Subscribe to this blog's feedFred Hammond Artist Picks: Napster Playlist
Fred Hammond is one of the most respected production
specialists in contemporary Gospel music. With a simply amazing list of
nominations for Grammy, Dove, and Stellar awards, he is sought out for his always-valuable contributions to musical projects. Aside from his production expertise, Hammond is also the
powerful Gospel singer and musician behind the September release of the album Love
Unstoppable. We caught up with him recently and asked him for a list of his favorite tracks, hoping for clues as to what
inspires him. He not only graced us with his list, but provided some brief commentary as well:
1. "Celebrates
(He Lives)," Fred Hammond
2. "Knocks Me off My Feet," Stevie Wonder: This was
the first song I ever sang in public, at a house party off 7 mile in Detroit, at age 17.
3. "Restoration," The Winans: When I
heard this song, I was coming home from work on Finkle & Greenfield, and it
changed my life. Once I heard it, I knew I wanted to be a professional Gospel singer.
4."Thank You (for Letting Me Be Myself)," Sly & The Family Stone: As a young
boy, this was the first time I was introduced to funk.
5. "I’ll Be There," The Jackson 5
6. "I Belong to You," Rance Allen: Rance
Allen is one of my favorite male singers of all time.
7. "I’m Encouraged," Thomas Whitfield: My Mentor.
8. "Jungle Boogie," Kool & The Gang: Growing up
in the 'hood, every basement and porch band played this song. The horn and
bass line is forever etched in my memory. 9. "Superstition," Stevie Wonder: At 12
years old, I got my first starlight sparkle blue drum set, and this was the first
song I played. 10. "Whatcha See Is Watcha Get," The Dramatics: The
Dramatics, major do-wop [street-]corner harmony. It's what I grew up on. 11. "Running Back to You," Commissioned: The first
full song I ever wrote from where I was in my life. 12. "Jesus Is the Answer," Andrae Crouch: This song
has such a simple, yet powerful message.
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