Israel Houghton: the worship leader who blended gospel, rock and Latin sounds

His band played gospel, rock, funk, reggae and Latin music, sometimes in the same song. Israel Houghton and his group New Breed became one of the most popular worship acts of the 2000s, crossing boundaries between gospel and contemporary Christian music and between black and white churches.

Early life and New Breed

Israel Houghton was born in 1971 in Oceanside, California. His mother was white and his father black, and he has spoken about growing up between cultures. He began leading worship as a young man. He formed Israel and New Breed in the 1990s. The group’s live recordings mixed musical styles and featured diverse singers and musicians.

Albums such as Live from Another Level and A Deeper Level were recorded live in churches. They became best-sellers in gospel music.

Lakewood and the Grammys

Houghton served as a worship leader at Lakewood Church in Houston, one of the largest churches in the United States, leading worship for its large congregation and television audience. His songs, including “Friend of God”, which he co-wrote with Michael Gungor, became popular in churches of many denominations. Other recordings such as “Again I Say Rejoice” were widely sung.

Houghton won several Grammy awards for his recordings, as well as Dove and Stellar awards.

Diversity and influence

He has spoken about the importance of racial and cultural unity in the church, and his band reflected that diversity. His divorce and later remarriage drew public attention and criticism in parts of the church. He later spoke about repentance and restoration. His songs have been sung in African churches, especially by youth choirs and contemporary worship teams.

Houghton helped shape a style of worship that combined gospel energy with wider musical influences. Houghton also worked as a producer and music director for other worship artists.

Songwriting and later music

He co-wrote songs with many collaborators, and his work appears in hymnals and song collections. He led worship at conferences and events around the world. Recorded live, A Deeper Level displayed his band’s range and became one of his most celebrated albums. He has continued to record and lead worship, often collaborating with younger artists.

Israel Houghton’s music refused to stay in one genre. Many churches that once separated gospel and contemporary worship found themselves singing his songs together.