Marvin Sapp bringing Gospel Explosion to Memorial

Marvin Sapp describes himself as a church preacher who happens to sing. If singing is his secondary vocation, the numbers would suggest he is a heck of a preacher.

Sapp, who will perform tonight in a Gospel Explosion at Memorial Auditorium, holds the distinction of having the highest-charting gospel song ever with "Never Would Have Made It."

The song, from the 2007 CD "Thirsty," stayed at No. 1 on gospel radio for almost a year and helped "Thirsty" stay atop the Gospel Albums chart for 27 weeks.

The song also topped the Urban Adult Contemporary chart, the first gospel song to do so since Yolanda Adams' "Open My Heart." It also was a top-selling ringtone. It made it to No. 14 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and No. 82 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Sapp began his professional gospel singing career as a member of the group Commissioned. He set out on his own in 1996. His latest CD, "Here I Am," was recorded in 2009 at his Resurrection Life Church in Grand Rapids, Mich. It topped both the R&B and Gospel charts.

IF YOU GOWhat: Gospel Explosion 2011 featuring Marvin Sapp.When: 7 tonight.Where: Memorial Auditorium, 399 McCallie Ave.Admission: $45 and $55.Phone: 642-TIXS.Website: www.Chatta noogaOnStage.com.

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