History of GMA Dove Award in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 13, 2025

The GMA Dove Awards are presented annually by the Gospel Music Association (GMA) to honor outstanding achievements in the Christian music industry. These awards ceremonies feature live musical performances and are broadcast on TBN. Primarily held in Nashville, Tennessee, the Dove Awards recognize a wide range of Christian music genres and artists, celebrating the impact and contributions within the field.

1968: Conceptualization of the Dove Awards

In 1968, Bill Gaither conceptualized the Dove Awards at a Gospel Music Association board meeting. He is also credited for the idea of the award being represented by a dove.

October 1969: First GMA Dove Awards

In October 1969, the first GMA Dove Awards ceremony was held at the Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee.

1969: Establishment of the Dove Awards

In 1969, the Dove Awards were established to recognize outstanding achievement in the Christian music industry, representing a variety of musical styles.

1971: Invalid 3rd GMA Dove Awards

In 1971, the 3rd GMA Dove Awards were deemed invalid due to ballot stuffing. The Gospel Music Association does not consider this an official awards year.

1971: Dove Awards move to Nashville

In 1971, the Dove Awards ceremony moved to Nashville, Tennessee.

1979: No Awards Ceremony Held

In 1979, no GMA Dove Awards ceremony was held because the Gospel Music Association decided to move the awards from autumn to spring.

1984: First Televised GMA Dove Awards

In 1984, the 15th GMA Dove Awards became the first televised ceremony, airing on the Christian Broadcasting Network.

1998: GMA Published New Definition

In 1998, the Gospel Music Association (GMA) published a new definition of what music was eligible for a Dove Award, setting stricter guidelines for nominees.

1999: Disqualifications due to stricter rules

In 1999, stricter rules for Dove Award eligibility resulted in complaints after thirteen entries were disqualified for being too secular.

2000: Rescinding the Rules

In 2000, the stricter rules were rescinded, and many groups that had been disqualified in 1999 became winners.

2011: Dove Awards held in Atlanta

In 2011, the Dove Awards ceremony was held in Atlanta, Georgia, marking a departure from its traditional location in Nashville, Tennessee.

2011: Dove Awards Move Away from Nashville

In 2011, the Dove Awards were held outside of Nashville for the first time.

2012: Televised Dove Awards

In 2012, due to the large number of award categories (42), only the most popular ones were presented directly at the televised version of the Dove Award ceremony to allow for several performances by various artists.

2012: Dove Awards held in Atlanta

In 2012, the Dove Awards ceremony was held in Atlanta, Georgia, marking a departure from its traditional location in Nashville, Tennessee. This was the second and final year the ceremony was held in Atlanta before returning to Nashville.