And the GRAMMY® went to . . .

ATLANTA, February 14, 2006 – The Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Georgia Music Hall of Fame & Museum commend the Georgia musicians recognized at the 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards held in Los Angeles on Wednesday, February 8. The night's winners included Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee Gladys Knight for the Gospel Choir or Gospel Chorus Album GRAMMY, as choir director for 'One Voice.' Jermaine Dupri, Johnta Austin, and Manuel Seal were honored for co-writing Mariah Carey's Best R&B song, 'We Belong Together.' Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album 'Lifesong' is from the Georgia band Casting Crowns, made up of members Mark Hall, Chris Huffman, Hector Cervantes, Andy Williams, Megan Garrett, Melodee DeVevo and Juan DeVevo. The Best Short Form Music Video GRAMMY went to Missy Elliott featuring Atlanta native Ciara for 'Lose Control.' Georgian-born Amy Grant won for her album 'Rock of Ages . . . Hymns & Faith' for Southern, Country or Bluegrass Album. Ray Charles was represented at the GRAMMY Awards once again, with two wins for the motion picture soundtrack 'Ray.' The honors included Compilation Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media as well as Best Composition Score in a Soundtrack Album for Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media by Craig Armstrong. Program performances highlighted several Georgia artists including Best New Artist nominees Sugarland and Ciara. More than 30 artists, producers, songwriters, conductors and other musical talents with Georgia ties were honored as 48th annual GRAMMY Award nominees including Georgia Music Hall of Fame inductee Trisha Yearwood and Atlanta sons Usher and Ludacris. Georgia's music industry has experienced unprecedented growth over the last 20 years in regard to the number of music recording establishments, record labels and other professional services connected with the commercial music industry. The total estimated economic impact of the music industry in the state of Georgia is $1 billion, creating 11,000 jobs and generating $54.3 million in tax revenues. Due to Georgia's high standing in the music industry, the city of Atlanta harbors a GRAMMY chapter and regional offices of the nation's two major performing rights societies, the American Society of Authors, Composers and Publishers (ASCAP) and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI). Additionally, Georgia provides a regional home to what is now the 'Big Four' record labels - Universal, Sony/BMG, WEA and EMI. The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development. For more information, visit www.georgia.org The Georgia Music Hall of Fame and Museum is the state's official music museum. It proudly preserves and celebrates the stories of Georgia musicians, songwriters, and producers through innovative museum exhibits, educational programs, and special events. For information on upcoming events, exhibits, and other programming at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and Museum please contact Katie Roberts, Public Relations and Events Specialist, at [email protected], 478-751-3334 or visit www.gamusichall.com.