DENIS GRADY

As recent winner of "Gospel Musician of the Year 1999" for the Alberta Recording Industry singer songwriter Denis Grady is no stranger to the gospel music scene.

Producer of the Canadian Country Music Week Gospel Show, for 1992/94/96 and Producer/Host of AM 1140 Radio's "Gospel Road" he has worked diligently promoting gospel music. His family also played an influencing role in developing a passionate interest in music. Brothers' Peter and Paul were very active with Denis in the Grady household playing in bands, organizing concerts and writing songs. Paul has had several of his songs recorded by Anne Murray, Emmylou Harris and John Allen Cameron. Younger brother Peter worked for Anne Murray as part of her tour crew and later in her Toronto office.

Denis' move from Toronto to Alberta in the early 1970's was the setting for his foray into writing gospel songs. Always active with folk choirs he would often be invited to play coffeehouses, social events and special concerts. A two-year term at L'Arche offered an invaluable experience of Christian community and an awareness of spiritual formation. In 1980 he was invited to work on the Billy Graham Crusade in Calgary. The Graham Organization introduced him to Americans, Dennis and Danny Agajanian, veteran gospel bluegrass musicians who in turn invited Denis to come to San Diego and record some of his songs. This opened a whole New World of possibilities for Denis' musical aspirations. The idea of pursuing music as a vocation became real as he witnessed the Agajanians in action during a California tour. He comments " I was amazed at how boldly and creatively these guys presented the gospel in their music, and the way people responded ". Upon returning from California Denis started working on his own CD. It would take 18 years to complete. He is clear about the reason for the long delay." It was a simple fact of not being ready spiritually or mentally. I had some growing up to do."

After some very painful valleys and many miles of life's lessons "Running Too Long" was released in April of 1998. It is a good mix of country and pop styles featuring Calgary's finest musicians, including producer/arranger Jerry Proppe. Lyrically the songs are a combination of scripture and faith inspired poems with several testimonials.

Denis recently signed an artist management contract with John Michael Talbot's company in Nashville, called Troubadour.