As the Gospel Music Association was still in its infancy, during the 1970 National Quartet Convention, managers for artists were contacted by the GMA in order to have artists join the organization.
Shortly after the 1971 Dove Awards, J. D. Sumner (Stamps Quartet) and Paul Downing (of the family group) led a charge that voting irregularities had occurred, as Cecil and James Blackwood of the Blackwood Brothers signed friends as members and influenced GMA voting by suggesting these new members who then had voting rights to vote for the Blackwoods in categories they were eligible, or other suggested candidates in categories the Blackwoods were ineligible.
The Blackwoods admitted to signing friends, but the group charging irregularities claimed the voting could have been rigged.
The Gospel Music Association declared the 1971 ceremony null and void later in the week.
"Dad" Speer and "Pappy" Jim Waites were named to the inaugural Hall of Fame class.