Fred Hammond

Contemporary gospel is far more inflected with R&B now than in the classic "vocalist-over-big-choir" era: Fred Hammond's duet with American Idol finalist Ruben Studdard reminds us more of D'Angelo than Mahalia Jackson. Nonetheless, the primary message is, as it always was, Jesus. It's just in a new, alluring package.

Of course, Fred Hammond sounds great in front of a choir, as when he fronts Radical for Christ. But the sound is more intimate than gospel of yore, and the beats behind it are contemporary. Hammond has an engaging smokiness to his voice when he's quiet. But he can also belt it!

Taking one of David's Psalms (in this case, Psalm 91) and wrapping it in funk is a stroke of genius. Much like Ray Charles could reinvent songs (such as "America the Beautiful") and claim them as his own, Fred Hammond has an abiding gift for reinterpretation. His explosive energy is dazzling.

Born in the Motor City, Fred Hammond (much like fellow Detroiter Aretha Franklin) began singing at an early age with his church choir. He turned pro as bassist and vocalist for the Winans, and then joined the gospel band Commissioned as both producer and songwriter. Since then, he's delivered nearly a dozen solo albums and become a force in "praise and worship" music. With a smooth vocal style and impeccable arrangements, Hammond exudes grace and joy.