[1]HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (BP)-In one of the more touching moments at the Feb. 21 Grammy Awards, the contemporary Christian rock band Jars of Clay dedicated their Grammy Award to the memory of Columbine High School student Cassie Bernall.
Bernall was one of the students killed in the nation’s worst high school shooting. She was reportedly singled out for death after she admitted she was a Christian.
“We dedicate this award to Cassie Bernall and all those standing up for truth,” said band member Stephen Mason.
It marked the multi-platinum selling Jars of Clay second Grammy.
The band received the award from the Recording Academy for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for its critically acclaimed and RIAA certified gold recording, “If I Left the Zoo.”
“We are honored, among all the talent nominated for the award, to have won the Grammy,” Mason said. “I hope that we can take away some of the apathy that has taken control of modern music and help others make positive choices in life. We continue to be inspired by the messages of truth.”
[2]Other Grammy winners in religious music categories included:
— Petra for Best Rock Gospel Album.
— Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder for Best Southern, Country, or Bluegrass Gospel Album.
— Shirley Caesar for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album.
— Mary Mary for Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album.
— Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir for Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album.
In addition to the Grammy Award and nominations, Jars of Clay has amassed 21 career Gospel Music Association Dove nominations and three Nashville Music Awards, received a 1995 Billboard Music Video Award and earned 13 No. 1 songs in just five years.
Jars of Clay is best known for its successful radio single, “Flood,” from its 1995 self-titled and RIAA-certified double-platinum debut. Jars of Clay compositions have been featured in such major studio film release soundtracks as “The Long Kiss Goodnight,” “Hard Rain,” “Jack Frost” and “The Prince of Egypt.
The group’s music has been featured in several television series, including “Providence” (NBC) and “One Life To Live” (ABC).
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