HOUSTON — Several Houston artists are nominated for the 2024 Grammy Awards, including Uncle Jumbo -- whose album "Taste The Sky" is up for best children’s music album.
Uncle Jumbo, whose real name is James Pendleton, was born in San Antonio and has lived in Houston since he was a teenager. He said the Grammy nomination was a great surprise.
“I got to work on this album with my family," he said. "It’s a very family-involved album that got nominated."
His wife Ann Marie is a songwriter and his 5-year-old daughter Ani is a producer. She's also on the cover of the album.
“She's been the lens I try to talk to the world with," says Uncle Jumbo.
Ani was born with a rare liver disease and had to have major surgery when she was 3 weeks old.
"Praise to God and so much of my love and thanks to all the medical professional doctors who have been there," Uncle Jumbo said.
Ani is the inspiration for his career in children’s music.
"She is a strong little girl, and we're just doing all we can to keep that going," he said.
Children’s music wasn't always Uncle Jumbo's niche, but it seemed perfect for a musician and singer whose priority is family and positive vibes.
"I am all about everybody coming together," he said. "I’m about unity, I’m about love, I’m about all of us coming together as a people."
Uncle Jumbo, his wife and little Ani will all be at the Grammys ceremony.
We are hoping the next song he writes will be about flying back home to Houston with a nice little trophy.
You can watch the Grammy Awards on KHOU 11 on Sunday starting at 7 p.m.