Following today’s release of the album, Israel Houghton, widely acclaimed as an innovative worship leader, singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, is tapped by The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to sit in with Rickey Minor and the Tonight Show Band Sept. 8. Collaborating live with Minor on the NBC late night talk show fits in well with Houghton’s many talents. Widely known as a master collaborator, Houghton draws out the best performances from all those around him. Having written or co-written 11 CCLI Top 500 favorites, creating a canon of songs that have become standards in houses of faith around the globe, Love God. Love People. follows Israel’s acclaimed GRAMMY Award winning and Billboard Top 200 hit, The Power Of One, and promises to be an inspiration to all who listen.

In addition to “The Tonight Show” appearance, Houghton appears today on “The Yolanda Adams Morning Show” (http://theyolandaadamsmorningshow.com) and Sept. 2 on the nationally syndicated “The Tavis Smiley Show” (www.tavistalks.com). Music from Love God. Love People. is also being heard nationally as the current radio single, “You Hold My World,” which was named the No. 1 “Most Added” song two weeks in a row, makes its debut this week on Billboard’s Gospel Indicator chart at No. 26 with a bullet. Additionally, the heart of the new album captured in the song “Others,” penned by Houghton and his wife, Meleasa, was released to AC radio just last week.

As radio gains momentum, numerous media critics have already lauded the new album:

“Referring to Israel Houghton as simply a worship leader wouldn’t paint a whole picture of his vast repertoire throughout the vertically-framed Love God. Love People. In addition to moments of contemporary congregational praises, the singer/songwriter switches hats between soul, R&B, funk and rock, benefiting all the more from famous friends like Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, Michael Gungor and members of Take 6, all of whom make vibrant appearances on an already uplifting album.” – CCM

“Spreading the message of God’s love as manifested through mankind set to a soundtrack of ‘soul music’ at its most profound, internationally acclaimed artist/composer/producer Israel Houghton has done it again. Building on the theme of his Grammy-winning 2009 offering The Power of One, Houghton returned to the studio, this time London’s famed Abbey Road Studios, to record his new masterwork, Love God. Love People., with a little help from his friends.” – Gospel Today

“Houghton is the current administrator of gospel music milk and honey. Incorporating easy melodies into intricate band tracks, Houghton exhibits technical proficiency without forfeiting each song’s accessible catchiness.” – ChristianityToday.com

“Houghton, one of modern gospel’s innovators, knows music… he incorporates modern sounds and classic gospel along with world music to craft a sound that is distinctly identifiable and relentlessly original…Love God. Love People. perfectly sums up Israel Houghton’s music and his ministry. He clearly views his music as a means to minister to people, and inspire them to love God and love God's people. Of course, it helps that message go down a lot easier when an artist makes music that people want to hear. And Israel Houghton has always had that part down. Recommended.” – SoulTracks.com

“Love God. Love People. delivers the kind of wonderfulness Houghton’s audience has come to expect, and which should continue to surprise listeners outside his core church market.” – CBA Retailer + Resources

“Love God, Love People goes down as a musical and spiritual masterpiece. Musicians are already salivating, and worship leaders will eagerly dig into the material. Music lovers will be more than pleased and most of all, many will be encouraged in their Christ walk and will be challenged to help others.” – GospelFlava.com

“In the spirit of the Bible’s greatest commandment reflected by its title, Israel Houghton’s new album is both simple and epic—a clearly ambitious mix of R&B, gospel, pop, worship, and rock packed with big moments that all come down to loving God and loving your neighbor. And like a life faithful to that call, this special record brings joy, issues challenges, and finds true rewards.” – Crosswalk.com

Israel co-produced the new album with longtime collaborator Aaron Lindsey, whose credits include Shirley Caesar, Martha Munizzi, CeCe Winans and many more, and with Tommy Sims, whose writing, recording and performing credits range from Bruce Springstein and Garth Brooks to Eric Clapton and Wynnona. The trio of producers also co-wrote five of the songs, including the first Gospel single, “You Hold My World.” Three additional songs were penned by Israel and his wife Meleasa.

“Love God. Love People. is a return to a simple, foundational Gospel command: Love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself,” says Israel. “Virtually every song touches on this profound simplicity. It all comes down to ‘love God, love people.’ Period.”

Love God. Love People. blends the musical styles of Gospel, pop, R&B and Latin, and was recorded and engineered by Danny Duncan (India.Arie, Hillsong LIVE, Natalie Grant, CeCe Winans) at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Releasing simultaneously with the CD, Houghton’s Love God. Love People. iTunes LP is available today at www.itunes.com/israelhoughton. The first ever Christian artist iTunes LP and first LP, mainstream or Christian, that includes interactive social network capabilities, a music mixer, Bible verses and the ability to create your own album cover, Houghton’s LP also interactively includes the new music, animated lyrics, chord charts, liner notes, performance videos, photos and other bonus materials.

Writing or co-writing all but one of the songs on Love God. Love People., Israel creates music that breaks down barriers and defies categorization. Israel uses his own multi-cultural upbringing as a reference point with a desire to draw people of all races, ages and cultures together. Israel laughingly describes himself as “black kid who grew up in a white family in a Hispanic neighborhood.”

Active as worship leader in his local church, Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church, Houston, Israel has served as worship leader at Hillsong conferences, Franklin Graham crusades, and is a featured CompassionArt songwriter and artist. Israel also ministers through concerts in the U.S. and around the world, has accompanied Alicia Keys at the 2007 MTV Video Music Awards for a performance of George Michael's “Freedom '90,” and has performed at the 50th Annual GRAMMY Awards, taking part in a segment saluting Gospel music alongside the likes of Aretha Franklin and BeBe Winans.

In 1995, Israel and Meleasa Houghton founded New Breed Ministries, an organization they continue to run and that is comprised of noted musicians and singers who serve within their respective churches and together serve the Church at large. Since then, Israel has been featured on FOX, CBS, ABC, BET, CNN, TBN and CBN, and has amassed a legion of followers that crosses generational lines with popularity across African American, Latin and Caucasian listener lines. While blasting down barriers, he has been fittingly graced with 2 Gold-selling albums, 3 GRAMMY Awards, 6 Dove Awards, 2 Stellar Awards and a Soul Train Award.

Israel Houghton is signed to Integrity Music, distributed to Christian retail by Provident-Integrity Distribution and to the general market by Columbia Records/Sony Music. For more information, go to www.israelhoughton.net.