It was the GRAMMY® night of a lifetime for Integrity Gospel recording artist Israel & New Breed as the group won a GRAMMY® and performed alongside 2008 MusiCares® Person of the Year Aretha Franklin in what was considered one of the GRAMMY® Award’s highlights.

[L-R]: Jeremiah Woods (New Breed) Israel’s wife Meleasa Houghton, Israel, T-Bone & Wife

Israel & New Breed’s A Deeper Level earned the award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album in a category they shared with Michael W. Smith, Casting Crowns, TobyMac and Mandisa. It was the group’s second consecutive GRAMMY®. Last year, Israel & New Breed won their first GRAMMY® for Best Traditional Gospel Album for their gold-selling album Alive in South Africa. “I’m in total shock, I was not expecting this at all. This is really an amazing feeling,” states Israel Houghton.

Israel being interviewed by XM Satellite Radio

In an awards show packed with great moments, none was more spirited and inspiring than the gospel music segment during which Israel & New Breed shared the stage with Franklin, Bebe Winans, the Clark Sisters, the Madison Bumble Bees and Trin-i-tee 5:7. During the gospel medley, Israel & New Breed performed “With Long Life” from A Deeper Level.

In addition to their GRAMMYS®, Israel & New Breed is also the winner of four Dove Awards, two Stellar Awards, a Soul Train Award and a NARM Award. New Breed has performed in South Africa numerous times and graced the stages in Nigeria, Australia Japan, Indonesia and others. Israel announced in the GRAMMY® press room that his next recording will be in London, England some time this year.