My Musical Journey: EP1 

Man this has to be 1 of the best gospel behind the scenes stories I’ve heard! Wow! To be in the room for the writing of “Finders Keepers” & “Don’t you be deceived “ 😮 🤯

I have been listening to Fred Hammond for years and I can tell you that the music by Fred Hammond has helped me get through some tough times in my life. The grace of God has helped me get through even tougher issues where I needed to let the Lord Jesus free me from a life of sin. Jesus Christ, please continue to bless Pastor Fred Hammond. Amen.

Fred your music has brought me to God so many times.. I couldn't get through a song without crying the anointment that God put on you don't never let that go .

I've been listing to you for 32 years! (Since i was kid, sitting in my little quite place in my room, with a tape player - "I am with you"). No artist has been in my ear and influenced my prayer life, singing and communion with God more than you. (A few close seconds, but not first.) Thank you Uncle Fred 🙋🏾‍♀️🥹💜. Can't wait to hear more :D

Mr. Hammond, my Dad use to play Fred Hammond, and The Winans, and Commissioned all the time growing up. After I left home I never really listened to gospel again, until maybe a couple years ago. And MAN, did it take me down memory lane lol, it's not just the message that is given through all your guy's music for me, but also that feeling of reminiscing growing up running around my parents house and hearing all this great gospel playing throughout the house. It reminds me of my Dad, waking up in the morning having a cup of coffee and bobbing his head to the music and trying to sing like ya'll lol. It's so much more to me then just The Lords message, it's love comfort, good times with my Dad growing. I appreciate all the memories all you guys have given me. Love ya'll

Thank you Pastor Hammond for blessing us with this!

What an incredible start to your career. You’re one of my absolute favorite artists of all time. Thanks for letting God use you. The artist backstory is also a favorite part of the artists history and the way you illustrated this story made me feel like I was in the room 👏🏾🫶🏾. Definitely looking forward to you telling us more.

Nice pod cast, I'm an up and comming bass player, I've struggled since 1996, to play, most of my issues centered around trying to connect with seasoned, and well respected musicians, having experiencing, criticizing, rejection, and intense discouragement from them, was very devastating in my quest for this craft that I loved, I've quit and revived so many times over the years, I thought that my position was unique, so I took it exstreamly personal, but hearing how you had overcome some of the same attacks, and did it at your level, with no anger, bitterness towards anyone, and possessing a dog gone determination to maintain, was an eye opener, inspiring review for me, I believe I can do this, thanx for your testimony.

Thank you Fred Hammond for all of the sacrifices you've made in your obedience to God's call. Thank you for sharing and I look forward to hearing more of your testimony. I am sure it has not always been roses and sunshine but God! He certainly knows how to turn things around for our good.

Fred Hammond you r absolutely one of my favorite favorite Gospel Singer your music have brought me through some difficult times. In those times I went to bed with your music on repeat and got up and continued refreshing my spirit. Thank you God for this gift you have given to us in the body of Christ.🙏🏽

My favorite artist since childhood!!!!! I remember seeing yall at convention center in Memphis commissioned.

Absolutely love youuu Fred Hammond…. Your albums moves me, wish there was still old skool gospel concerts… we NEED IT!

I didn't even know he started as a bass player or performed with the Winans. Fred Hammond has been a gift tl the body and I am glad that God elevated him for that reason.

Fred. You are my absolute favorite Inspirational Singer/Artist 😍 😍😍

That was Great. I enjoyed Story time with Uncle Fred. This is much needed info for these young kids. I'm 56yrs old and been in the television industry for over 37yrs out here in So. Cali. I tell my 14yr old son "It's a process" it's not an overnight thing, it's a daily walk. Look forward to more insight and great stories on how those classic song came about and would love to hear/see member from the classic years and albums

Hi Fred, I'd love for you to do a video about your bass playing, your sound, and what qualities you look for in your instruments and equipment. That would be sweet. Great story BTW.

Experiencing moments with my Gospel icon, Fred Hammond, during his South Africa tour in the mid-2000s, both as a cherished fan and as an ENG audio operator on the tour bus, continues to fill my heart with gratitude to this day.

