Contributed
A renowned gospel music artist and choir director, Dillard is known for his dynamic and powerful performances, as well as his ability to inspire and uplift audiences through his music. He has led his acclaimed choir, New G, to critical acclaim and numerous awards.
A Grammy-award nominee from Chicago, Dillard emerged from the 1980s house music scene (where he worked with DJ Frankie Knuckles) to lead a church choir, which he’s been doing ever since. With a sophisticated style that juxtaposes R&B, funk, dance music, blues, jazz and Black Gospel, Dillard forged a unique identity on the church music scene with New G.
His recordings have all registered in the upper half of U.S. Gospel charts, while his concert tours sell out more often than not, sometimes months in advance. Such albums like 1993’s A Holy Ghost Take-Over spread Dillard’s unifying musical message from urban radio stations and churches in the northern half of the United States to popularity in the Deep South, where he and New G have toured churches and festivals. Dillard’s place in the modern gospel pantheon has flourished in the 21st century. 2014’s Amazing and 2017’s 10 both topped the gospel list and reached the U.S. Billboard 200.
The Choir Fest 2024 event, which Dillard will be a part of, will provide a platform for showcasing the exceptional talent and spiritual expression of gospel choirs from across the region, further celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Black community.
Dillard will perform at the 36th annual Midwest Black Family Reunion on the Gospel Stage, sponsored by Kroger, on Sunday, Aug. 18, at 5 p.m. ET at Sawyer Point. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.myblackfamilyreunion.org.