Israel Houghton: The Man & The Music

Israel Houghton is our special Christmas guest!

Radical to Real - Israel Houghton began his career singing with Fred Hammond's choir Radical For Christ in the '90s before launching a solo career. (Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

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Radical to Real - Israel Houghton began his career singing with Fred Hammond's choir Radical For Christ in the '90s before launching a solo career. (Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Photo By Photo: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Worship Leader - Although still under the gospel music umbrella because of its message, Israel Houghton has carved out quite the nice space for himself in Praise & Worship music, specifically. (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

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Worship Leader - Although still under the gospel music umbrella because of its message, Israel Houghton has carved out quite the nice space for himself in Praise & Worship music, specifically. (Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

New Breed - Israel keeps his music diverse by sometimes recording with his group, "New Breed," as well as solo projects that have their own unique, individual feel. (Photo: Lamond Goodloe/PictureGroup)

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New Breed - Israel keeps his music diverse by sometimes recording with his group, "New Breed," as well as solo projects that have their own unique, individual feel. (Photo: Lamond Goodloe/PictureGroup)

Award-Winning - Israel Houghton has won every major award available to a gospel artist, including a Grammy, Stellar and Dove award. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Super Bowl Gospel Celebration 2011)

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Award-Winning - Israel Houghton has won every major award available to a gospel artist, including a Grammy, Stellar and Dove award. (Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Super Bowl Gospel Celebration 2011)

God Has No Color - Being of mixed-race heritage himself, at the beginning of his career, Israel Houghton strived to make music for all people of faith of different races and cultures. He's succeeded. Watch him talk about his music and faith on a special edition of Lift Every Voice on Christmas Day at 10A/9C. (Photo: Phil McCarten/PictureGroup)

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God Has No Color - Being of mixed-race heritage himself, at the beginning of his career, Israel Houghton strived to make music for all people of faith of different races and cultures. He's succeeded. Watch him talk about his music and faith on a special edition of Lift Every Voice on Christmas Day at 10A/9C. (Photo: Phil McCarten/PictureGroup)