I just adore Fred Hammond! His songwriting, his musicianship, the groups he has been apart of, and his encouraging content!! His legacy is AMAZING!! 🎼🎸😀 My great Friend John Aaron Phillips (rest in peace) introduced me to his music back in the 80’s. 🎸😀. I have been a fan ever since.

Thank You for encouraging His body by sharing this story... your persistence ... what an encouragement. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Fred you are my favorite gospel artist. God even used your music to save my life when I was in ICU for 3 months. I pray for you always. Thank you for sharing this story. I am looking forward to the next chapter. Blessings MOG ❤️‍🔥

Thank you for sharing this. You are truly made of music, but your superpower was persistence, optimism, and inner drive. Thank you. Thank you Sir, brother. Wow! Thank you and may God bless you for sharing this! I was blessed by this so very much.

Thank you so much for sharing! As someone who was born a raised listening to these records it’s so amazing to hear the stories from behind the scenes! Please do continue to share! God Bless 🙏🏾🎹

Mr Hammond I've been following you for over 30 years and you have never failed me yet you are a Gospel Genius ❤❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

Great video Brother Fred! This is history man! What a great way to share it and keep it documented. Thanks for all the years of inspiration and fire. All by Him, and all for Him! God bless.

I was waiting for something like this! Man, Fred Hammond . Awesome! His music changed me forever.

Heard your awesome music the first time in 1997 and was discouraged for a month. But the sound won't let me be. I had to take out time to listen again and again to the point of the tape cutting off and I'd fix it and continue. It's been a journey learning from you all these years. You have blessed me forever sir. 😢🎉. I'm now a blessing to my own community. Thank you.

We thank God for you Fred 💯🙏❤.....God has used you in a way that words can't express. Many have been delivered and saved through use gift of ministry.... Your music has carried me through many circumstances ❤

Love your work. Appreciate what you do! Thank You for sharing this story.

I have been listening to Fred Hammond for so many years. I had no idea that he had to go through what he did to get to where he is today. Fred Hammond I thank God for your journey. I am not much of a musician but I am very familiar with a struggle and hustle. Keep on keeping on Uncle Fred

I didn’t watch this video yet but I just wanted to share how I grew up hearing your music from adults as a boy (currently 30) but I recently discovered it on my own. Your music has blessed me so much since living on my own. Thank you so much for letting the Holy Spirit use you. I know you probably hear this so much but I genuinely pray and Thank God for you. Who knew that you’d turn into my favorite artist! 🥹

We the Kingdom of God, loves this Kingdom Servant Fred Hammond! Continued blessings throughout his stay here. Amen 🙏🏿 and Amen!

Enjoyed listening to this and I love all things Fred Hammond!! 😊🙌 Thanks so much for sharing with us and being such an inspiration to us!! Looking forward to much more!! 🙏💞

Bra listen you are my favorite gospel singer hands down. It’s an honor just to say hello. I was fresh out of treatment back in 2001-2002. I heard Radical for Christ Album. Give me a Clean Heart bra. Saved my life. Man thank you

Your music came into my life in my teens and a church band was covering "Running Back to You" God used your music to bring me into His Kingdom. To God be the Glory! Thank you sir for obeying thr Call

Fred Hammond my idol. I have been largely influenced and deeply touched and blessed by ur music. Ur pattern of singing is far reaching. U r a great gift from God. I hope that some day I will meet u one on one. May the Lord keep u and protect u and keep increasing u. I am happy to know that u r still standing on ur feet and making mind blowing gospel music. Keep flying and keep it loud Master Musician

Love your music and very interested in hearing your stories

You glorify the Lord in a way that is significant to the music industry. Unlike any other, your voice comes through clearly singing acapella inside of my head at the most random times. There is no pause or stop button. I just sit back and listen to the free concert! 😂🥰

Thank you so ❤❤❤ Mr Uncle Fred. You have ALWAYS been and will always be my favorite Gospel singer/ Group 😍

