Gospel singer Joseph Habedank didn’t take home his first-ever Grammy Award last Sunday. While that would have been a thrill, it wouldn’t be the greatest gift he’s received from the Recording Academy.
Five years ago, the Nashville-area resident was addicted to pain medication and came off the road to get help. The Grammys’ charitable arm, MusiCares, paid for his rehab, and he’s been clean ever since.
“It saved my life,” he says. “It’s been almost five years that I’ve been off prescription pain medicine. I’m so grateful for them. This (nomination) is a cool thing for many reasons, but I think that probably tops the list.”
Habedank’s 2017 album, “Resurrection,” was nominated for Best Roots Gospel Album at Sunday’s show. (Reba McEntire won for “Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope.”)
The songs from “Resurrection,” including “Just When You Thought,” find Habedank speaking from experience.