The 51st Grammy Awards showed huge wins for stalwarts of the gospel music industry. Congratulations to the powerful sister duo, Mary Mary, who picked up an award for Best Gospel Performance category for their hot single, Get Up! The sisters, Erica and Tin
The 51st Grammy Awards showed huge wins for stalwarts of the gospel music industry. Congratulations to the powerful sister duo, Mary Mary, who picked up an award for Best Gospel Performance category for their hot single, "Get Up!" The sisters, Erica and Tina Campbell, have often been criticized for their secular appeal.
“We make gospel that has mainstream appeal–that’s just something that comes natural for us,” Tina Campbell explained. Initially the energetic duo came under strong criticism, especially from the church, for their contemporary R&B sound. However, now they have become more accepted on the gospel circuit since their 2000 debut “Thankful.” Their success throughout the years has meant having to spend countless hours in the studio and on the road away from their families. Ecstatic about their win, Erica said that, “All the hard work is worth it.”
Kudos to the Blind Boys of Alabama who are celebrating their 50th anniversary. They won the Grammy for Best Traditional Gospel Album. Clarence Fountain, the group’s founder, also received a Lifetime Achievement Award. Even though Fountain is no longer with the group, he accepted the award in the spirit of his former group members. By the way, his latest single, "Do What the Lord Say Do" is a collaborative effort with secular-turned-gospel singer and minister, Solomon Burke and was released last week.
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