The 2025 Soar Awards will take place on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Hard Rock Casino Rockford, bringing together gospel music’s finest for an unforgettable evening of celebration and inspiration. Organizers, along with local dignitaries and Hard Rock Casino Rockford employees and guests, gathered at the venue Wednesday to share the exciting announcement. One of the evening’s biggest honors will be bestowed upon James Hall, the internationally renowned choirmaster, professor, and music visionary.
Known for his groundbreaking work in gospel music and choir direction, Hall’s legacy continues to shape the genre and inspire generations of artists and worshippers. A pioneering force in gospel music, Hall is the leader of the gospel choir Worship and Praise. He debuted in 1995 with God Is in Control, followed by King of Glory that same year.
In 1997, he returned with, According to James Hall, Chapter 3. On March 24, 1998, Worship & Praise made history as the first gospel choir ever to record live at New York’s renowned Lincoln Center; the resulting performance was issued on CD that summer, followed later that same year by Messiah.
Hall continued his influential career with albums such as We Celebrate Christmas with James Hall (1999) and We Are at War (2001), which reached the upper echelons of the Billboard Gospel albums chart. In 2006, Hall released Voices of the Citadel via his own Music Blend Records, followed by Live at the Foxwoods (2007). His later projects, Trip Down Memory Lane (2012) and New Era (2015), both released by Entertainment One, shot to the top of the Billboard Gospel charts.
“I am truly honored and humbled to be recognized by the Soar Awards,” said Hall. “Gospel music has been my life’s work, and to be celebrated among so many talented individuals is a blessing beyond words.”
Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara expressed his enthusiasm about hosting the prestigious event in the city. “This marks an exciting and special occasion for Rockford,” said McNamara. “The Soar Awards are a phenomenal celebration of gospel music’s finest. We are truly privileged to have this incredible event in our community.”
Alongside Hall, the 2025 Soar Awards will also honor Producer Percy Gray, acclaimed author Kimberla Lawson Roby, and NBA superstar Fred VanVleet, with a special musical tribute dedicated to the late Big Jim Wright. Event organizers are encouraging all music lovers to be a part of this historic night.
“We ask that people join us here,” said Rebecca Francis, Vice President of the Soar Awards. “It doesn’t matter what you look like. It doesn’t matter what culture you come from or what background. I don’t care. Music speaks to everybody.”
Tickets for the Soar Awards are available now and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
