Ricky Dillard is a man who never stops. He is constantly moving.
The mega gospel star has recently assumed leadership as minister of music at Ebenezer A.M.E. church in Washington, D.C. His ninth album, Amazing, just earned a Grammy nomination, while its first single (the title track) recently became the longest running No. 1 song on gospel radio this decade. Beyond that, Dillard is constantly working and traveling despite his earlier diagnosis of sarcoidosis.
“Amazing” is your highly successful ninth album. Congratulations! How and why did you choose the theme “Amazing?”
Beginning in 2012, my life went through a series of transitions that took me into a downward spiral with my thoughts and emotions. I was beginning to become very disillusioned by negativity and judgmental comments that had been thrown my way. I was ready to give up, and thought that – perhaps – my season had ended.
During this period, I started hearing messages about grace from pastors Carlton Pearson, Joseph Prince and Creflo Dollar. These messages transformed me and set me free. I was freed from the fear, insecurity and intimidation that were weighing me down. I was astounded by the authentic truth of God’s grace, and I had to put all that was revealed to me in the context of my new project. That is why the project is titled Amazing, because God’s grace is just so amazing. When I really began studying the message of Grace, it was so profound to me. No matter how many times I may have failed God, He would never leave me nor forsake me. Never, ever — and this set me free. It was amazing to me.
You were diagnosed with sarcoidosis. How have you been able to manage this life-changing autoimmune system disease?
Since I was diagnosed with sarcordoisis and was treated, I haven’t experienced any health issues whatsoever. So, I credit the victory at this juncture to the grace of God. I was treated for 3-4 months after my diagnosis and I have been 100 percent healthy ever since. I thank God for the discovery of what was afflicting me and the treatment I received. By his stripes I am now healed!
You are in DC now. Have you noticed a big difference in ministry locations—Midwest v. Atlantic coast?
Chicago is HOME. Chicago is always home and I will always be connected to Chicago because my ministry is based there. My residence is now in Washington, D.C. because of the assignment God has given me with Ebenzer A.M.E. Church. I am forever grateful to all of the pastors, musicians, singers, etc. in Chicago who have taught me everything that I know today, which I now get to specifically share with the faith community in Washington. I have been charged with ushering in the presence of God at Ebenezer in a way that will make that church the greatest there is in the DMV, and I take my assignment seriously.
Now, as far as the biggest difference I’ve observed, I would say D.C. is a little more reserved than Chicago. This is actually refreshing because the people in D.C. just don’t get overly excited about much – so you can go there and do what you do in a very unassuming way. Chicago is a little more exuberant about new experiences and new people. I do love being in D.C. – the city really nurtured me back to good spiritual health. I am experiencing my own personal revival here, and find myself excited about ministry again.
In your 25 plus years of making music, what has been your most memorable moment; what is a moment that you would like to see happen the near future?
My most memorable moment is when I was first entering into this journey and I had the honor of ministering at the Silver Anniversary of Dr. Charles G. Hayes. On the concert that evening was Dr. Hayes’ choir, Walter Hawkins and the Love Fellowship Choir and Ricky Dillard and New G. That performance was in tandem with my first release “THE PROMISE.” We did a dance that became very popular (the electric slide). That performance was in 1991 and I was crucified for it! Fortunately, I was blessed to tour mostly around the world the remainder of that year, and when I returned to perform in Chicago, it was for the one-year anniversary of New G. It was definitely a full-circle moment and one of my greatest memories. I was just nominated for a Grammy, and the moment I am looking forward to happening is winning the Grammy this year!
