For King & Country Earn Two Grammy Honors

Contemporary Christian duo for King & Country won two Grammy honors on Sunday (Jan. 26). The duo, which includes brothers Luke and Joel Smallbone, first took home Best Contemporary Christian Performance/Song for their collaboration on “God Only Knows” ft. Dolly Parton. The song was written by Josh Kerr, Jordan Reynolds, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, and Tedd Tjornhom.

“It is Australia Day today so this is very special for us,” said Joel Smallbone, noting their parents were in the audience. “If you were ever planning to go to Australia, go now. Because unfortunately a lot of people aren’t going on holiday right now, and a lot of Australia’s economy is built on tourism.”

“When we stepped in to write this song we were all waking though very hard moments,” he said of penning “God Only Knows.” “When that happens, you tend to put it on paper. To have Dolly Parton, who is an incredible human being, its one of the best honors of our career to have her be part of this.

“She said, ‘I’m going to take this song to Dollywood to Bollywood to Hollywood,’ and we did it, Dolly. We took it all the way.”

Moments later, the duo’s recent album Burn The Ships was named Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.

Luke Smallbone said, “Thank you so much to our producers…you guys were able to make something very special and important with us.” They thanked their label, booking agents, and their wives. Luke also shared the story behind the title track to Burn The Ships.

“I realized that in the process of writing this song that there are so many people in life that need new beginnings, a new dawn, and Jesus offers that for people like you and people like me. I stand up here thankful for this award, but it ultimately represents redemption for me and my family.”

for King & Country has previously earned two Grammy honors, including Best Contemporary Christian Music Album (for Run Wild. Live Free. Love Strong.) and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song (for “Messengers” ft. Lecrae), both in 2015.

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Jessica Nicholson

Jessica Nicholson serves as the Managing Editor for MusicRow magazine. Her previous music journalism experience includes work with Country Weekly magazine and Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) magazine. She holds a BBA degree in Music Business and Marketing from Belmont University. She welcomes your feedback at jnicholson@musicrow.com.

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