Kerry Douglas of Blacksmoke Music named one of BMI’s Gospel Songwriters of the Year 

MI celebrated the best in Gospel music at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at BMI’s Nashville office this week. BMI honored the songwriters and publishers behind the past year’s 25 most-performed Gospel songs and announced the Songwriters, Song, and Publisher of the Year. Gospel, entertainment, and media tycoon Kerry Douglas was named one of BMI’s Gospel Songwriters of the Year in a three-way tie with Kierra Sheard-Kelly and J Drew Sheard, II. Douglas, CEO of Blacksmoke Music Worldwide and Blacksmoke Publishing, wrote three songs that received the most performances on terrestrial radio, satellite radio, and digital streaming services over the past year.

Douglas states, “This is an incredible honor for Blacksmoke Music and me. I received these awards because Kerry Douglas Publishing and Blacksmoke Music have helped artists Jevon Dewand, Earnest Pugh, and Pastor Mike, Jr., and I will keep helping songwriters, producers, and artists in this industry as God continues to help me. Thank you to the team at BMI – Mike O’Neill, CEO; Mike Steinberg, EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer; and Catherine Brewton, Vice President of Creative for recognizing my work.”

Douglas and his publishing company received honors for the songs “Don’t Give Up” by Earnest Pugh, “Windows” by Pastor Mike Jr., and “Without You” by Jevon Dewand & The Tap Starz, totaling seven awards that commemorated his and his publishing company’s successful year.

In music, a hit song contains a catchy, relatable melody with creative phrasing and structure. Musicality and great production lay the foundation for a great song that provokes emotion and response. Ultimately, marketing is necessary to capture listeners and digital streaming success.

“The most important thing is for everyone to understand the connection with the songwriter, the publisher and the marketer of the music who helps create the demand for songs,” Douglas shares. “I encourage every up-and-coming songwriter to put three parts together – first a great song, connect with an established publisher, and then a great marketing team to create value for that song.”

He continues, “Songwriters need to look at the world of music from the inside out. It’s not just about having a great pen to craft songs; you need the other components to help raise the value of your pen.”

Kerry is the CEO of the 3-time #1 ranked Gospel music label Blacksmoke Music Worldwide. He is a GRAMMY® Award-nominated producer and acclaimed music and film producer. Kerry dominates YouTube in his sector with curated content garnering over 16 million annual views. His focus is to continue creating valuable content and life-changing music for consumers by strategically dominating online platforms and the digital music and media market space. His business savviness and tenure in music and entertainment have built genuine connections with his target audience, thus driving his long-term success.

View the highlights and full winners list of the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards here:

 
2026 BMI Trailblazers Of Gospel Music Awards List For Kerry Douglas and Blacksmoke Publishing:

Songwriter Of The Year – *Kerry Douglas – for three top songs “Don’t Give Up,” “Windows,” and “Without You”.

Individual Songwriter Of The Year Honors – Kerry Douglas, Blacksmoke Publishing and Kerry Douglas Publishing:

“Don’t Give Up” writers Kerry Douglas, Earnest Pugh Performed by Earnest Pugh (Black Smoke Publishing, Infinite Media Group LLC, Map Catalogs, Mezzo Agency, MNRK Music USA, Pughspen Music Publishing Co.)

“Windows” writers Kerry Douglas, Michael Dewayne McClure, Jr, Jaicko Lawrence Performed by Pastor Mike, Jr. (Kerry Douglas Publishing, Capitol CMG Paragon, Payday Empire, Rock City Media Group Publishing)

“Without You” writers Kerry Douglas, Alexander Phalon (Jazze Pha), Jevon Dewand, Gasner Hughes Performed by Jevon Dewand & The Trap Starz (Kerry Douglas Publishing, Bubba Gee Music, Gizzy Gaz Muzik, V-Rock Yo Music Publishing)