Published: February 26, 2007 08:01 am      

Bishop nominated for Doves

Former Madison County resident Kenny Bishop, who was nominated but did not win a Grammy award, has been nominated for two Dove Awards by the Gospel Music Association.

Bishop, who for nearly 20 years was part of a popular Southern gospel trio with his father and brother, also works as executive director of the Kentucky governor’s mansion.

His 2007 Dove nominations were generated by two singles on his Grammy-nominated debut solo album, “Kenny Bishop,” released in May 2006.

Bishop wrote “Don’t Let Who You Are Keep You Away,” which was nominated for Country Recorded Song of the Year. “The Prodigal’s Dad,” written by Jeff Steele, was nominated for Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the year.

The Dove awards will be presented April 25 at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House.

The Grammy for Best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album, which eluded Bishop earlier this year, went to country music legend Randy Travis.

The last album by Bishop’s family’s trio, The Bishops, won a Dove for Bluegrass Gospel Album of the Year for 2000. After the trio retired the following year, Bishop went to work for the election campaign of U.S. Rep. Ernie Fletcher who was elected governor in 2003.

Bishop revived his singing career on a part-time basis as a soloist in 2004.

“It’s great to see the music industry recognize the talent and faith Kenny shows through his music,” Fletcher said.

Bishop said, “It is especially encouraging to see how these lyrics are reaching and touching so many.”

Both of the nominated songs “reveal my motive and commitment to telling the gospel truth about grace,” he said.

Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.