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Paul Baloche wins Dove Award for Best Inspirational Song

Longtime Maple Shade resident Paul Baloche received a Dove Award for the song “Above All” at the Gospel Music Association’s 33rd annual Dove Awards in Nashville. Receiving a Dove Award is the highest distinction in the Christian Music Industry. Previous winners include well known artists such as Steven Curtis Chapman, Michael W. Smith, and Amy Grant.

The song “Above All”, co-written with Lenny LeBlanc, was sung at the Presidential Inauguration Prayer Service last year when it was performed by Michael W. Smith. Michael also featured two versions of the song on his latest platinum selling album “Worship”, which has been receiving wide spread air-play throughout the nation.

“The Dove Awards were certainly an event to remember”, said Paul Baloche. ”The days leading up to the event were filled with radio interviews and publicity events, something which is not part of my usual routine. But it was great to talk about a song that is very close to my heart. It is amazing how a song from such humble and quiet beginnings in our church is now reaching millions of Americans and others throughout the world.”

Paul Baloche is featured on the Time-Life Songs4Worship series for many of the popular songs he has written including “Open The Eyes Of My Heart”, “ Praise Adonai”, “Revival Fire Fall” and more than 100 others. He has produced numerous albums for Maranatha Music and also recorded four of his own albums with Integrity Music.

Paul grew up in Maple Shade but moved to California after High School to pursue his interest in music. After graduating from the Grove School of Music, he began writing modern gospel rock which quickly gained popularity in churches throughout the country and worldwide.

Though Paul returns to Maple Shade at least once a year to visit his family, he has been living in Lindale, Texas with his wife Rita and their three children. From there he travels extensively, teaching at Worship Seminars and performing with his band at large events in the U.S. and abroad. Paul also serves as the worship pastor at Lindale’s Community Christian Fellowship.