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Biography
Born and raised in Oceanside, California, prior to becoming a respected according artist Israel Houghton became a full-time worship minister in 1989. Looking to break down cultural and denominational barriers for people joining the church, Houghton found music a great way communicating his messages. In 1995, alongside wife Meleasa and a handful of professional musicians and singers, Houghton formed the New Breed Ministries and began touring churches of the U.S. Two years later singer Israel Houghton released his debut solo full-length “Whisper It Loud”, followed shortly after by “Way of the World”.
After once again collaborating with New Breed Ministries, this time under the moniker Israel & New Breed, the group issued their debut, self-titled album in 2001. Also in 2001 the singer recorded and released “Nuevo Generacion” and “New Season” on Integrity Records, following which Houghton produced Michael Gungor's critically-acclaimed album “Bigger Than My Imagination”. The full-length “Real” appeared in 2002, after which the singer issued his debut live album “Live from Another Level”, which earned Houghton his first Dove Award for Best Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year. His single “Again I Say Rejoice” also earned the singer a second Dove Award for Best Contemporary Gospel Song, an award he would win for three years consecutively with “Not Forgotten” and “Turn It Around”.
“Not Forgotten” was taken from the Israel & New Breed full-length “Alive in South Africa”, which charted at No. 62 on the Billboard 200. The band’s first Christmas release, “A Timeless Christmas”, was released towards the tail-end of 2006, followed by the Grammy-Award winning live album “A Deeper Love” in 2007. Returning to the studio, this time without New Breed, Houghton released the contemporary worship album “The Power of One” featuring guest appearances from tobymac, Mary Mary, and Chenille Franklyn. Earning a host of rave reviews, the record topped the U.S. Gospel Albums chart and peaked at No. 34 on the Billboard 200.
With a reputation as a pioneer of gospel music, in 2011 Houghton earned his second Grammy-Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for his solo album “Love God. Love People”. The compilation “Decade”, featuring songs from the singer’s 10 year music career, arrived in 2012, the same year Israel & New Breed released the album “Jesus at the Center: Live”.
Live reviews
With music running through his mother’s veins, it wasn’t long before Israel Houghton began on his musical journey. Through hardships faced and being raised by a single mother who had been disowned by her family, only made the bond between Houghton and his mother stronger. Encouraged by their new found faith in Christianity, they found their home within the church. Playing drums in a church band, Israel was given the opportunity to step up to the forefront and lead worship using his incredible vocals. Reluctant as he was, he found his voice and sound which led him to releasing his debut album ‘Whisper it Loud’ in 1997 through Warner Records. Having released over ten albums and bagged four Grammy Awards, Israel Houghton has built a strong and passionate following.
His live performances are nothing short of spectacular, using a full on production, with a giant cross emblazoned in bright lights, Houghton means business. Accompanied on stage by a jazz band, backing vocalists and with guitar in hand, his soulful and raspy vocals resonate through the room reaching the hearts of the audience. With an arena full of people, every single one is on their feet rejoicing at the uplifting messages and songs which evoke so much emotion that their bodies are no longer their own as they devote their all to God. There’s a youthful, exuberant and infectious energy which radiates through the hall as they bounce up and down the stage, each track full of passion and heart. Israel Houghton was born to lead, and his worship taking stylistic influences from Africa, the Middle East and South American contributes to his unique and distinctive sound which creates an unforgettable show-stopping performance.
EvieCriedWolf
Californian Christian musician Isreal Houghton is not universally recognised yet he has so far had a career that most would be enviable of after releasing many studio albums and collecting four Grammy awards. Although his music focuses around worship, there are heavy influences from R & B and gospel which has widened his fanbase further and has seen him performing on larger stages since he first took to the music circuit in 1998.
You can see his experience as a worship leader shine through as he conducts his concerts like a Sunday service with a large amount of hallelujahs and an overall feeling of unity from his devoted followers. He speaks so passionately about the power of faith and the importance of religion in the modern world and explains that music is his way of outreaching his message. There are influences of jazz and reggae on 'Your Presence Is Heaven' before he closes on a joyous rendition of 'Say So' which has the whole room involved.
sean-ward
