Israel Houghton (; born May 19, 1971) is an American contemporary Christian music singer, songwriter, producer and worship leader. He is usually credited as Israel & New Breed.
Musical career
Houghton produced an album by Michael Gungor, Bigger Than My Imagination, which was described as "one of the year's best worship albums" in a 2003 Christianity Today review.
Israel & New Breed
New Breed is the backing band of Israel Houghton. Many of Israel's album releases are credited to Israel & New Breed.
Discography
Other recordings
2002: "Champions for Christ" – Hi5 (worship leader) 2004: "Where Are the Fathers?" from He-Motions (EMI Gospel) 2003: "Send Me to the Nations" from A Wing & a Prayer (EMI Gospel) 2002: We Speak to Nations (Lakewood Live; Integrity) 2003: Cover the Earth (Lakewood Live; Integrity) 2006: The Gift: A Christmas Presentation (Lakewood Live) 2007: Free to Worship (Lakewood Live) 2007: Moving Forward (Free Chapel Live) 2008: Hope for Today Worship (Lakewood Live) 2009: Free Chapel Live: Power of the Cross (Integrity) 2009: New Breed Live: Generation Love 2011: Echo: Forward Conference (Free Chapel Live) 2014: Covenant Worship: Kingdom 2014: Rey De Mi Universo (Lucía Parker) 2016: Eres Mi Todo (Job González) 2018: DeMaskUs
Personal life
Houghton is of mixed parentage, he was born to a white mother and Afro-Jamaican father. Houghton and his college girlfriend had a son together. Houghton was later married to Meleasa Houghton from 1994, they had 3 children together. They separated in 2015, with the divorce being finalized on February 22, 2016. While married, the musician also fathered two sons with mistress DeVawn Moreno. On November 11, 2016, Houghton married singer and TV personality Adrienne Bailon in Paris, after several months of dating. In 2022, the couple welcomed their first child together, a son.
Awards and nominations
Among the awards that Houghton has won includes six Grammy Awards; three for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album and one for Best Traditional Gospel Album for Alive In South Africa.