Today, we honor his life, his music, and his enduring contribution to Florida gospel music.
