County native nominated for Grammy
By Staff
Nathan Strickland
Russellville native and songwriter Sam Mizell was blown away when a song he co-wrote was announced as one of the nominations for a 2010 Grammy Award.
The song, “The Motions,” written by Mizell, Jason Houser and contemporary Christian artist Matthew West, has been nominated for Best Gospel Song of the Year.
The Grammy Award nominated song, which is performed by West and is featured on his album titled “Something to Say,” topped the 2009 Billboard Hot Christian Song and Hot Christian Adult Contemporary Song charts. The song also ranked No. 4 on the Billboard decade-end chart for Christian Songs.
Mizell said this experience feels surreal.
Mizell graduated from Russellville High School in 1992 and attended Calvary Baptist Church. Mizell’s family currently resides in South Carolina, but he said Russellville has a very special place in his heart.
Mizell began his journey at Union University in Jackson, Tenn., where he met artist Chris Rice. The first song he worked on was titled “Sam’s Song” and was sung by Rice on one of his albums.
Mizell said while he was in Russellville he never knew there were opportunities available for songwriters.
Mizell plans to fly to Los Angles on Friday to take part in the Grammy festivities. Once there, The Grammy award for Best Gospel Song of the Year will be presented during the pre-telecast, which will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday. Mizell will then attend the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards show, which will broadcast on CBS at 8 p.m. Sunday.
Mizell, Houser and West will face some stiff competition with well-known contemporary Christian artists Third Day, TobyMac, Israel Houghton and Mary Mary falling into the same category.
Mizell said win or lose God has opened doors for him and has blessed him more than he has ever thought possible.
Mizell is currently working with Christian artist Mandisa and has written a song that has appeared on American Idol’s Jordan Sparks’ album titled “Was I the only one.”
Mizell said he plans to continue working with his friend of 11 years, Matthew West, and will have a number of songs he helped write on West’s new album available this spring.
