Since its start in 1959, the GRAMMY Awards have honored excellence in every genre of music. Over time, Christian and Gospel music have become an important part of the celebration, recognizing songs that share faith, hope, and inspiration.
Christian music's journey at the GRAMMYs began in the early years when gospel legends like Mahalia Jackson and The Blackwood Brothers won some of the first awards in the sacred music categories. Their groundbreaking work helped open the door for faith-based music to be recognized alongside mainstream genres.
By the late 1960s, the Recording Academy began separating Gospel and Christian categories to better represent the growing diversity within the faith music community. As contemporary worship and Christian pop gained popularity, new categories were introduced to spotlight those styles.
In the 1980s and 1990s, artists such as Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Sandi Patty helped bring Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) into the mainstream. Their chart-topping songs made faith-driven music more visible than ever, influencing both church and popular culture.
A major change came in 2012, when the GRAMMYs restructured their Gospel and Christian fields. The new categories - Best Gospel Album, Best Contemporary Christian Music Album, and Best Roots Gospel Album - allowed the awards to reflect modern trends while honoring traditional roots.
Today, Christian artists like CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Lauren Daigle, and For KING & COUNTRY continue to represent faith on one of music's biggest stages. Their wins show that messages of belief and encouragement still resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
Christian music's presence at the GRAMMYs is more than a category - it's a testament to how songs of faith continue to inspire generations across every era of music.
