On Saturday evening, 4 October, the UK gospel music landscape witnessed a historic moment as the inaugural Gospel Music Hall of Fame United Kingdom Induction Ceremony celebrated the genre’s pioneers and legends at the magnificent Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, where on 29 October 1961, Dr Martin Luther King Jnr, preached his sermon, ‘The Three Dimensions of the Complete Life’ using image of the cubed-shaped city in Revelation.
A notable presence at the landmark event was several Seventh-day Adventist artists and groups, whose indelible contributions to gospel music were formally recognised.
The induction ceremony, a highlight of the 2025 International Music Summit, honoured over 30 individuals and groups, cementing their legacy in British gospel history.
Among the Adventist inductees, who have collectively championed the power and artistry of gospel music both within their faith community and on the world stage, were:
Professor Ken Burton: A Musician of International Renown
Professor Ken Burton, a globally respected choral and orchestral conductor, composer, and presenter, was formally inducted for his monumental career. An active member and choirmaster at the Croydon Seventh-day Adventist church, Professor Burton’s influence spans classical, gospel, and film music.
He is widely known for his regular appearances on BBC1’s Songs of Praise and has directed choirs for major international films, including the Oscar-winning Marvel film Black Panther. His musical leadership extends to the highly-acclaimed London Adventist Chorale and the Croydon Seventh-day Adventist Gospel Choir, both of which have been at the forefront of UK gospel music for decades and have performed for members of the Royal Family.
Dr Charmaine Elliott: Artist, Musician, and Choir Director
Dr Charmaine Elliott, an award-winning artist, musician, and respected figure in the gospel music community, was also celebrated. Dr Elliott has been a driving force in nurturing gospel talent. Her profound musical contributions and commitment to the genre were recognised with her induction. One of her current projects is the Giant Gospel Choir, which she founded.
The choir was inducted for its powerful and authentic contribution to London’s gospel scene. The choir, which performs a mix of traditional and contemporary styles, has become a dynamic force, sharing the spiritual power of gospel music at various events across the UK and internationally.
Key team members were also inducted. These included Tony Best, whose career as an international keyboardist has spanned over five decades, including 21 years leading the Holloway Youth Choir, and singers Paulette Francis (in absentia), Cheyenne Malcom, Ruth Whyte (in absentia), Joanne J, Ray Stewart, and Sinclair Malcom.
Paul Lee and The Golden Chords
Completing the Adventist honours were Paul Lee (in absentia) and The Golden Chords.
Paul Lee, affectionately known as ‘The Wedding Singer’ for his rendition of ‘Stand by Me’ at the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Harry and Meghan) has a solo career that spans nearly six decades as well as being a founding member of Tessera, one of the best male quartets in the country and recording three solo albums.
Last but not least was the induction of The Golden Chords and Stephanie Ferguson.
The Golden Chords was founded by Hugo Kennedy in the early 1970s and has performed throughout the Adventist Church at local churches and significant events, such as Camp Meetings and Days of Fellowship. They have also performed at the Royal Festival Hall and on the prime-time TV gospel show People Get Ready, hosted by Bishop John Francis, delivering outstanding performances throughout Europe and releasing four albums in their 56-year history.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Their inclusion in the Hall of Fame acknowledges their significant impact and pioneering efforts within the UK gospel fraternity, cementing their place as influential figures in the genre’s development.
The ceremony at the historic Bloomsbury Central Baptist church not only honoured these Adventist figures but also marked a crucial step in formally documenting and celebrating the rich, diverse history of gospel music in the United Kingdom. The night was a powerful testament to the spiritual and cultural impact of these artists and groups, whose music continues to inspire and uplift.