GOSPEL ARTIST MUSIC ASSOCIATION

About

The Gospel Artist Music Association better known as GAMA, mission is to create, provide and expand positively life-changing experiences through music, education, and providing a platform for all.

We use our resources to provide national education and opportunities that recognize and support Gospel music.

Minister James A. Willis Jr. in white suite View More

Minister James A. Willis Jr.

President

Minister James Willis is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and a mentor to many within his community. He was born with a melodic intrinsic component, so music is not foreign to him. His compelling musical heritage is grounded in the rich traditional roots of the church. With melodic melodies running through his veins, his strong desire to enlarge his territory continued to grow. At the age of 33 he started playing the piano and today he is considered the maestro of many instruments. Following a vision, he formulated and established the Greater Oklahoma Mass Choir (GOMC) in 2012. In 2018, The Gospel Artist Music Association (GAMA) was birthed to guide, equip, and empower all artists. Minister Willis currently serves as an Associate Minister of the Gospel and Minister of Music for over 26 years at the Prospect Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, OK. His dedication to the Lord is endless and it is demonstrated through his love for the Word of God and song.

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Terri McConnell

Vice President

The Music Ministry of Terri McConnell will certainly “Encourage your heart” and “Lift your Spirit” with a joy felt message of God’s love for all. She is an Inspiring and gifted Songstress whose “warm smile” expresses her dedication and determination to spreading the Gospel to the world. With billboard charting songs in the top fifty, two European world tours including Italy and Switzerland, the UK-London England, two-time Rhythm of Gospel Music Award Winner for Traditional Female Vocalist of The Year, VOGMA Award Winner, and the list goes on. Terri is no stranger to the Gospel Music Industry. She is blessed with a dynamic Music Ministry and is a National / International Recording Artist who is unstoppable when it comes to using her gift for the kingdom. Terri is a native of Oklahoma. Her professional background was in nursing but transitioned into the business field. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree (MBA) in business with a focus on Administrative Leadership.

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Leslie Berry Smith

Marketing and Promotion

Leslie’s experience with people and her ability to organize the perfect marketing plan in getting the word out to the masses is well-documented. She joined the executive staff for the Gospel Artist Music Association (GAMA) in 2022 and serves as the Director of Marketing. Leslie’s utmost belief is that God instilled in her passion and love for others, and she is a willing disciple while inviting others to Christ.

Carolyn Traylor in white shirt View More

Carolyn Traylor

Artist Development

Carolyn Traylor, better known as, “The Texas Powerhouse” is no stranger to the gospel music community, A successful career spanning over twenty years, Carolyn has lent her soul stirring vocals to many recorded projects and shared platforms with many leading gospel recording artist such as Dr. Bobby Jones, Albertina Walker, Paul Porter, Willie Neal Johnson and the Gospel Keynotes, Canton Spirituals, Dorthy Norwood, Pastor Marvin Sapp, Vicki Winans, and Kirk Franklin to name a few. Carolyn Traylor continues to move her audience with heartwarming performances of her most notable sons “Can’t Nobody Beat God Being God” and “There’s A Story Behind My Praise”. These songs have become anthems of inspiration to many and to this day, they continue to bring hope to the masses that God never fails.

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Lakesha Mackie

Director of Operations

Born and raised in Oakland, California, Music was and is instrumental in her life. The love for music started to build in her at the age of four and to date music yet reigns in the heart of this voluminous soprano. Lakesha has had the opportunity to sing background for many of the well-known gospel artist in the Bay Area as well as touring and recording. After moving to Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in 2002, she became very active in the community and her church which is the Wildwood Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. E.W. Bryant where she serves faithfully as directress of various choirs, Praise and Worship Team, and is heavily involved in her youth and Sunday School Department.

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Mary Downs

Secretary Treasurer

Ms. Mary E. Downs has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering/technology and a Master of Science degree in environmental engineering science. She has experience in program managing environmental engineering contracts valued over $8M, that provide hazardous waste handling and disposal support services for Tinker Air Force Base. One of her primary tasks is to track contractor job performances, invoice billings, and assure that financial budget is available to properly pay contractors as they provide invoices for payment of services. Mary really loves the Lord and has a heart for spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ through the ministry of music. She loves supporting others in this Christian journey.

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Dr. Caroline Whittaker

Business Administration

Dr. Whittaker, known as “Dr. C” by her colleagues and “Dr. Whitt” by her family, has been a higher education college professor for over ten years and involved in governance work at the college level. Dr. Whittaker maintains a passion for teaching and training and values the opportunity of learning and advocating the success of others. Her experience in educating students includes business management, business math, organizational behavior and leadership, human resource management, human relations, and marketing.

  • Pastor Kenneth Sherill

    • New Zion Baptist Church
    • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  • Pastor Lee Cooper

    • Prospect Church
    • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  • Nick Tillman

    • Relentless Truth Ministries
    • Haslet , Texas

  • Rev Roy McConnell

    • Okmulgee, Oklahoma

  • Pastor Larry Foster

    • Progressive Baptist Church
    • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  • Pastor E.J. Tyson

    • New Hope Baptist Church
    • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

  • Pastor Walter Wilson

    • Friendship Baptist Church
    • Lawton, OK

  • Pastor M.L. Jemison

    • St. John Baptist Church
    • Oklahoma City, OK

  • Pastor Ronald Scott

    • Serenity Outreach
    • Oklahoma City, OK

  • Bruce Knight

    • Radio / Promotions
    • ,

  • Treva Jones

    • Houston , Texas

  • Anitta Smith

    • okahoma city, oklahoma

  • Mike Glover

    • The City with Mike Glover News 9 92.1 FM | WNRR Rejoice Musical Soulfood Oklahoma City, OK
    • Augusta, GA,

  • Chris Hunter

    • Fort Worth, Texas

  • Donyea Goodman

    • Music Industry
    • Seattle, Washington

  • Ernest J. Lee

    • David's Dance
    • Atlanta, Georgia

  • Dr. Paulette Wright

    • Powerful Praise Gospel Hour
    • Houston, Texas

  • Dr. Earl Bynum

    • Rejoice Musical Soulfood
    • Newark, Virginia

  • Cedric Bailey

    • Rejoice Musical Soulfood
    • Dallas, Texas