Ricky Dillard Biography: Ethnicity, Parents, Songs, Net Worth, Awards, Age, Partner, Religion

Ricky Rydell Dillard, is an American gospel singer, songwriter, choir director, and worship leader.

He is widely known for his dynamic choir work with Ricky Dillard & New G, delivering high-energy live recordings and hits such as “Victory,” “Amazing,” and “When I Think.”

A veteran of the gospel scene for nearly four decades, he has earned multiple Stellar Awards, Dove Awards, and several Grammy nominations while maintaining a strong presence in traditional and contemporary gospel music.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Ricky Rydell Dillard
• Stage Name: Ricky Dillard
• Born: 25 February 1965
• Age: 61 years old
• Birthplace: Chicago Heights, Illinois, United States
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Choir Director, Worship Leader
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Dorothy Dillard
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $6 million

Early Life and Education

Ricky Rydell Dillard was born on February 25, 1965, in Chicago Heights, Illinois.

He grew up in a gospel-rich household influenced by his mother Dorothy Dillard and his grandmother, who instilled in him a deep love for church music from a very young age. Siblings are not publicly detailed.

At age five he began directing the junior choir at St. Bethel Baptist Church in Chicago Heights and later formed the first gospel choir at Bloom Township High School, from which he graduated in 1984.

He attended Columbia College in Chicago for a short time but left to focus fully on music ministry.

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

Career

Ricky Dillard started his professional music career in 1987 after gaining early experience in Chicago house music and church choirs.

He joined the late Milton Brunson’s Thompson Community Singers and quickly made a name for himself as a talented choir director and vocalist.

His first gospel album, Promise, came out in 1991 on Muscle Shoals Records and earned a Grammy nomination, followed by successful releases such as A Holy Ghost Take-Over and Hallelujah on Malaco Records.

He formed his own group, Ricky Dillard & New G (New Generation), which became known for powerful live recordings that captured the spirit of traditional church worship with high energy and precision.

Albums like No Limit, Unplugged… The Way Church Used To Be, and Amazing delivered chart success and signature hits that resonated across gospel audiences.

His work earned him Stellar Awards Hall of Fame induction, multiple Dove Awards, and consistent Billboard gospel chart placements.

Ricky Dillard released Choirmaster in 2020, Breakthrough: The Exodus in 2022, and Choirmaster II in 2024.

He continues to lead his choir, record new music, and serve in worship ministry, maintaining his legacy as one of gospel music’s most respected choir masters and a bridge between classic and modern sounds.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @rickydillard
• Facebook Handle: RickyDillardMusic
• Twitter Handle: @rickydillard

Personal Life

Ricky Dillard is currently single. He has no children.

Discography

• Promise (1991)
• A Holy Ghost Take-Over (1993)
• Hallelujah (1995)
• Worked It Out (1996)
• No Limit (2000)
• Unplugged… The Way Church Used To Be (2004)
• 7th Episode: Live in Toronto (2007)
• 10 (Live) (2017)
• Amazing (2014)
• Choirmaster (2020)
• Breakthrough: The Exodus (Live) (2022)
• Choirmaster II (Live) (2024)
• Sweet, Sweet Spirit (2026)

Net Worth

Ricky Dillard has an estimated net worth of $6 million.

His financial success comes primarily from gospel album sales and streaming, live performances and choir tours, worship ministry engagements, songwriting royalties, and long-standing work in the gospel music industry.