Founded in 1967 by Rev. James Cleveland, the Gospel Music Workshop of America is an annual convention bringing together people who love gospel  music from America, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean including a  wide range of many faiths.  With a membership of thousands, the meeting is a  week long gathering including academic classes, evangelism and outreach,  nightly music services, showcases, radio and television executives and promoters, exhibits and seminars.  There is also an opportunity for persons to enhance  their musical talents by singing in one of the various music outlets such as  the National Mass Choir, the James Cleveland Gospel Chorus, the Thurston  G. Frazier Memorial Chorale, the Women's Chorus, the Men's Chorus and  our Children, Youth or Young Adult Choirs.