Israel Houghton is a highly acclaimed American gospel singer, songwriter, and worship leader who has won numerous awards throughout his career. While his musical prowess has gained him widespread recognition, his personal life has also attracted attention, particularly his relationship with his first wife, Meleasa Houghton. In this article, we delve into the life and career of Israel Houghton and examine his net worth.
Table of Contents
Early Life
Israel Houghton was born on March 1, 1964, in the United States of America. Although not much is known about his childhood and upbringing, it is evident that he has always had a passion for music, which led him to pursue a career in gospel singing.
Career and Achievements
Houghton kicked off his career as a gospel singer and later joined the Christian band named Israel & New Breed, which also featured his ex-wife Meleasa Houghton and Ryan Horton. The band has produced numerous hit songs, including “Jesus at the Center” (2012), “To Worship You I Live” (2005), “Your Presence Is Heaven” (2012), “Rez Pour,” “Our God Reigns” (2015), and many others.
In 2015, Houghton’s ex-wife Meleasa walked away with the GMA Dove Award in the Traditional Gospel Song of the Year category and was later nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance/Song. Houghton himself has won 19 prestigious awards, including 6 Grammy Awards, 11 GMA Dove Awards, and 2 Stellar Awards.
Throughout his career, Israel Houghton has released over 15 albums and 13 recordings. His music, which transcends beyond the western borders, has been recognized for its cross-cultural style that blends together reggae, rock, gospel, and jazz elements.
Personal Life: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
Israel Houghton and Meleasa met in the early 1990s at Houghton’s ministry in Pittsburgh. The couple got married in 1994 and had four children together: Mariah, Milan, Jordan, and Israel Houghton Sonny. However, their marriage ended in 2015, with their divorce being finalized in 2016 after 20 years together.
Houghton admitted on his Facebook page that the reason for their divorce was his infidelity, which had occurred many years before it became public knowledge. Following their divorce, Houghton was indefinitely suspended as the worship leader at The Lakewood Church, led by Joel Osteen.
Just nine months after his divorce from Meleasa was finalized, Houghton married Adrienne Bailon on November 11, 2016, in Paris. They had begun dating after Houghton separated from his first wife, and their engagement took place on August 12, 2016, at the Eiffel Tower.
Israel Houghton Net Worth
Israel Houghton’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. His wealth primarily comes from album sales and performances. Despite the controversies surrounding his personal life, Houghton continues to work on his music and projects, including the album “The Road To DeMaskUs” and the recording “DeMaskUs.” In 2019, he was nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Musical Performance in a Daytime Program.
Conclusion
Israel Houghton’s life and career are a testament to his dedication to his craft and his resilience in overcoming personal challenges. With an impressive net worth and a list of achievements under his belt, Houghton continues to be an influential figure in the entertainment world.
