Mark D. Conklin Scores First GRAMMY Nomination For ‘The Gospel According To Mark’

NASHVILLE, Tenn.
The Gospel According to Mark, a thematically-inspired song and spoken word collection from acclaimed singer/songwriter Mark D. Conklin, has earned a 2025 GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album. Joining releases from such diverse artists as The Nelons, Authentic Unlimited, The Harlem Gospel Travelers, and Cory Henry in the category, Conklin’s expansive 24-track StowTown Records set features a who’s who of Gospel, soul and country music luminaries.

Writing or co-penning all 12 of the album’s musical selections, Conklin produced The Gospel According to Mark along with GRAMMY winner Mark Prentice. Offering fresh perspective on the New Testament book of Mark, the project realizes Conklin’s long-held desire to convey the account of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection through music and spoken word. Featuring his collaborations with such names as renowned actress and singer Rita Wilson; internationally revered collegiate ensemble The Fisk Jubilee Singers; Gospel trailblazers The Fairfield Four; the “Queen of Bluegrass” Rhonda Vincent; Southern Gospel leaders Ernie Haase & Signature Sound; and GRAMMY-winning recording artist John Berry, among many others, The Gospel According to Mark also showcases 12 Scripture vignettes voiced by iconic songstress Gloria Gaynor.

“It’s the honor of a lifetime to be recognized by the Recording Academy with this GRAMMY nomination,” says Conklin. “I’m deeply grateful for everyone who contributed to the making of this album and proud to stand alongside such a distinguished group of fellow nominees.”

Award-winning actress and singer/songwriter Rita Wilson says, “Mark Conklin made a unique, powerful and authentic album. People find good music and The Gospel According to Mark has risen to the top with this GRAMMY nomination. I am truly honored to be part of this project. Congratulations to all involved!”

“Congratulations to The Gospel According to Mark on the Best Roots Gospel Album GRAMMY nomination,” adds legendary hitmaker Gloria Gaynor. “Mark Conklin has assembled an incredible team of artists for this joyful project, and it is such an honor for me to be a part of it.”

“Our team is thrilled that the Recording Academy has recognized the immense efforts of Mark Conklin with a nomination in the Best Roots Gospel Album category,” states StowTown Records president Landon Beene. “His dedication to the creation of this project has been unwavering, and it has been a joy for us to play a role in launching it into the world.”

Adds StowTown director of A&R and creative services Mary Alice Lovelace, “The Gospel According to Mark has been in the works since 2020 and was inspired by the great Gloria Gaynor, whose testimony and faith walk sparked Mark Conklin to create this beloved project. It has been an honor for the team at StowTown to walk alongside him as he assembled a host of music industry icons to bring his vision to fruition. Congratulations, Mark, on a well-deserved GRAMMY nomination!”

The 67th GRAMMY Awards will take place at Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sunday, February 2. The show will be broadcast live on CBS Television and streamed live and on demand on Paramount+.