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“Never would have made it…”, the five words that became the fundament of Marvin Sapp’s astounding gospel music career.  The song topped Billboard Hot Gospel Songs Chart and was a crossover hit for Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs charts.  It was certified platinum and helped Sapp become the highest charting gospel artist in history. Unfortunately, with all the success, Marvin Sapp has suffered great loss, first with the death of his father that inspired the iconic gospel song and later at the pinnacle of his career, his wife and staunchest supporter, MaLinda Sapp, died from colon cancer.  They have three children, Marvin II, Mikaila, and Madisson. His biopic, “Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story” is based on his life and rise to becoming the gospel legend he is today.  TV One hosted a red carpet premiere at the Regal Atlantic Station in Atlanta last night for the airing on Sunday, August 21 at 9 P.M. ET/8C.  Marvin Sapp was supported by cast members, Chaz Lamar Shepherd, Ambre Anderson, Stormy Merriweather, Zoe Greene and Jayden Griffin.  Russ Parr, director of the film, Phil Thornton, Keith Neal, executive producers and President of TV One, Michelle Rice were also in attendance.  Real Housewives of Atlanta stars, Sheree Whitfield, Drew Sidora and Lisa Wu also blessed the carpet, with Gary With Da Tea and real estate mogul and tv personality, Egypt Sherrod.

The world premiere of the trailer occurred at the Stellar Awards last month, with screenings at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival and his home church,The Chosen Vessel Cathedral in Fort Worth, Texas.  The biopic is a loving tribute to his wife MaLinda and follows his path in the music industry, as he battles the negative influences that may keep him from his greatness.  Mr. Sapp is a senior pastor of his home church and pastor emeritus of Lighthouse Full Life Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which he founded with his late wife.  The film was produced for TV One by Swirl Film and is directed by Russ Parr and produced for TV One by Swirl Films. Eric F. Tomosunas, Marvin Sapp, Phil Thornton Seppelfrick and Keith Neal are Executive Producers. Jason Ryan is the Executive Producer in Charge of Production, Donyell Kennedy-McCullough is Senior Director of Talent & Casting and Susan Henry is Senior Director of Original Programming and Production.

For more information about TV One’s upcoming programming, including original movies, visit the network’s companion website at http://www.tvone.tv. TV One viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Photo Credits: Paras Griffin/Getty Images for TV One