CORDELE — Every year the country’s top performers head to the Staples Center of Los Angeles for the annual Grammy Awards. Celebrities strut their stuff on the famed red carpet with the hope that at the night’s end they will be one of the few to take home one of the coveted gold phonographs. Among them in 2009 will be Crisp County native Adam Stanley.

Stanley, son of Dr. Chris and Melanie Stanley, will be heading to California to take part in music’s biggest night as one of the members of the Christian band “After Edmund.”

The Georgia-based band includes Stanley and four fellow alumni of LaGrange College, Ben Hosey, Mitch Parks, Matt McFadden and Yates. The group met while at the college, all studying music. Stanley earned a degree in creative music technology and jazz studies.

After Edmund, which takes their name from the C.S. Lewis character Edmund Pevensie from the Chronicles of Narnia, is nominated for the Grammy for “Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album.”

The band received the nod for its debut album entitled “Hello” which was released in February of this year, by Slanted Records.

The quintet, who individually grew up listening to a variety of music, is best known for its high-energy live set and distinct modern rock style.

In a news release on jesusfreakhideout.com Barry Jennings, president of Slanted Records is quoted as saying, “These five young men are multi-talented, singers, songwriters, and musicians. We are extremely proud of their achievement.”

To be nominated for a Grammy- the industry’s highest honor- for your first major label effort is a remarkable feat, says Jennings. The band, which just recently came off a 30 city nation-wide tour, uses every chance they can to minister to those with whom they come into contact.

“A lot of our ministry is off stage since we enjoy talking to people and hearing what’s on their minds,” said Stanley in an interview on gospelmusicchannel.com. “God may not come into every conversation, but he does a great deal of the time.

“We are more than happy to share how faithful he’s been to us. Just a listening ear can do wonders for someone’s self esteem. Sure we’re all sinners, but on the flipside, we’re beautiful in God’s eyes, and people have to realize how much He loves them.”

The 51st Annual Grammy Awards will be televised live on CBS, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2009 at 8 p.m.