BROWNWOOD – May 23, 2014 – Howard Payne University hosted alumna and Grammy-award winning artist Dr. Cynthia Clawson in concert last Sunday afternoon. Dr. Clawson, accompanied by Steinway artist Marvin Gaspard, performed several songs at Brownwood’s First United Methodist Church in support of HPU’s campaign to become an All-Steinway School.
In addition to her Grammy Award in 1981 for Gospel Album of the Year, Dr. Clawson has been honored with five Dove awards and numerous Dove nominations. Her rendition of “Softly and Tenderly” was featured in the 1985 Oscar-winning motion picture “The Trip to Bountiful.” She is also a member of the Texas Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Dr. Clawson received a vocal performance scholarship to attend HPU and was a member of the A Capella Choir and the Oratorio Chorus. She was also an original member of the HPU Heritage Singers. Her career has spanned more than four decades with 22 recordings to her credit. She was named “The most awesome voice in gospel music” by Billboard magazine.
“Not only does the university pride itself in recruiting the very best among music faculty and students, but we also bring in amazing performers throughout the year,” said Dr. Diana Ellis, HPU first lady. “It is always a treat to hear Dr. Clawson perform and she is a true testament to the quality of musicians produced by the university. It is vital that the musical instruments HPU offers its students, faculty and guests are of the same caliber as the performers who will use them.”
The concert was the latest event hosted by the university in celebration of the Steinway campaign. Ron Losby, president of Steinway & Sons – Americas in New York City, visited the campus in early May to preside over a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
For more information about HPU’s All-Steinway School campaign, please contact Randy Yeakley, 
vice president for development, at (325) 649-8804 or ryeakley@hputx.edu.
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Photo cutlines:
Photo 1: Dr. Cynthia Clawson performs in support of HPU’s campaign to become an All-Steinway School.
Photo 2: Dr. Cynthia Clawson, accompanied by Steinway artist Marvin Gaspard, performs at Brownwood’s First United Methodist Church.
Photo 3: HPU is in the process of becoming a prestigious All-Steinway School. Left to right: Dr. Cynthia Clawson, alumna and Grammy-award winning artist; Mrs. Carol Jordan, All-Steinway School campaign committee member, Dr. Diana Ellis, HPU first lady; and Mr. Marvin Gaspard, Steinway artist.