The Gospel According to Mark”: Mark D. Conklin’s GRAMMY-Nominated Masterpiece Redefines Roots Gospel
Mark D. Conklin’s The Gospel According to Mark, an evocative blend of song and spoken word, has earned a prestigious 2025 GRAMMY nomination for Best Roots Gospel Album, joining the ranks of standout albums from The Nelons, Authentic Unlimited, The Harlem Gospel Travelers, and Cory Henry. The 24-track project, released through StowTown Records, beautifully reinterprets the New Testament book of Mark, chronicling the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. This ambitious endeavor—conceived, written, and co-produced by Conklin with GRAMMY-winning producer Mark Prentice—has attracted an ensemble of Gospel, soul, and country music’s finest. With original music by Conklin, the album also showcases his partnerships with acclaimed talents like Rita Wilson, The Fisk Jubilee Singers, The Fairfield Four, Rhonda Vincent, Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, John Berry, and 12 poignant Scripture vignettes delivered by the legendary Gloria Gaynor.
The nomination has sparked a wave of praise from Conklin’s collaborators and industry leaders. “It’s the honor of a lifetime to be recognized by the Recording Academy,” Conklin expressed, humbled by the support of those who helped bring his vision to life. Rita Wilson commended Conklin’s “unique, powerful, and authentic” approach, while Gloria Gaynor celebrated the album’s “joyful” essence, lauding Conklin for gathering an “incredible team of artists” around the project. StowTown Records leaders Landon Beene and Mary Alice Lovelace echoed the excitement, emphasizing the album’s significance as a labor of love years in the making. As anticipation builds for the 67th GRAMMY Awards on February 2 at Crypto.com Arena, The Gospel According to Mark stands as both a testament to Conklin’s dedication and an invitation to listeners everywhere to experience the story of Christ through an unforgettable musical journey.
