Israel Houghton is known for injecting contemporary gospel and worship with a blazing 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.

Over the past decade, Israel has amassed a legion of fans while blasting down musical barriers, and drawing together people of all races, ages and cultures through worship. He has been fittingly graced with 2 Gold-selling albums, 6 Dove Awards, 2 Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award, and 3 Grammy® Awards – one for “Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album” for The Power of One, 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 that other artists envy.

For his latest offering, Love God.Love People., Israel once again partners with co-producers Aaron Lindsey and Tommy Sims, with whom he worked on his previous album, The Power of One. This time, Israel fulfilled a lifelong dream of recording at the historic Abbey Road Studios in London. Israel says the new project is “a return to a simple, foundational Gospel command: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself.”

Israel practices what he preaches by supporting social justice efforts. This includes serving as a spokesman for the international relief/aid organization World Vision and by supporting medical and mercy missions.