Urban Spotlight: United Tenors

A gospel music forerunner for nearly thirty years, Grammy winner Fred Hammond recently found himself longing for the male worship sound of twenty years ago through gospel vocal ensembles like Commissioned—of which he was a founding member. Extending an invitation to R&B singer Dave Hollister, producer Eric Roberson (Jill Scott, DJ Jazzy Jeff) and current gospel favorite Brian Courtney Wilson to fashion an all-male urban worship experience, Hammond gives CCM a glimpse into the genesis and motivation of the super group and one of the genre’s bestselling records of the year—United Tenors (RCA Inspiration).

What inspired you to create another male vocal band?

Fred Hammond: Creatively, about a year ago, I started hearing a male group sound similar to Commissioned’s first sound. It was internal and very clear. I knew then I needed to assemble a male group.

With four distinct voices, was it difficult to ensemble the four together once you hit the studio?

Fred: Ensembling was very easy. I understand everyone’s range. Dave is most comfortable singing the lower notes. I hold down the middle range. Eric sings middle and top with ease. And Brian has an absolute extended high range. So I made sure everyone played to their truest strength and it all worked out.  

What did the creative process look like?

Fred: When I was writing the songs I sang all the parts on each track. Then the guys listened to and put their own stamp on each part. There was total peace while recording. We loved being in the room together. Everybody supported everybody. It was cool. It was fun. And it was easy. Even the photoshoot was the best I’ve been involved with since Commissioned’s first!

What is the ultimate mission driving The United Tenors?

Fred: When men sing together, it’s powerful. For a long time women have been at the forefront of the gospel music sound. We want to complement that and show what it looks like when men worship together—and that men can worship together.

For more information, visit rcainspiration.com.