“The Urban Hymnal” by Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands (AOB) is so good that the Recording Academy has nominated it for Best Roots Gospel Album, along with a second Grammy Award nod for their collaboration on a spoken word single by artist J. Ivy.
Filled with organic sounds that were created on the TSU campus, the groundbreaking, 10-track album features trailblazers within the gospel music industry.
The AOB is the first collegiate band to earn even one Grammy nomination.
“This is a tremendous day in the history of our beloved Tennessee State University,” Dr. Reginald McDonald, director of bands, said.
“This is not just a band accolade, but a university–wide accomplishment. I personally appreciate our President Dr. Glenda Glover’s vision for our University.”
Artists, albums, and songs competing for trophies at the 65th annual ceremony were announced on Tuesday by the Recording Academy. The Urban Hymnal is one of five nominees within the Best Roots Gospel Album category.
The other nominees are:
- “Let’s Just Praise The Lord” – Gaither Vocal Band
- “Confessio – Irish American Roots” – Keith & Kristyn Getty
- “The Willie Nelson Family” – Willie Nelson
- “2.22” – Karen Peck and New River
The Grammy’s will take place on Feb. 5, 2023 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Music moguls and acclaimed artists such as Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, John P. Kee, Louis York, Dubba-AA, Sir the Baptist, professor Larry Jenkins, Take 6 and Mali Music join AOB on “The Urban Hymnal.”
The executive producers for the album are AOB Director Dr. McDonald, Jenkins, two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist, Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin, and TSU alum and platinum recording artist Dubba-AA.
(This story is based upon information from TSU News Service.)
