NI hymn writing duo prepare for first Grammy Awards ceremony

The Gettys will travel to the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles for the 65th Grammy Awards 2023, having been nominated for their album Confessio – Irish American Roots.

A landmark moment in the pair’s career, which has seen them rise to fame as the world’s most successful hymn writing duo, the local couple are nominated alongside world-renowned artists such as Willie Nelson, the Gaither Vocal Band and Karen Peck & New River.

They are nominated in the Best Roots Gospel Album Category which is for albums that feature more than 50% playing time of newly recorded, vocal, traditional gospel music, including country, Southern gospel, bluegrass, and Americana recordings.

Described by the couple as their “love letter to Northern Ireland”, Confessio showcases 15 modern and timeless hymns including renditions of Be Thou My Vision, Amazing Grace and It Is Well With My Soul, as well as their own In Christ Alone and Immigrant’s Song.

Recorded on the North Coast as the Getty’s spent time at home during the pandemic, Confessio traces their journey back to Northern Ireland to explore the connection between the island’s enduring faith music heritage and its legacy in America, from St Patrick and Be Thou My Vision to their own work and Kristyn’s duet version of In Christ Alone with Alison Krauss.

Speaking ahead of the 65th Grammy Awards, Keith Getty OBE said: “We are honoured to be nominated for our first Grammy Award, especially for an album that is dedicated to our home, the place that gave the origins and meaning to why we write hymns. We made this album during the pandemic when we were home with our daughters in Northern Ireland. We were not expecting a Grammy nomination for a project which in many ways is a love letter to our home, and we are so grateful to have contributions from the likes of Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, and Kirk Whalum as well as many of our own team. Our desire for this album was to shine light on the hope of the Gospel, the Christian heritage of the West, the importance of hymn singing, and ultimately the beauty of Christ.”