Marvin Sapp facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marvin Sapp
Sapp performing in 2013
Born	Marvin Louis Sapp (1967-01-28) January 28, 1967 (age 58) Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S.
Occupation	Musician pastor record producer singer songwriter
Spouse(s)	MaLinda Prince Sapp (m. 1992, d. 2010)
Children	3 (Marvin II MaKaila Madisson)
Musical career
Genres	Gospel Contemporary Christian Inspirational/Worship
Years active	1990–present

Marvin Louis Sapp, born on January 28, 1967, is a famous American Gospel singer, songwriter, and music producer. He is well-known for his powerful voice and inspiring songs. Marvin Sapp has released many successful albums and won several awards for his music. He is also a pastor.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Marvin Sapp was born and grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He started singing in church when he was only four years old. This early start helped him develop his amazing singing talent. In third grade, he met MaLinda Prince, who would later become his wife.

He studied at the Aenon Bible College in Indianapolis, Indiana. This helped him prepare for his future work as a pastor.

Marvin Sapp's Music Career

In 1996, Marvin Sapp began his solo music career. He wanted to create his own style of contemporary gospel music. Since then, he has recorded many albums.

Breakthrough Songs and Albums

Marvin Sapp became very famous with his song "Never Would Have Made It". This song was from his 2007 album, Thirsty. It became a huge hit, reaching high spots on several music charts. It was number one on the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart.

The Thirsty album was also very popular. It sold over 500,000 copies, earning a gold certification. This made it Marvin Sapp's best-selling album. In 2009, he won seven Gospel Stellar Awards, showing how much people loved his music.

Continued Success

Marvin Sapp released his next album, Here I Am, in March 2010. This album was a big success too. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. This made Here I Am the highest-charting album ever by a gospel artist at that time.

The main song from Here I Am was "The Best in Me." It reached number one on Billboard's Gospel Songs chart. In January 2011, Marvin Sapp was a top winner at the 26th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

Marvin Sapp's Ministry Work

Besides his music, Marvin Sapp is also a dedicated pastor.

Founding Lighthouse Full Life Center

In 2003, Marvin Sapp and his wife, MaLinda, started the Lighthouse Full Life Center Church. This church is located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. They worked together to build a strong community there.

Leading The Chosen Vessel Church

Later, on November 17, 2019, Marvin Sapp became the senior pastor of The Chosen Vessel Church. This church is in Fort Worth, Texas. He continues to lead and inspire people through his ministry.

Marvin Sapp's Personal Life

Marvin Sapp was married to MaLinda Prince Sapp. She was also a pastor at their Lighthouse Full Life Center Church. Sadly, MaLinda passed away on September 9, 2010, due to health problems.

Marvin and MaLinda had three children together. Their names are Marvin L. II, MiKaila D., and Madisson.

Biopic Film

In April 2022, it was announced that a movie about Marvin Sapp's life would be made. The film is called "Never Would've Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story." It aired on TV One in August 2022.

The movie stars Chaz Lamar Shepherd as Marvin Sapp. Ambre Anderson plays his late wife, Dr. MaLinda Sapp.

Marvin Sapp's Albums

Marvin Sapp has released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of them:

• Marvin Sapp (1996)
• Grace & Mercy (1997)
• Nothing Else Matters (1999)
• I Believe (2002)
• Diary of a Psalmist (2003)
• Be Exalted (2005)
• Thirsty (2007)
• Here I Am (2010)
• I Win (2012)
• You Shall Live (2015)
• Close (2017)
• Chosen Vessel (Live) (2020)
• Substance (2022)
• Then and Now (2024)

Awards and Recognition

Marvin Sapp has received many awards for his contributions to gospel music.

Billboard Music Awards

BET Awards

GMA Dove Awards

Grammy Awards

Marvin Sapp has been nominated for eleven Grammy Awards.