Hello Fred H., What a Great Story. 💯 I remember the first Winans album I had asked my mom to purchase for me in Memphis, Tennessee during one of the COGIC Conventions. I was a teenager in the early 80's. I remember the sound... It Was Amazing and so Different than any other gospel record I had heard. At that time, I listened to several of the greats: Andre Crouch, the Hawkins family, James Cleveland and others. I was wayward at the time and was also listening to various other secular artist: Cameo, Rick James, Gap Band, The Isely Brothers... & also the Classics. I am not bashing secular music. Some of it is good work. Just telling my story. 😊 But, the Winans I heard on that day, on the sidewalk, playing stopped me in my tracks, and I knew I had to have that album. I did not know who they were, but I wanted to hear more! Gospel was evolving and Contemporary Gospel was revolutionizing the traditional black sound and blazing forward!!! NEXT... came Fred Hammond with "Commissioned". "Thank You Jesus!" THEN... "Oh my Lord" Fred, you went Solo...the rest is history!❤ Fred Hammond your gift to us has been and is phenomenal 🙌. Praise God through all of our storms yours and ours, your gift kept flowing multi-dimensionally!💯 I have followed the Winans family and Fred Hammond for decades. Their brand has never let us down❗️ The Fred Hammond Brand represents in my opinion: ~Quality, Relevance, Originality, Style, Sincere Worship, Ministry, God-loving, God-honoring, Great Sound, Restoration, and Empowerment‼️❤~ Thank You For Answering The Call. You are a True Psalmist to the world! 💎 🙏

Wow. What a cool story !! I didn't know you played bass for The Winans before Commissioned. What a journey. To see your persistence and not giving up and being discouraged. Because you waited on God while you did your part, God opened the door on your favor !

I really enjoyed hearing about your journey! Looking forward to your future videos! ❤

Thanks for sharing your story, Uncle Fred. I have been listening to you for 25+ years now, and you have influenced and blessed my life!

i love this episode!! keep going you are one of my favorite gospel singers you raised me musical and thankyou for being an inspiration to me as a aspiring singer/songwriter keep these videos coming and please come back to Miami, FL!!!! I would love to see you in concert Always ❤ -Eprell

I love you Fred! You are my favorite gospel artist and have been since Commissioned. Your contribution to gospel music is respected and appreciated!

I really enjoy listening to you story. I'm a really big fan of the Winans, my father always had me listening to them. God bless you amen.

I grew up in church and there was a time when I was living a carnal life. I would always skip over “Running Back To You” because it was convicting. But one day I let it play and sure enough I came running back to God. Recently there was a song that had me in full worship but I can’t remember what song. But that’s the thing I always appreciated about Commissioned…the songs were always rooted in the word! And I think I wore Persuaded OUT!! Matter of fact, I’m about to go jam that RAT now!!

Just an amazing story, Unc! The Winans are real trailblazers. I can see why and how your Gift is so impactful. To me, you are among the greatest male vocalist in Gospel music. I love you man. Thank you for giving your talent to all of us 🧡

What an amazing story!! AND a testament to the fact that you have to be ready, so you don’t have to get ready!! Love this, and thank you so much for this!

Love the stories….love LOVE Fred Hammond, Commissioned and all the Winans!

Love you Fred! Great bio story! Hope to see you again! If you're going to be in the Bay Area again, mainly Concord CA, please let me know!

WOW what a beautiful God filled stories😀I absolutely Love you Fred!!!! ! Have to admit that you are my ALL TIME FAVORITE CRUSH🤗😊 I Prayerfully wish that you WILL MEND ALL the fences with your daughter🙏🙏🙏🙏 GOD bless you and your family! Your Biggest And NUMBER ONE FAN Mimi ❤

Time well spent!! This is treasure… I loooooove the back stories. Please keep ‘em coming bro. My husband is going to have a fit!! Like so many that had singing groups….He looked at Commissioned as the blueprint. I didn’t get hip till 1997 with the Radicals but I been ridin ever since. At 2 my daughter knew the entire Spirit of David album… add libs, and all cause I played it that much. That album walked me thru so much. God knows… continued blessings 🙏😊

That's just awesome. great video Fred.I still would still love to know why the Winans fired the previous bassist (probably the greatest gospel bass player on the planet).

You took me back with that one .... especially the Fenkell Greenfield sign (lived on Grandville). Loved this story!

Thank you for sharing this gem with us! As a Detroiter I had to giggle when you referenced the lil dude on the polar bear statue at Northland. Everyone wouldn't pick that up. Lol you for real hometeam Detroit!!✊🏾

This was an awesome video and I look forward to many more! I will continue to pray for you and your journey God is taking you on!!

