Israel Houghton

Quick facts about Israel Houghton

Where Israel Houghton Began

Israel Houghton is regarded as one of Christian and Gospel music’s foremost worship leaders, songwriters, recording artists and producers. Engaged in full-time ministry since 1989, Israel has touched the hearts of millions across the globe through his anointed, God-inspired music. A former member of Fred Hammond’s talented vocal aggregation, ‘Radical for Christ’, Israel has worked with gospel luminaries CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin and Yolanda Adams, while winning the admiration of such notables as Chris Brown, Andrae Crouch and Gary Oliver. He has also performed at numerous high-profile events and continues regular television appearances on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. 

Israel’s accompanying band, known as ‘Israel & New Breed’, had their first album release with Whisper It Loud in 1997. Since his debut album, he has consistently made songs and albums that have received universal acclaim. In 2003, Houghton produced an album, Bigger Than My Imagination for Michael Gungor. According to a review in Christianity Today, it was “one of the best worship albums of the year!” Israel & New Breed’s 2004 album Live from Another Level, and 2005 album Alive in South Africa both received gold certifications in the US. 

Israel has made his home in Texas where he often leads worship at Houston’s Lakewood Church. New Breed is a purpose-driven Worship movement carrying the sound of the Kingdom through the anointing of God to lead all peoples seeking to glorify God through worship and anointed music. In 1995, Israel and his wife Meleasa founded New Breed Ministries, a music ministry organization comprised of noted musicians and singers who serve within their respective churches and tour extensively, performing worship concerts across the country. ‘Israel & New Breed’ have appeared on three power-packed praise and worship albums; the 2001 Hosanna! Music CD New Season, the 2002 Integrity Gospel CD Real, and most recently, Integrity Gospel’s Live from Another Level. They have also appeared on numerous albums recorded at Lakewood Church with worship leader Cindy Cruse Ratcliff.

Israel Houghton's Relationship with Faith

Israel’s life had an interesting began, and he firmly believes that without God’s intervention, he may never have been born at all. Israel has often acknowledged his cross-cultural background, saying “which is a nice way of saying that my father was black and my mother is white”. Israel Houghton’s mother became pregnant at the age of 17 in Waterloo, Iowa. Given the nature of the situation (the early 70’s in a small midwestern town) her parents gave her two choices. Either have a back-alley abortion or be disowned by her family. 

To quote Israel, “Thank God she chose the latter!”. Israel’s mother then ended up moving to San Diego, California, where she found herself 8 months pregnant, alone and thousands of miles from home. 

Israel often recounts the story of how his mother came into faith. According to Israel, one day a woman got out of her car and respectfully, yet boldly began to share the Gospel with his mother. Words of life and hope began to overtake the words of rejection and abandonment she had grown accustomed to. There on the street corner, she ended up on her knees where she cried out to God and committed her life to Jesus Christ. 

The woman gave Israel’s mother a Bible and she began reading on page one. Israel claims his mother saw the name Israel all through it and that’s how he got his name. Israel Houghton’s mother eventually met and married Israel’s stepfather who went into full-time ministry as a pastor. This story from his mother is the catalyst for Israel’s belief and his contributions to Christian music. 

Love God Love People

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Road To Demask Us

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The Power Of One

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