The 1st Annual GMA Dove Awards were held in September 1969 during the National Quartet Convention in Memphis, Tennessee.

Award winners

  • Song of the Year
  • "Jesus Is Coming Soon"; R. E. Winsett; R. E. Winsett Music (SESAC)
  • Songwriter of the Year
  • Bill Gaither
  • Male Vocalist of the Year
  • James Blackwood
  • Female Vocalist of the Year
  • Vestal Goodman
  • Male Group of the Year
  • The Imperials
  • Mixed Group of the Year
  • The Speer Family
  • Album of the Year
  • "It's Happening"; Oak Ridge Boys; Bob MacKenzie; Heart Warming
  • Instrumentalist
  • Dwayne Friend
  • Album Jacket
  • "It's Happening"; Oak Ridge Boys; Heart Warming
  • Television Program
  • Gospel Jubilee, Florida Boys
  • D.J. of the Year
  • J. G. Whitfield
  • [https://web.archive.org/web/20071024165036/http://www.doveawards.com/history/]