Thank you so much! By the washing machine and the dryer! Powerful, anointed, engaging and humorous!

Awesome History, Mr. Fred. This A Book that needs to be written for the next generation. Thanks For Sharing.

I've loved you Fred and Commission AND the Winans for YEEEEARS! 👏👏👏❤❤❤

Love your story. ❤ I love how you allowed yourself that -God slaying if you will(in that moment). Because he had that door opened anyway. That’s my hope and take away!❤

Good morning king Frederick Hammond it's wonderful to see you I pray your strength in the Lord while you go through your process of your videos much love your biggest fan Jacquelyn Renee White 👑🌹🦅🎤💜💜💜💜💜💜💜

This has blessed me sooooo much. Your steps have definitely been ordered. That Winans family will bless your soul by example. Pop Winans was nooooooo joke.

WOW. THANKS FOR SHARING BRO FRED HAMMOND. YOUR MUSIC IS OFF THE HOOK. I TEACH MY STUDENTS NO WEAPON ALL OF THE TIME. MAY GOD BLESS YOU. TIM KIMBROUGH. GOSPEL ORGAN PIANO LESSONS AND BOOKS OF MD

Like a lot of the the comments I've been on the Fred Hammond / commission train for years a lot of great memories and healing through their songs especially Draw nigh so much emotions in that song it still ministers to me every time I hear it. Looking forward to more of this. Vrm

Thank you Mr. Fred! Nice to hear about your start with the Winans. Continue to walk in the favor of God!

There are not many gospel artists that touch somewhere deep in our souls like the music that God placed in you for the world to hear🙌 Fred Hammond! You are that light! I'm 66 and I still listen to your music to lift my spirits as Iife is taking place! The words to any song of yours exudes the Love of Christ! It gives encouragement to never let go in spite of life taking place! God Bless you Fred Hammond 🙏 🙌 ❤️

Fred Hammond one of my favorite bass players. I'm in tears about watching this podcast. I been playing for 25 yrs and I'm still learning on how to be a better musician and become a awesome gig player someday. I been turn down so many times that I decided to not face my peers who asked me again to play for them. You really helped me by saying that you practice by listening to a lot of great music and the opportunity will reveal itself for you. You really blessed another bass player of Tyrone Cathey from Memphis, TN. Thanks for this podcast

I grew up listening to the windings and the Hawkins family music and then commission came out🎉🎉❤💜

What a blessing! God places you in the right place at the right time.. timing is everything

Dope. FH you were a staple in my household and childhood! Ur a big reason why I write and play music the way I do! Bless you dawg! Buz

...to have been a fly on the wall in those different rooms! 🙌🏾

One of the best gospel artists of all time Fred Hammond!!!! 😃

Yes, Fred telling your experiences, it's beautiful. I can hear what you have to say because you tout me the WORD by your songs. I grew up with the Winans and you. Don't you be deceived. Don't you listen to the devil No. Wow, Fred those days were the best for me I was a Newborn baby Christian still attached by my ambiĺica cord. Love you.

You are the best!! Nice to see you!! Love your music!!

My favorite Gospel Singer ever. Love you and all your Music. Mr. Fred Hammond❤❤❤❤

Love from Ia . Had the pleasure to play for Commission first album in Memphis , Tenn during COGIC Convocation. Love ya !

Hello Fred, very interesting the way you first started your ministry even till this day I’ve been joy your ministry of music and wish you blessings that will always inspire your calling in the gospel industry.

Love you Fred❤ thanks for sharing

"a man's gifts maketh room for him"....and persistence 👊🏾💯❤️

You got me through my worst nightmare . My son fought stage four brain cancer. We played your songs through the journey. Sadly my son passed away six days after his 34th birthday. We love you. Please keep sharing your gifts with us.🫶🏽🙏🏾🙌🏽

This was great, Fred! Thanks for sharing these and more stories with us!

