Music

Grammy Awards 2019 Nominees: The Stories Behind Their Inspiring Music

Alikay Wood

How faith inspired this year’s Grammy-nominated music.

The 61^st Grammy Awards, hosted by Alicia Keys, will air February 10. The night will feature performances from artists like Shawn Mendes and country duo Dan + Shay. Before catching the award ceremony, read these exclusive stories about the faith and hope that has shaped your favorite musicians.

1 ^{of 9} Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett’s collaboration with Diana Krall is nominated for two awards. Learn how Bennett’s mother shaped his music career in this excerpt from his book Just Getting Started.

2 ^{of 9} Barbra Streisand

Discover how a sign from above convinced Barbra Streisand, nominated this year for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, to make the Academy-Award winning movie Yentl—making her the first woman to write, direct and star in a blockbuster hit.

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3 ^{of 9} Loretta Lynn

In this Guideposts classic, Loretta Lynn opens up about how she made peace with God after the loss of her son. She’s up for Best Country Solo Performance at the Grammy Awards.

4 ^{of 9} Lauren Daigle

Lauren Daigle has had a breakout year with her album Look Up Child, which garnered her nominations for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song and Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. In the February 2019 Guideposts cover story, Daigle shares how an illness in her youth brought her closer to God and provided her the vision for her future career.

5 ^{of 9} For King & Country

The popular rock band, nominated this year for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song, talked to Guideposts.org about how touring with a women’s conference inspired their 2016 film, Priceless.

6 ^{of 9} MercyMe

Bart Millard, the lead singer of MercyMe, shared the story of his son’s journey with chronic illness. The band is nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.

7 ^{of 9} Jason Crabb

Singer Jason Crabb, nominated for Best Roots Gospel Album, talks breaking out as a solo artist and finding his true voice.

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The Daily Bible
$29.99
Evenings with Jesus
$19.95
10% off
Mornings With Jesus 2025
$17.96 – $19.96
$19.96
11% off
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$16.95 – $18.95
$18.95
15% off
Walking in Grace 2025
$10.95 – $19.95
$12.95 - $19.95
10% off
All God’s Creatures 2025
$18.96 – $20.96
$20.96
The Joys of Christmas 2024
$10.99
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$16.95
Daily Blessings
$16.95
11% off
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$15.95 – $17.95
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8 ^{of 9} Michael W Smith

Michael W. Smith has been a staple in the Christian music industry for decades. This year he’s nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. In 2016, he chatted with Guideposts.org about the life-changing experience of making the TV musical The Passion.

9 ^{of 9} Jesus Culture

Kim Walker Smith, founding member of Jesus Culture, shared how she found the faith to leave her corporate job and pursue her passion for music. The band is nominated for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.

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