As a genre, gospel music is often seen as a very cloistered, self-contained segment. Songs are thought to be within a limited number of styles, and the audience is similarly small. Deitrick Haddon, however, would be glad to prove the notion wrong. Artistically, his music infuses elements of Motown and R&B.

Deitrick Haddon's Gospel from Detroit

“The music that I write is a gift from God.”

As a genre, gospel music is often seen as a very cloistered, self-contained segment. Songs are thought to be within a limited number of styles, and the audience is similarly small. Deitrick Haddon, however, would be glad to prove the notion wrong. Artistically, his music infuses elements of Motown and R&B. Commercially, he's breached that unspoken limit between gospel music and the rest of the music industry.

Deitrick Haddon's Head Start

Born Deitrick Vaughn Haddon in Detroit, Michigan on May 17, 1973, preaching and religious service came naturally to him. His father Clarence was the pastor (and eventual Bishop) for the Unity Cathedral of Faith in their area, where he gave his first sermon at the ripe old age of 11. By 13, Haddon had taken the reins of their church's choir.

In the mid-1990's, the choir Haddon was then leading had grown into Voices of Unity, a black church choir signed with the Indianapolis-based gospel label Tyscot Records. The group had some success with its first two albums, Come Into This House and Live the Life. By 1998, however, Haddon had already released a solo album, This is My Story. It was quickly followed by Chain Breaker the next year.

He, however, was apparently not content with making music as just Deitrick Haddon. In 2000, he and wife Damita helped orchestrate the release of Nu Hymnz: Live from Motor City, which featured a chorus of over 300 singers, all of whom were from Detroit. This caught the attention of larger record labels, and he was soon signed to gospel giant Verity.

Deitrick Haddon Does His Thing

Lost & Found, Haddon's major label debut, came out in 2002 and became popular due to its mix of hip-hop, R&B and soul – unusual elements in gospel. Despite accusations of being too secular, Lost & Found earned Haddon his first Grammy nod. The 2004 follow-up album, Crossroads, was equally varied and even had considerable success on the Billboard R&B/hip-hop chart.

His 2006 release had the commercially potent combination of Deitrick Haddon's name on the cover and the efforts of meteoric R&B duo Tim & Bob. The recipe proved very effective; Haddon says that most of the 16 tracks were recorded in Babyface's studio in the span of seven days. His latest album is the 2008 Revealed featuring the collaboration Love Him Like I Do with Ruben Studdard and Mary Mary.

Did You Know That...

...Haddon didn't fully leave Tyscot, even when he had signed with Verity? Lost & Found had the imprints of both labels, a nod to their respective contributions in his career.

...gospel music is a family act? Haddon's wife Damita is also a gospel singer, a former member of gospel group Adoration 'n' Praise.

...even mainstream labels wanted to sign him? Arista Records, which very rarely produces for gospel artists, offered him a contract. Haddon, however, walked away from the deal citing his faith.

• Unlimited Music Access
• Music File Sharing
• Country Based Radio Channels
• Easy, Fast and Safe!
• 100% Free!