❤❤❤❤❤LOVE your music since salvation in March 1993!!! Your story is amazing and looking forward to many more.... JUST SUBSCRIBED

Commissioned will always be my go 2, when I wanna hear the "Word of GOD" n song. When I received salvation n the late 80's, & couldn't pick up my Bible, I would listen 2 Commissioned. Their music kept me grounded. Then, later I got n2 The Winan's music. Never realized they were tied 2gether w/ history. Their music still have the same effect 2day! Even more than some of the current gospel music 2day. 🎵🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎼🎵

Hello Our brother in Christ Jesus! We are 2 of your greatest fans. Whatever you sing it’s great. Much deliverance came from Purpose of Design🙌🏾🙌🏾 old school😂😂. I think that will be our close out bed songs for tonight😊.

What an inspiration & encouragement you are to many. I pray that God continues to use you in a mighty way, in Jesus' Name, amen.

I don’t know how to explain it, but this was awesome. I love how you tells the story I pulled up your other videos, hoping there were more stories. I can’t wait to hear the next. God bless you my brother keep on being you.🙏🏽😅🙏🏽🙏🏽

That was SUCH a blessing to hear that story and so inspiring. I have NO desire to become a professional musician. Suddenly I feel like becoming a professional bass player now! LOL - I'll continue to resist. It was such a blessing, thank you so much for sharing. Praise God! In Jesus's Name. Because He deserves all glory and honour. Just thought that I'd add that because it's true.

I’m so excited to continue to watch this !

Wow such an amazing journey, an Fred your spirit is truly welcoming . Thank you for sharing I could only hope my journey is as amazing ❤

My brother in Christ. What took you sooo long. You know you are adored, loved, blessed and anointed. We've been waiting to get to know you. Finally! Can't wait for the next episode. Stay Blessed.🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Hello brother Fred, hope all is well with you. I enjoyed the story about how you started, I tried to search less than a decade ago but couldn't find much but, that was an inspiring story that you told but, I know you said that you would reveal more. I can almost remember like it was yesterday back in 2003 on Sunday morning watching "Lift Every Voice" when I first discovered you and the 2 songs that they played, one at the first half of the program and the second in the second half of the program. I was blown away, went out and bought the CD that month and the others that followed down through the years. Wow your voice is like multiple legendary R&B artists from the 70's-90's. I think you were the best to ever do it in this genre especially for those like me who need the Lord ever day of the week not just Sunday. Anyway listening to your songs comforted my heart and mind going through so much since 2003, but I give all the glory to the Lord for blessing you with a talent that helped me through a lonely and scary road. I wanted to do what you do but I know that was not my calling, what was my calling the Lord had to send the enemy to make me get where I needed to be and it took a few years but the Lord never allowed me to cry when I wanted to cry (not that I am a tough guy but I empty me out to wait on Him to fill me up to fight spiritually) and some pain came. The Lord laid my calling on me in my dreams but I didn't think I had the confidence so the Lord put the confidence in me and I thank God all the time because He could have called me home in a bad way (at that time a lot of brothers were getting stokes and I could have easily been one of them). In this stage of my life the Lord is calling me to do something that I always wanted to do but no one would show me how but, I realized now that the Lord has given me the tools and has shown me also how He has establishing what type of approach I should take. I'm going to need some new songs haha!! just kidding but, I have been listening to you and "Commission" this past spring and summer on RU-vid. Sorry for all of this long text but, this is the only platform that I can express how grateful I am to have the Lord to tune me in to you as a gospel artist in a time when hip-hop was taking off but, when LGBT started to infiltrate hip-hop and mainstream, I left mainstream music alone and enjoyed the praise music of yourself and a few others. I look forward to watching your upcoming podcast. Take care of yourself brother Fred!!

This is a beautiful story 👏🏾 priceless 🎉❤ and look at you now such a beautiful journey

Man.. an iconic journey story. Serious due paying and playing along the way that made you the beast you are my Apostolic brother. Love you so much man in Jesus name.

I love it! LookIng forward to Worship Live. 😊

Loved this! Keep ‘em coming! I hope worship live is coming to California !

Thanks 4 the back story, Fred. U r still one of the realest! One love / Respect

Fred!! Love these stories! Log as many as you can. Still your own story. A lot of jewels, lessons, and wisdom for musicians and people in general. Please continue to share. Blessings!!

Thank you for sharing Uncle Fred!!! Keep it coming.

Thank you for sharing with us how to be prepared for God to move, ahead of time!🙏🏽🙌🏾

Love this Podcast already!.....I'm am here for it all....FRED HAMMOND ❤❤❤❤