Gospel group with Wilmington roots is getting national attention

A gospel group with roots right here in Wilmington is garnering national attention. The Murrill’s debut album, Family Prayer, is nominated for a Grammy.

The Murrill’s are also nominated for a Stellar Award, a big award in the gospel music world. But before their nationwide appeal the group got its start singing in church.

The Murrill’s are a brother-and-sister gospel group, made up of Roger, Arnetta, Donnell, Andre, Darwin and Damion Murrill. The Murrill’s grew up in Wilmington; half of them still live here.

Andre Murril said, “Wilmington has changed a lot, but it is my heart, since we were smaller and always traveling.”

The Anderson Tabernacle Church served as a second home to the Murrill’s, their father still pastors there, and it is where their mother cultivated their music gift.

“I can look at my sister and see an element of her. I can look at my brother and see an element of my family,” said Donnell.

Their mother, Janie Murrill died ten years ago, but the Murrill’s said it was her legacy of guidance and nurturing that eventually led them to sing with Donald Lawerence and the Tri-City Singers, a nationally-known gospel choir.

In June, The Murrill’s stepped out from the Tri-City Singers and into forefront with the release of their debut album Family Prayer.

“If God has promised you something, know that it will come to pass,” said Arnetta.

Family Prayer is nominated for the Best Contemporary R & B Gospel Album Grammy. The group has also been nominated for two Stellar Awards: Best New Artist and Best Recorded Music Packaging.

Roger Murrill said, “You can’t imagine, what we are feeling right now. As my sister would say, we’re speechless.”

Humbled and grateful for their new success, the Murrill’s are anticipating even greater things to come.

The Grammy Awards will be handed out February 8th, and the Stellar Awards will be announced January 17th.