The Gospel Music Association (GMA) today announced the final nominees for the Dove Award Songwriter of the Year, to be presented at the GMA’s 35th Annual Music Awards. The nominees are Jonathan Foreman, Mark Hall, Pete Kipley, Bart Millard and Bebo Norman. The winner of the Dove Award for Songwriter of the Year will be named during the awards show on April 28 in Nashville at Municipal Auditorium.

“Because the song and the songwriter are the heart of our music, the Songwriter of the Year is one of the most significant honors in gospel music. We congratulate these nominees for the songs that they wrote last year which obviously inspired many and earned them their nomination,” said John W. Styll, president of the GMA.

In addition to other songs they have written, each songwriter is nominated in the Song of the Year category. Foreman, songwriter and lead vocalist for Switchfoot, wrote the nominated song, “Meant To Live.” Hall, of Casting Crowns, wrote “If We Are The Body.” Bart Millard, of MercyMe, and co-songwriter Pete Kipley wrote “Word of God Speak,” and Bebo Norman wrote the nominated song “Great Light of the World.”

Founded in 1964, the 4,500-member Gospel Music Association (www.gospelmusic.org) is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music. The GMA represents all styles of gospel music including contemporary pop, rock, urban gospel, praise & worship, southern gospel, country and children’s gospel music. The GMA produces GMA’s Annual Music Awards, which recognizes achievement in all genres of gospel music.