Grammys Salute Gospel Music
The 47th Grammy Awards made its first Salute to Gospel on Feb. 10 when Christian music legend Shirley Caesar had everyone join her in prayer.
"Indeed, God had moved the heart of The Recording Academy, not to mention the hearts of everyone attending this historic event. Demonstrating its commitment to gospel music, the Academy honored four of the genre's greatest living artists: Andra?Crouch, Bill and Gloria Gaither and Albertina Walker. All four singers and songwriters received the Academy's President's Merit Award," stated the Grammy website.
"The voices that created R&B and soul in the '40s and '50s all got their start in church," said Academy President Neil Portnow. "Gospel music soared out of the churches and spread its wings all over the world."
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This year, a new gospel Grammy category, "Best Gospel Performance," was introduced, which marked a total of seven awards for gospel and Christian music.
Winners for the 47th Grammy Awards were announced on Feb. 13 at the Staples Center. The following is a list of winners in the gospel categories.
Best Gospel Performance
Heaven Help Us All
Ray Charles & Gladys Knight
Track from: Genius Loves Company
[Concord Records/Hear Music]
Best Rock Gospel Album
Worldwide
Audio Adrenaline
[Forefront Records]
Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
Worship Again
Michael W. Smith
[Reunion Records]
Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album
Rise And Shine
Randy Travis
[Word Records]
Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album
Go Tell It On The Mountain
The Blind Boys Of Alabama
[Real World]
Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album
...Again
Donnie McClurkin
[Verity Records]
Best Gospel Choir Or Chorus Album
A Wing And A Prayer
Bishop T.D. Jakes, choir director; The Potter's House Mass Choir
[EMI Gospel/Dexterity Sounds]
