Ricky Dillard

Ricky Rydell Dillard, known professionally as Ricky Dillard, is a legendary American gospel singer, songwriter, and choir director. Nicknamed the “Choirmaster,” he is widely celebrated as one of the most dynamic and influential figures in contemporary gospel music. Working alongside his renowned choir, New Generation Chorale (affectionately known as New G), Dillard has shaped the sound of modern choral music, bridging traditional gospel with vibrant contemporary rhythms.

With a career spanning over three decades, Dillard began his journey in the late 1980s. Interestingly, before fully dedicating himself to gospel music, he was a prominent figure in the Chicago house music scene. Today, he is best known for his high energy choir direction, his impeccable vocal arrangements, and his ability to command massive stages. His work has inspired countless choirs worldwide and influenced major mainstream artists.

Operating under major labels such as Motown Gospel and Malaco Records, Dillard has built a vast discography filled with chart topping albums and Grammy nominated projects.From his classic hit “More Abundantly” to his recent Billboard number one albums like “Amazing” and “Choirmaster,” his contributions have cemented his status as a true pioneer and a beloved icon in the global Christian music community.

Early Life and Background

Ricky Rydell Dillard was born on February 25, 1965, in Chicago Heights, Illinois. He was raised in a deeply religious household where his mother and grandmother instilled in him a profound love for gospel music. His musical journey began in the church at the exceptionally young age of five when he started singing in the local children’s choir. As a teenager, his leadership abilities became evident when he was appointed to direct the youth choir at St. Bethel Baptist Church.While attending Bloom Township High School, he took the initiative to found the school’s very first gospel choir in 1981, setting the stage for his lifelong calling as a choral leader.

How His Music Career Started

Before becoming a gospel icon, Dillard had a fascinating detour into secular music. Between 1987 and 1988, he was actively involved in the booming Chicago house music scene, collaborating with pioneering figures like Farley “Jackmaster” Funk and Larry Heard.During this period, he even recorded a house music album titled “Let the Music Use You” in 1989. However, his heart remained tethered to his church roots.In 1988, he returned fully to his gospel calling and founded Ricky Dillard’s New Generation Chorale, later shortened to New G. The choir quickly gained local fame, notably winning the prestigious McDonald’s Chicagoland choir competition in 1989, which opened the doors to his professional gospel recording career.

Career and Breakthrough

Dillard and New G officially burst onto the national gospel scene in 1990 with the release of their debut album, “Promise,” under Muscle Shoals Records.The project featured the breakout lead single “More Abundantly,” which became an instant classic in churches across the United States.The album was a massive success, charting on Billboard and earning Dillard his first Grammy Award nomination.He subsequently signed with Malaco Records, releasing highly successful albums like “A Holy Ghost Take-Over” in 1993 and “Hallelujah” in 1995. Over the next decade, under various labels including Crystal Spring, he consistently delivered top ten gospel albums, solidifying his choir as one of the premier vocal ensembles in the country.

Musical Style and Influences

As a choir director, Dillard is famous for his electrifying, highly animated directing style. He treats the choir as a massive, unified instrument, demanding precision, high energy, and complex vocal harmonies. His musical style is uniquely distinctive because he seamlessly blends traditional, churchy gospel elements with the rhythmic grooves of R&B, funk, and his early house music influences. This fusion creates a high tempo, celebratory atmosphere that makes his music irresistible to both older traditional congregants and younger generations. His innovative approach to choral arrangements has heavily influenced modern choir music, inspiring artists across various genres, including prominent figures like Kirk Franklin and Kanye West.

Notable Songs and Albums

The discography of Ricky Dillard is packed with defining gospel anthems. Following his early successes, his 2014 album “Amazing,” released under Entertainment One, became a monumental triumph. The title track held the number one spot on the gospel radio charts for six consecutive months, and the album debuted at number one on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. He replicated this success with his 2017 live project “10” and his acclaimed 2020 Motown Gospel debut “Choirmaster”. Among his most beloved and frequently covered songs are “Amazing,” “Release,” “Since He Came,” “I’ve Got the Victory,” and the classic “More Abundantly”.

Awards and Recognition

Dillard has received extensive industry recognition for his immense contributions to gospel music. He is an eight time Grammy Award nominee, having received nods for Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album and Best Gospel Album throughout his career. His work with New G has also earned him numerous Stellar Awards and Dove Awards, including a Dove Award win in 2022 for his album “Breakthrough: The Exodus”. In recognition of his enduring legacy, he was honored with the prestigious James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 and was selected for induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2025.

Current Career / Recent Activities

Decades into his career, Dillard remains a dominant and highly active force in the music industry. In early 2024, he released the critically acclaimed live album “Choirmaster II: Live in Liberty Township, Ohio,” which became another number one hit on the gospel charts.Further expanding his cultural impact, he served as the gospel music arranger for the 2023 musical film adaptation of “The Color Purple,” where he also made a cameo appearance.In February 2026, he showcased his musical versatility by releasing “Sweet, Sweet Spirit,” a collaborative album with veteran jazz bassist Ron Carter. He continues to tour, record, and mentor the next generation of choir directors.