Fred Hammond

Fred Hammond – Life, Career, and Famous Quotes

Meta description:
Explore the inspiring life and enduring career of Fred Hammond, the American gospel singer, bass guitarist, and producer. Learn about his journey with Commissioned and Radical for Christ, his impact on contemporary gospel, and some powerful quotes he’s shared.

Introduction

Fredric William “Fred” Hammond is widely recognized as one of the leading voices in contemporary gospel music. His career spans decades, running from his early days in gospel groups to his status today as a solo artist, producer, and mentor. He is lauded for blending gospel with R&B, worship, and urban influences, helping bring modern sounds into praise and worship.

Early Life and Family

Fred Hammond was born on December 27, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan. His mother, Mildred Hammond, served as a choir director and nurtured his early musical exposure. By around age 12, Fred was singing in his mother’s choir, absorbing gospel harmonies and church music traditions.

As a youth, he was influenced by a wide spectrum of musical styles: gospel, R&B, funk, and more. Over time, he also developed skills on multiple instruments, notably bass guitar, drums, and piano.

Musical Beginnings

Fred’s formal entry into the gospel music world came when he joined the backing band for The Winans, playing bass guitar. Not long after, in 1982, he co-founded the gospel group Commissioned, which became a trailblazer in urban contemporary gospel.

With Commissioned, Hammond contributed as bassist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer. The group released numerous albums, mixing polished production, tight vocal arrangements, and worshipful lyrics.

In the mid-1990s, Hammond launched his solo career and formed his own ensemble, Radical for Christ, enabling him to further explore worship, praise, and a more personal artistic direction.

Over his career, he has worked on more than 80 albums via his production company, Face to Face, starting from 1992.

Career and Achievements

Albums & Hits

Fred Hammond’s discography includes both group and solo albums that have charted on gospel and mainstream charts:

• With Commissioned, albums like Number 7 and State of Mind helped define the urban gospel sound.

• As a solo artist (or leading Radical for Christ), some notable releases include Pages of Life – Chapters 1 & II, Purpose by Design, Free to Worship, Love Unstoppable, God, Love & Romance, and Worship Journal Live.

• His album Free to Worship won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album.

His signature songs include “Let the Praise Begin” and “No Weapon”, which have been covered or honored by a wide range of artists.

Style & Innovation

Hammond is known for integrating contemporary elements—R&B grooves, hip hop rhythms, modern production—into gospel and worship, making his music accessible to younger and broader audiences. He emphasizes worship and praise as central components of his work—creating a gospel sound that is both spiritually uplifting and musically current.

He has maintained consistency in album releases, radio airplay, and concert appearances, continuing relevance across decades.

Personal Life & Challenges

Fred Hammond was married to Kimberly (often referred to as Kim) for approximately 18 years before their divorce in 2004. He has two children, and they have appeared with him on albums like Love Unstoppable.

Hammond has shared that his mother once disclosed she had considered aborting him, and that a failed attempt preceded his birth — a deeply personal detail he has mentioned publicly.

Legacy and Influence

• Fred Hammond is often called one of the “Godfathers of Contemporary Gospel,” reflecting his stature and influence in the genre.

• His work has bridged generations, making worship music relevant to younger listeners without losing spiritual depth.

• Artists across genres have honored his work: for instance, “No Weapon” has been performed or referenced by mainstream artists, and his song “Let the Praise Begin” was remade by Chance the Rapper.

• He has also served as a mentor and producer to many upcoming gospel artists, influencing their approach to worship, production, and message.

His consistency, adaptability, and heart for worship have made him a model for sustainable ministry in music.

Famous Quotes

Below are some poignant quotes attributed to Fred Hammond, reflecting his faith, mission, and artistic philosophy:

• “I believe I was born for this, to tell people about the Lord. I just wanted to find the best way that I could do it, and music, God graced me to be able to do it …”

• “I was in a marriage, and we didn’t make it. So my hope is, through my music, I can help heal some relationships that may be headed in that direction.”

• “I am just so appreciative of God’s love. It’s higher than any mountain, wider than any ocean, and wider than the whole universe. His love is just that amazing!”

• “We sing inspirational songs, songs of praise and worship, and about how good and how big God is. We are magnifying the Lord.”

• “Women are a key part of the sound of the groups that accompany male singers like Kirk Franklin, Israel Houghton, and myself.”

• “The Bible is a novel that’s crazy… it has murder, it has victory it has mayhem, it has disaster, it has war, sanctification.”

• “No weapon formed against me shall prosper.”

These quotes illustrate Hammond’s balance of confession, faith, worship, and a desire to use music as healing and testimony.

Lessons from Fred Hammond

From his life and career, we can draw several meaningful lessons:

1. Serve through authenticity
   Hammond’s success arises not from showmanship alone, but from aligning his gifts with his faith and message.

2. Evolve but retain roots
   He incorporated modern styles into gospel while preserving its spiritual heart.

3. Music as ministry
   For him, songs are not mere performance — they are a vehicle for healing, worship, and truth.

4. Resilience through trials
   Personal challenges (marriage, family, health) inform his music and deepen his empathy.

5. Mentorship matters
   Investing in others ensures that influence extends beyond one’s own lifetime.

Conclusion

Fred Hammond’s musical journey is a story of dedication, innovation, worship, and influence. From choir rehearsals in Detroit to global gospel stages, he has shaped the sound and direction of modern worship music. His songs, his production, and his heart for ministry ensure that his legacy resonates with both believers and music lovers alike.