By Karu F. Daniels, BlackVoices.com

Marvin Sapp sings his face off on the song 'Never Would Have Made It.'

And because of that, the gospel singing sensation is riding the wave of having one of the biggest selling inspirational albums of the year.

The former Commissioned singer's seventh solo opus, 'Thirsty,' has reigned supreme on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart for 29 weeks, hitting the top stop for 19 weeks.

Released July 3, the Zomba Records project has been in the Number One position longer than any other gospel CD released in the last year.

"The success of this album and this single is very exciting," Sapp told Blackvoices.com. "The fact that the single is crossing over to urban radio really underscores the fact that all of us from every walk of life – whether in the church or not – has had a never would have made it moment. That is why I think the song is really connecting with people."

"'Never Would Have Made It' reaches the hearts of people in a very powerful, emotional way that I haven't seen for many years," added Zomba Gospel's Senior Vice President/General Manager Jazzy Jordan. "That song was birthed out of a very challenging time in Marvin's life, and I think the strength of his conviction on this song is what people are connecting to."

"The song crosses all generational and cultural boundaries and speaks to people wherever they are- and that is what great Gospel music is meant to do," Jordan -- who co-executive produced the album -- said. "We are very proud that 'Never Would Have Made It' has become the longest running #1 song at gospel radio, and that it is on the verge of becoming the longest #1 radio single across all formats. This is an incredible fete for [us] and it couldn't happen to a better artist than Marvin Sapp, who has always been one of gospel music's greatest voices."


The entire album was recorded live at Grandville, Michigan's Resurrection Life Church, under the musical direction of producer Aaron Lindsey, with Myron Butler directing background vocals. "The night of the live recording was unbelievable," Sapp said. "It was a mind-blowing, life-changing experience. I really had the opportunity to minister songs that ministered to me."

"I love recording live," the Grand Rapids native added. "I like to feed off the energy of the people. With a live recording, I get a chance to feel what they feel, draw off their emotions, and see their tears. It really helps to direct me in ministering to them."

His emotional testimony shines throughout the tour-de-force 'Never Would Have Made It,' which is currently making history as the longest #1 song at gospel radio.



Sapp performed the song during the 2008 Dove Awards on April 23, where he was nominated for 'Male Vocalist of the Year.'

Though he lost out in the category – to Chris Tomlin – the experience still proved to be great for the multiple Stellar Award winning vocal dynamo. "Performing on the Dove Awards Wednesday night was an awesome experience," Sapp said. "It was great having so many representations of Christian and Gospel music on one stage and I'm honored to have been a part of it."

The encouraging anthem isn't just any song; it's very near and dear to Sapp's heart.

It was particularly out of the pain and grief over his father's death that the song was born -- written the Sunday after Dr. Sapp buried his father.

"The Lord said to me, 'Marvin, there's something you need to understand,'" Sapp explained. "Although your father isn't with you physically, I will never leave you nor will I forsake you. I will be with you always even until the end of the earth'. Then I walked into the pulpit with my Bible. When God began to assure me that He was there for me, I stood up. I grabbed the microphone and started singing, 'Never Would Have Made It,'" he recalled.


While Sapp is busy promoting 'Thirsty,' his work in his ministry is still thriving. As a pastor, he continues to oversee Lighthouse Full Life Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and next month the church will move into a new 17 acre property formerly occupied by the Grand Rapids Catholic Diocese. Also, he and his wife Dr. MaLinda Sapp have founded the Grand Rapids Ellington Academy of Arts and Technology (GREAAT), which will open later this year with the support of the Grand Rapids Public School District.