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.
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.
Shirley’s life.
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.