LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) Kenny Bishop left the musical trail for politics five years ago.
Now, hes singing again and garnering attention as well as praise.
Bishop, a one-time Christian music singer in his familys group and now the executive director of the Kentucky Governors Mansion, was nominated for a Grammy Award on Thursday for his self-titled comeback album.
Bishop received a nomination for best Southern, Country or Bluegrass Gospel Album along with Give It Away by the Gaither Vocal Band, Precious Memories by Alan Jackson, The Promised Land by the Del McCoury Band and Glory Train by Randy Travis.
It just floored me, Bishop said of the nomination. I dont know if you can plan for something like this.
Bishop, 40, disappeared from the music scene for five years after his familys group unexpectedly broke up without explanation. After leaving the Southern gospel music scene in 2001, Bishop went to work as a campaign aide for Ernie Fletcher, helping him win a Lexington-based congressional seat, then to become Kentuckys first Republican governor in 30 years.
All the songs on the comeback album are about grace, including one based on the biblical story of the prodigal son, a young man who left his family for a life of sinful fun that ended with him having lost everything and living with pigs.
Bishops new tunes struck a chord with his fans who took The Prodigals Dad, to No. 4 on the Southern Gospel Music Top 50 chart for September.
Bishop said an executive with Daywind Records in Nashville called Thursday and gave him the news of the nomination.
Its never been my motivation, Bishop said. But it does feel good to get the recognition. And its a bit humbling.
Fletcher was happy with the news of Bishops nomination.
Glenna and I were extremely excited when we received the news from Kenny that he has been nominated for a Grammy award, Fletcher said. But we arent surprised Kennys talent and faith are evident in all that he does. We are proud of Kenny and all that he has accomplished.
Bishop said he enjoys taking care of the mansion and planning events, so hell probably keep his day job no matter the outcome of the awards ceremony.
I probably have the best job in Frankfort, said Bishop, who earns $68,000 a year from the state job. I dont want to walk away from that.
The 49th Grammy Awards are scheduled to air live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Feb. 11.