Liz Black’s Top 10 Countdown; Q and A w/Israel Houghton

Published: 9/16/2012 2:34:15 AM

From: TriStateVoice

By Liz Black

Israel Houghton, 41, is a singer and worship leader, mostly known for his cross-cultural style of Christian music that fuses elements from gospel, jazz, and rock. He is the founder of Israel & New Breed and is a worship leader atLakewoodChurchinHouston, where Joel Osteen is the senior pastor.Israelhas earned two gold-selling albums, 12 Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award, and four Grammy Awards.

Liz Black: If you weren’t in full-time ministry, what else could you see yourself doing? Why?

Israel Houghton: I’ve often said if I wasn’t an artist, I would still be an activist. For as long as I can remember, justice and social transformation have seemed to resonate with me. I would still be committed to challenging others to make the world a better place.

LB: What do you enjoy when you find time to relax?

IH: I enjoy riding my jet skis and just being home with my family, throwing the football with my son, and taking my girls shopping.

LB: Tell me about your new CD, Jesus at the Center.

IH: It is the first live record we’ve done as a group in five years. We recorded it at my home church,LakewoodChurch inHouston. It’s a double CD and DVD. I am extremely excited about this project.

LB: What would you like people to walk away with after listening to your new CD?

IH: A keen awareness and reminder that it’s not about us—never was. It’s all about Jesus; Jesus at the center of it all.

LB: Do you prefer live recordings or studio recordings?

IH: I really do enjoy both mediums. There is a more immediate gauge that can be monitored in a live setting. In a studio setting, you have many chances to create, add, and subtract until it’s presented. I really do like both options.

LB: There is a lot of buzz about the 15-city King’s Men Tour, which features you, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, and Marvin Sapp (October 14 at the Barclay Center in Brooklyn). What’s different about this tour?

IH: It has the ingredients to be a game changer in gospel touring. The difference being that there is no headliner, per se—but we are interacting the entire night and sharing an interwoven stage with arrangements and special intentional moments that, if executed correctly, can be unforgettable. It is indeed an honor to be a part of this tour, even if I am the weakest link .

Top 10 Countdown 

10. Hold On-James Fortune F/Monica

9. After This- JJ Hairston & Youthful

8. My Testimony- Marvin Sapp Praise

7. Shifting The Atmosphere- Jason Nelson

6. Let the Church Say Amen- Andre Crouch F/Pastor Marvin Winans

5. Keep Me- Patrick Dobson

4. Great & Mighty- Byron Cage

3. Go Get It-Mary Mary

2. Awesome-Pastor Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago

1. Take Me To The King- Tamala Mann f/Kirk Franklin

Liz Black is an on-air personality at WBLS (107.5 FM) and WLIB (1190 AM) and also the host of “Liz Black’s Variety Show and Open Mic.” For information, visit www.lizblack.com.