In an interview with Premier Gospel Hammond shared that whilst he is celebrated for his singing voice and musical skills, his greatest gift is the anointing to help people. I love to see people grow. I love pouring into folk Im a coach. When I was in the military, I was very leader oriented I always wanted to see people make it, he said. Hammond was pivotal in launching the careers of Dawkins & Dawkins, Marvin Sapp, Joann Rosario, Aaron Lindsey, Christina Bell and Israel Houghton and continues to take new talent under his wings.

Reflecting on his divorce, Hammond said: It was one of those things that I let drive me to be better. My divorce wasnt caused by me doing crazy stuff. I just didnt know how to be a good husband. I wasnt responsible with money.  My wife left me for 3 weeks in the early years of our marriage. When the marriage broke the second time I held on as long as I could... but I just wasnt strong enough to hold on to something that was pulling away from me. There was a power struggle in the home and I was only so strong...I made sure that after the wreckage I never put our business out in the street and made sure they (family) had a safe place to land.

Speaking of his first experience at Princes Paisley Park studio, Hammond chuckled saying : " We walked in speaking in tongues because we thought the devil was gonna get us." Visiting Flyte Time and Paisley Park helped shape my music operations, he added.

It would be impossible to have a career as long as Hammonds without experiencing some type of rejection. Hammond cites losing out on a Tramaine Hawkins gig as one of his most embarrassing experiences to date. Sharing his secret to bouncing back from rejection, Hammond quotes Isaiah 40:31 They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, adding that the definition of patience, is the ability to remain the same while you wait.

Written by Akosua Dwomo-Fokuo, Premier Gospel Presenter

Watch the full interview here:

This Saturday gospel heavy weight Fred Hammond is set to air his virtual play "Surviving Williams," to a global audience. Unbeknown to many, the multifaceted star known for his extensive music catalogue has been quietly honing his writing and stage directing skills for almost two decades.