Jeff Pardo Named BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year for 2nd Time in 3 Years

Jeff Pardo was named BMI Christian songwriter of the year for the second time in three years at the BMI Christian Awards, which were held at its Nashville office on Tuesday (June 17). The private event was hosted by Leslie Roberts, BMI’s avp, creative.

Pardo, 43, wrote or co-wrote five of BMI’s 25 most-performed Christian songs: “Don’t Stop Praying,” “Heaven Changes Everything,” “Praise the Lord” with Jake Henry and Micah Tyler, “Running Home” and “Strong” with Anne Wilson. Pardo received a Grammy nomination in 2013 for co-writing “My Jesus” with Wilson and won two GMA Dove Awards in 2022. He has successfully crossed genres as well, working with artists such as Lady A, Ben Rector and Tauren Wells.

BMI’s Christian song of the year went to “Praise,” written by Chris Brown, Cody Carnes, Stephen Furtick and Chandler Moore. The hit by Elevation Worship featuring Brandon Lake, Chris Brown & Chandler Moore spent 31 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart and nine weeks at No. 1 on the Christian Airplay chart.

Leading up to song of the year, BMI named the 25 most-performed Christian songs of the previous year. The roster included 18 first-time award winners.

Capitol CMG Publishing brought home publisher of the year for representing 17 of the 25 most-performed songs of the year including “Praise” as well as “Don’t Stop Praying,” “I Believe,” “Jesus Does” and “Take It All Back.”

In addition, Jackie Patillo, president of the Gospel Music Association and the GMA Foundation, was honored with the BMI Spotlight Award. As a surprise tribute, five-time GMA Dove Awards female vocalist of the year (and nine-time Grammy nominee) Natalie Grant, performed her first recording, “I Am Not Alone.” She was accompanied by Bernie Herms.

“This is more than just a business,” Patillo said in accepting the award. “We are all making a difference and impacting culture, and that’s what we get up for every day.”  Previous recipients of the BMI Spotlight Award include Dottie Leonard Miller, Randy Edelman and Frank Gari.

Special moments at the event include Roberts calling BMI’s 2019 Compass Award winner Elwyn Raymer to the stage to start the celebration with a prayer; country songwriter Jordan Rowe giving the audience a preview of his unreleased song, “Way Back;” and first-time BMI award-winner Seph Schlueter sharing his hit “Counting My Blessings.”

For a complete list of winners, go here.