Israel Houghton

Israel Houghton is known for injecting contemporary gospel and worship with a blazing, youthful energy that has made him among the most influential “tastemakers” in his field. As a singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer and worship leader, he has created a canon of songs that have become standards in houses of faith around the globe. He has accomplished this largely as the leader of “Israel and New Breed,” a Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-winning musical ensemble and ministry organization that has amassed gold-selling albums and critical platitudes reserved for the best of the best.

Leaving Behind Tradition for a Now-Generation
Over the past 6 years, Israel has blasted down musical barriers, and drawn together people of all races, ages and cultures through worship. He has been fittingly graced with two Gold-selling albums, six Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award, and two Grammy® Awards – one for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album” for A Deeper Level and one for “Best Traditional Gospel Album” for Alive In South Africa.

Ironically, there is very little that is “traditional” about the way Israel approaches music and ministry, defying categorization with an ease unlike other artists.

“It’s not a white sound or black sound, it’s a Kingdom sound,” explains Israel. And it is because of this progressive connection to now-generation believers that Israel’s music has been fanatically embraced around the globe.

Changing the World
Most recently, Israel recorded a solo project, which is his most personal effort to date. The album, The Power of One, challenges people to change the world. “I strongly believe that those of us who consider ourselves worshippers need to have a heart for social justice,” says Israel.

As part of his personal effort to change the world, Israel supports a variety of compassion-focused ministries including the international relief and aid organization World Vision and a medical missions ministry birthed out of Houston’s Lakewood Church where he serves as a worship leader.