With 11 Grammy nominations under his belt, Grand Rapids gospel powerhouse the Rev. Marvin Sapp is still seeking first win after Sunday’s awards pre-telecast ceremony.
Marvin Sapp was nominated for Grammys in three gospel categories.
Marvin Sapp remains philosophical about his long engagement with the Grammys.
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“I really appreciate the fact that my peers and the industry saw fit to nominate me,” the Grand Rapids pastor and best-selling singer said moments after the three gospel Grammys for which he was nominated on Sunday were awarded to other artists.
“In time, it will happen. I tell people, ‘You don’t come expecting, you don’t leave disappointed.’ ”
In all over the years, Sapp has been nominated 11 times. For 2013, the Recording Academy nominated Sapp for three awards in three different categories: best gospel/contemporary Christian performance and best gospel song (for Sapp’s “My Testimony,” written with Aaron Lindsey) and best gospel album (for “I Win”).
Grammys in many categories are presented on Sunday afternoon in a separate ceremony prior to the nationally broadcast evening telecast on CBS, when high-profile awards for record and album of the year and best new artist are doled out.
Expected big winners on Sunday night include The Black Keys and Michigan’s own Jack White (who’s been touring with a band that features Lansing-area bassist Dominic John Davis).
It seemed Sapp was destined to win this time around with his inspiring performance of “My Testimony” and by snagging three nominations in gospel’s biggest categories. But Matt Redman won for best gospel performance, Mary Mary’s “Go Get It” won best gospel song and Lecrae’s “Gravity” won best gospel album.
As always, Sapp — who attended the Grammys in Los Angeles with family members — was gracious after the pre-telecast ceremony, congratulating the winners.
“I’m still selling lots of albums,” he said, noting that his trip to the Grammys gave him a chance to rub elbows with other gospel artists. “There’s a ton of us out here. It’s been a great time and an amazing moment.”
And, he insisted again, “When the time is right, it will happen.”
For those who might have missed it, here’s Sapp’s video for the Grammy-nominated “My Testimony.”
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Copyright 2013, Spins on Music
