Frederick Hammond Biography: Religion, Ethnicity, Children, Songs, Parents, Age, Height, Awards, Marriage

Frederick William Hammond, known professionally as Fred Hammond, is an American gospel singer, bass guitarist, songwriter, and record producer.

He rose to prominence as the founder and leader of the pioneering urban gospel group Commissioned in the 1980s before launching a successful solo career that has spanned more than four decades.

Hammond is widely celebrated for blending contemporary R&B rhythms with powerful gospel messages, earning him multiple Grammy Awards, Stellar Awards, and recognition as one of the genre’s most innovative voices and worship leaders.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Frederick William Hammond
• Stage Name: Fred Hammond
• Born: 27 December 1960
• Age: 65 years old
• Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Gospel Singer, Bass Player, Songwriter, Record Producer
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mildred Hammond, Bishop Charles Watkins
• Siblings: Ray Hammond, Dave Hammond
• Spouse: Kim Hammond (m. 1986–2004)
• Children: BreeAnn Hammond, Darius Hammond
• Relationship: Divorced
• Net Worth: $500,000

Early Life and Education

Frederick William Hammond was born on December 27, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan, United States.

He was raised by his mother, Mildred Hammond, a musician who encouraged his early interest in music by purchasing instruments for him, including a bass guitar he played in church.

His father was Bishop Charles Watkins, a gospel artist and Pentecostal bishop who passed away in the early 1990s. Siblings include brothers Ray Hammond and Dave Hammond.

Hammond grew up immersed in church music from a young age, singing in the choir and developing his skills as a bassist.

Details about formal higher education remain limited, as his training came primarily through hands-on experience in church and local gospel scenes.

His ethnicity is African American, and his religion is Christian.

Career

Frederick William Hammond began his career in the early 1980s when he founded the gospel group Commissioned in Detroit.

The ensemble blended urban contemporary sounds with traditional gospel, quickly gaining attention for its fresh approach.

Hammond served as lead vocalist, bassist, and primary songwriter, helping the group release several influential albums that resonated with younger audiences and established him as a key figure in modern gospel music.

His work with Commissioned laid the foundation for his reputation as an innovator who brought rhythmic energy and heartfelt worship to the genre.

After leaving Commissioned in the mid-1990s, Hammond transitioned to a solo career with the 1991 release of I Am Persuaded.

He founded his own production company, Face to Face, and later signed with Verity Records.

Over the years, he released numerous acclaimed albums, collaborated with artists like Radical for Christ, and produced projects for others while continuing to perform as a bassist and worship leader.

His music emphasized themes of faith, trust, and personal testimony, earning him widespread acclaim and millions of album sales combined with his group work.

Fred Hammond has left a lasting legacy as a Grammy-winning artist whose influence extends across generations in gospel music.

Albums such as Love Unstoppable, I Will Trust, and the 2024 release Time Capsule – The Trilogy (with Keith Staten and Marcus Cole) showcase his enduring creativity and commitment to ministry through song.

He has sold millions of records, mentored upcoming artists, and maintained a strong presence in live worship settings and recordings that continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @realfredh
• Facebook Handle: therealfredhammondfanpage
• Twitter Handle: @RealFredHammond

Personal Life

Frederick William Hammond was married to Kim Hammond from 1986 until their divorce in 2004 after 18 years together.

The couple share two children, BreeAnn Hammond and Darius Hammond, who have occasionally appeared on his recordings.

He resides in Cedar Hill, Texas, and maintains a life centered on family, ministry, and his deep commitment to gospel music as an expression of worship.

Discography

With Commissioned:

Multiple albums including early releases that defined urban gospel (exact titles span the 1980s–1990s)

Solo and collaborative highlights:

• I Am Persuaded (1991), Love Unstoppable (2009), I Will Trust (2014), Sunday Morning Fred (2021), Time Capsule – The Trilogy (2024 with Keith Staten and Marcus Cole)

Other notable projects:

• Works with Radical for Christ, United Tenors, and various live worship recordings

Net Worth

Frederick William Hammond has an estimated net worth of $500,000.

His financial success stems primarily from decades of album sales exceeding millions of units combined with Commissioned and solo work, live performances, songwriting, production deals through Face to Face Productions, and his long-standing role as a leading figure in gospel music ministry.