With several Top 10 albums and general crossover respect in the music industry, Deitrick Haddon is among the most popular artists in the gospel genre.
At age 37, the Grammy nominated and Stellar Award winning singer has already achieved the kind of success that artists who have been in music ministry for decades dream of.
However, Haddon, an artist with the Indianapolis-based Tyscot label, has never been one to settle for conventional goals. He has always strived to think outside of the box, and aimed to reach greater heights.
That is how the Detroit native recently achieved his goal of releasing the film, “Blessed & Cursed.” The movie, released this summer along with a soundtrack, has made history as the first produced by a gospel music recording company.
“I hope people enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it,” Haddon said. “I hope it touches them where they are, and they walk away with a sense of purpose and a sense of pride in the church. We brought up important issues faced by many people in the church.”
“Blessed & Cursed” has been described as a modern interpretation of the biblical story of David and Saul.
“I was studying the story of Saul and David and the dynamics within their relationship,” Haddon said. “This movie just opened up to me.”
Haddon plays the lead role in an all-star cast that also includes Karen Clark-Sheard, Kierra Sheard, J. Moss, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Rance Allen, Bobby Jones and Haddon’s wife, Damita.
Haddon’s character, Dwight Hawkins, is the son of a struggling pastor who must choose between helping his family and his dreams of superstardom. He is given the opportunity to serve as a music minister at the city’s largest church, but gets caught up in a shady scheme organized by the church’s pastor.
“I grew up in the church and unfortunately it wasn’t all great experiences,” said Haddon, who is the son of a bishop. “I feel this movie will be a witnessing tool to win people back into the church.”
Haddon, who made his debut with the vocal group Voices of Unity in 1997, is known for his exciting brand of music, which blends sounds of classic R&B, hip-hop, funk and traditional praise and worship. His most popular songs include “Sinner’s Prayer,” “God Is Good” and “Heaven Knows.”
Haddon’s film release is not the first time he has taken his ministry outside conventional expectations.
In 2004, he became one of the first contemporary gospel artists to appear on the long running television series Soul Train. In 2006, he and Damita launched the 85 South Gospel Street Show on the Word Network, which features many notable gospel music artists.
Now Haddon, who also serves as a pastor at Detroit’s Unity Cathedral of Faith, is far from finished. He has already begun production on another film entitled “Gospel Street.”
“It’s going to be to gospel music what ‘Krush Groove’ was to hip-hop,” said Haddon, referring to the 1985 film that showcased legendary rappers such as LL Cool J, Run DMC, The Fat Boys and Kurtis Blow. “God has blessed me to have 10 films in the works.”
“Blessed & Cursed” and its soundtrack are available where DVD’s are sold.
You can e-mail comments to Brandon Perry at Brandon-recorder@indy.rr.com.
