This article takes a deep dive into the winners of the Best Gospel Performance/Song category from its inception to 2025.

The Early Years (1959–1970s): The Birth of Gospel Recognition
When the Grammy Awards began, Gospel music was still merging with traditional Christian hymns and early soul influences.

The category for Gospel music was officially recognized in the 1960s, and early winners included:
• 1968: Mahalia Jackson – "How I Got Over"
• 1971: James Cleveland – "In the Ghetto"
• 1974: Andraé Crouch & The Disciples – "Take Me Back"
Andraé Crouch became a key figure in revolutionizing contemporary Gospel music.

1980s: The Rise of Contemporary Gospel

The 1980s marked a shift towards a more contemporary sound in Gospel music. Many influential Gospel artists won Grammy Awards during this era:
• 1983: The Winans – "Tomorrow"
• 1985: Shirley Caesar – "Sailin’"
• 1987: Mylon LeFevre & Broken Heart – "Crack the Sky"

Shirley Caesar and The Winans set the foundation for future Gospel artists by blending traditional and modern sounds.
1990s: The Golden Era of Gospel Crossovers

During the 1990s, Gospel music became more mainstream, incorporating R&B and hip-hop elements. Some of the most notable Grammy winners included:
• 1991: BeBe & CeCe Winans – "Addictive Love"
• 1993: Kirk Franklin – "Why We Sing"
• 1998: Yolanda Adams – "Open My Heart"

Kirk Franklin, in particular, brought a fresh and energetic style that made Gospel music popular across different audiences.

2000s: The Revolution of Gospel Music
The 2000s saw an explosion of Gospel artists receiving major recognition:
• 2001: Donnie McClurkin – "We Fall Down"
• 2004: Smokie Norful – "I Need You Now"
• 2008: Mary Mary – "God in Me"

This era saw the mainstream success of Gospel artists, with Mary Mary incorporating urban beats into their faith-based music.

2010s: The Era of Mega Stars in Gospel
As Gospel continued to grow in popularity, artists like Tasha Cobbs Leonard and Travis Greene gained recognition:
• 2013: Tasha Cobbs Leonard – "Break Every Chain"
• 2016: Kirk Franklin – "Wanna Be Happy?"
• 2019: Koryn Hawthorne – "Won’t He Do It"

This decade witnessed a blend of Gospel, R&B, and contemporary Christian music.

2020s: Gospel Music Today
The most recent winners reflect the continued growth of Gospel music in the modern era:
• 2021: Jonathan McReynolds & Mali Music – "Movin’ On"
• 2023: Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin – "Kingdom"
• 2025: Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Jonathan McReynolds – "One Hallelujah"

With collaborations and new sounds, today’s Gospel artists are making a powerful impact in both faith-based and mainstream music spaces.

The Everlasting Power of Gospel Music
The Grammy Awards have played a major role in celebrating Gospel music for decades. From Mahalia Jackson to Kirk Franklin and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, the genre continues to evolve, inspire, and reach new audiences worldwide.

As Gospel music blends with other genres, its spiritual and emotional impact remains as strong as ever.
This historical overview captures some of the most notable Grammy-winning Gospel songs and artists from 1959 to 2025.

Gospel music remains a beacon of hope, and its recognition at the Grammy Awards ensures that faith-based music continues to shine on the global stage.

2025: Jonathan McReynolds – "One Hallelujah"

2023: Maverick City Music & Kirk Franklin – "Kingdom"