Israel & New Breed

Worship leader Israel Houghton launched the New Breed ensemble as a way to break down cultural barriers that he felt existed in contemporary Christian and gospel music. ∙ The 2004 breakout Live From Another Level not only hit No. 1 on the Gospel chart, but it also cracked the Pop chart, thanks to Houghton’s mix of gospel, Afrobeat, R&B, jazz, pop, and funk sounds. ∙ The title track of Power of One—Houghton’s 2009 chart-topping solo debut—was originally meant for an undisclosed “mainstream artist,” but his then-wife suggested he record it instead. ∙ In 2016, The Voice contestant Christian Cuevas scored a No. 1 hit with his cover of “To Worship You I Live (Away).” ∙ Israel & New Breed has been honored with a Soul Train Award, a half-dozen Grammys, and 11 Dove Awards.