Hammond, Sapp nominated for Grammy

Category: Entertainment Published on Friday, 28 December 2012 11:27 Written by NNPA News Service Hits: 1149

Fred Hammond and Marvin Sapp

(NNPA)—Verity Gospel Music Group landed a total of four nominations for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. Fred Hammond’s catchy single “I Feel Good” was nominated for Best Gospel Song, and Hammond was also nominated for Best Gospel Song, along with co-writers James Fortune & FIYA and Monica for “Hold On.”

Marvin Sapp’s “I WIN” was nominated for Best Gospel Album, and his heartfelt single “My Testimony” was nominated for Best Gospel/ Contemporary Christian Music Performance and Best Gospel Song. Fred Hammond’s “GOD, LOVE & ROMANCE” debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart and #8 on the Billboard Top-200. It was his 7th consecutive #1 gospel album debut, and his highest debut ever in the Top-200. The debut single “I Feel Good” peaked at #1 at Gospel radio. Hammond has been a gospel music arbiter for three amazing decades and has consistently pushed the genre into new melodic territory.

The Detroit native ascended from bass-playing sideman for The Winans, to founding member of the trendsetting sextet Commissioned, to creating the further renowned ensemble Radical for Christ, to becoming a highly influential solo artist and producer in his own right. He is a multiple Stellar and Dove Award winner and his 2006 CD “Free to Worship” netted him his first Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album.

Sapp’s “I WIN” also debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Gospel Albums chart. The CD debuted at #9 on the Billboard Top-200 and its accompanying live recording DVD debuted at #2 on the Christian Music Video chart. The debut single “My Testimony” peaked at #1 at Gospel radio. A multiple Stellar and Dove Award winner, Sapp is senior pastor and founder of Lighthouse Full Life Center in his hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan. He is also a former member of the group Commissioned; he was recruited by Hammond to join the ensemble before launching his solo career.

The 55th Annual Grammy Awards will air live on CBS from the Staples Center Feb. 10.