Ulster hymn writers Keith and Kristyn make Los Angeles for the Grammies

​The prestigious Grammy event embracing various musical genres will be held at the Crypto.com Arena and will be a landmark moment in the Gettys' musical career, which has elevated them as the world’s most successful Christian hymn writers.

The Nashville-based Gettys are nominated in the best roots' gospel album category with American country star Willie Nelson, the Bill and Gloria Gaither vocal band, and Karen Peck and the New River singers. This category embraces mainstream American country, Southern gospel, Bluegrass and Americana recordings.

The Getty album, described by Keith and Kristyn as their "love letter to Northern Ireland", 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 global favourite 'In Christ Alone'.

The album was recorded on the Ulster 'North Coast ' as the Getty’s spent time back home during the 2021 Covid pandemic. It traces their journey back to Northern Ireland to explore the connection between their homeland's enduring faith music heritage and its cultural legacy in America, to their own work highlighted by 'In Christ Alone'.

The album also highlights traditional Irish melodies and instrumentation and features performances from multiple Grammy -award-winning artistes Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs and Kirk Whalum. The couple’s Grammy nomination comes ahead of the 'Sing! World' tour which begins at Belfast’s SSE Arena on Saturday June 17 before shows in the Star Theatre, Singapore and the Sydney Opera House, Australia.

Keith Getty is a Lisburn man - his wife Kristyn from Newtownabbey, and, speaking ahead of the Los Angeles awards, Keith says: “We are honoured to be nominated for our first Grammy award, especially for an album dedicated to our homeland. We made this album during the covid pandemic when we were home with daughters Eliza, Charlotte, Grace and Tahla.

"It started one day as I was at Ballycastle harbour looking out to sea, reflecting on our Ulster heritage. We recorded 'Amazing Grace' in Harry’s Shack on Portstewart Strand, and our own version of “It Is Well With My Soul', which was recorded at Downhill beach and Mussenden Temple. Some of the tracks were just simply recorded at our home near Bushmills”.

Keith adds: “We were not expecting a Grammy nomination and we are grateful to have contributions from Nashville musicians Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, and Kirk Whalum with our own team. Our desire for this album was to shine light on the hope of the gospel, the Christian heritage, the importance of hymn singing, and, ultimately, the beauty of Christ.

"The Grammys are a once in a lifetime opportunity, so whatever the outcome on Sunday, we are proud to be able to put Northern Ireland on the map alongside so many legendary artistes and musicians”.