It was just seven years ago, in 2003, when Selma, Alabama native, Benita Washington, was crowned the inaugural Gospel Dream Winner. With an enlarged platform, Washington got busy stirring audiences with her anointing and dazzling the industry with her vocal ability. Her 2004 debut release, “Hold On (Light Records)” hit multiple slots on the Billboard charts in its first week including number six on Top Gospel Albums. “Hold On” went on to chart again several different times over the next year, receive a Soul Train Lady of Soul nomination for Best Gospel Album, and the lead single, “Thank You” reached number three on the gospel radio charts; remaining there three consecutive weeks. Benita followed up with her 2007 critically acclaimed sophomore album, “Renaissance: Live in Nashville (ReddApple Seed Entertainment)”. As co-writer of the majority of the album, Washington unveiled another layer of artistry, liberty and piety. The live concert provided not only a quality, well-reviewed recording; it was received as a true praise and worship experience, which afforded concertgoers a chance to freely “enter in”. Benita Washington’s third album, “The Word Remains (Shanachie Entertainment)” was released Tuesday, June 29, 2010, to rave reviews. Currently, Washington continues to energetically pour into God’s people daily. In addition to her growing ministry, Benita strongly believes in supporting and serving the vision of others. Benita has served the Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Nashville, TN as Director of Praise & Worship since 2005. It is there that she has honed the craft God has given and has become recognized as one of the world’s leading Praise and Worship leaders. Benita’s dynamic leading is experienced by many weekly on Mt. Zion’s virtual church website (www.mtzionanywhere.org) in addition to the more than 22,000 members of the church. With nearly 15 years experience behind her, she has been called on to lead and teach the fundamentals of worship all over the country. Having been beneficiary of the ministries of Bebe Winans, Cece Winans, Prophetess Juanita Bynum, Dr. Judith Chrisite- McAllister, and so many other great Gospel artists, Benita believes God’s plan for her life and looks to the future with a calm assurance that God will do everything He promised. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.