Israel Houghton

Israel Houghton grew up in Prescott, Arizona, where he started playing piano early in his father's Pentecostal church.

His songs like 'Jesus At The Center' and 'Your Presence Is Heaven' became worship staples, blending gospel with R&B and pop touches. He's worked with other gospel artists including CeCe Winans and Michael W. Smith, and produced albums for Fred Hammond and Mary Mary.

In 2016, Houghton announced his separation from his wife Meleasa after more than twenty years of marriage, which drew attention from the gospel community. He kept recording and performing songs like 'Saved By Grace' and 'VIVE' in the years that followed.