Kirk Franklin Outshines Fellow Gospel Artists with 2 Grammy Wins

By Kevin P. Donovan, Christian Post Reporter Monday, February 09, 2009

Gospel music singer Kirk Franklin was the only multiple Grammy winner this year among artists in the "Gospel" field, though at least four had received multiple nominations.

"Congratulations to all of the Jive artists honored last night at the 51st Annual Grammy awards," announced the Zomba Label Group, the banner that Jive Records operates under and the label that Franklin signed an exclusive deal with over three years ago.

Franklin took home two Grammys Sunday night, winning best contemporary R&B Gospel album for Fight for Your Life and best Gospel song for "Help Me Believe," a track from Fight for Your Life.

Other Grammy winners that night included Gospel duo Mary Mary, who won the best Gospel performance award for "Get Up"; Christian hip hop artist tobyMac, who won the best rock or rap Gospel album award for Alive and Transported; and songstress CeCe Winans, who won the best pop/contemporary Gospel album award for Thy Kingdom Come.

In total, the "Gospel" field of Grammy awards consists of seven categories, including rock/rap, pop/contemporary, southern/country/bluegrass, traditional and contemporary.

Notable nominees this year included contemporary Christian artists Brandon Heath, Steven Curtis Chapman, Chris Tomlin, and Bart Millard, as well as Christian bands Casting Crowns, Leeland, Sanctus Real and Superchick.

Outspoken Christians Jordin Sparks and the Jonas Brothers were also nominated for Grammys, but for projects outside the "Gospel" field.