Photographer, Patrick L. Pyszka.
Choirmaster and Chicago native Ricky Dillard returned home on Saturday, July 25th, with New G (New Generation Chorale) for a powerful celebration of gospel music, ministry and longevity at the 2026 Chicago Gospel Music Festival in Millennium Park.
Before taking the stage on Saturday, Dillard spoke with the Chicago Defender about what it meant to return to his hometown and reconnect with a publication that supported him during the early years of his career.
“I will never forget the Chicago Defender because, throughout my career, they have always written stories about me; the publication has always presented me, especially in my early years” stated, Dillard
For Dillard, participating in the festival was more than another performance. He shared with me that returning to Chicago felt like an emotional homecoming because the city has witnessed his entire journey. After being away from Gospel Fest for several years, he was grateful to receive the invitation. He also expressed how excited he and New G were to minister, perform, and celebrate 38 years together.
Celebrating 38 Years of New G
This year, the acclaimed gospel choir is celebrating 38 years of music and ministry, marking nearly four decades of achievement, perseverance, spiritual growth and musical excellence.
Following the Chicago Gospel Music Festival, the celebration continued with a 38th Anniversary Pop-Up Concert at Greater New Birth Church in Milwaukee.
“We want to celebrate the storms, the rain and then the sunshine,” Dillard said. “This is what God can do when you hang in there. If you give up, you’re not going to see what His plan is for your life.”
He added that the celebration is also a testament to the choir’s determination to remain committed to its purpose.
“We conquered. We survived. The enemy threw a whole lot of darts and ammunition at us, but we are still here. We found out that no weapon formed against us would prosper.”
From a Childhood Passion to Choirmaster
Dillard’s passion for choir music began during his childhood. His mother introduced him to Aretha Franklin and the Rev. James Cleveland’s Southern California Community Choir landmark gospel album, “Amazing Grace.”
“I played it all the time until it was scratched all over,” he recalled.
As Dillard became involved in church choirs, concerts, musicals and church fellowships, he began to recognize his own calling. By the 10th grade, he had organized his first high school gospel choir.
In 1980, he attended a rehearsal during a music conference at the Conrad Hilton Hotel here in Chicago. There, he watched pioneering gospel choir director Dr. Mattie Moss Clark teach.
“I learned how to distribute music parts by watching Dr. Mattie Moss Clark and sitting in her class,” Dillard said. “That’s how I started teaching choirs.”
After high school, Dillard brought singers together for a benefit concert supporting a church building fund. That gathering became the foundation for the New Generation Chorale, now widely known as New G.
“The Lord spoke to my heart one day and said that I could organize the choir I had always been dreaming about. That was our journey in 1988. We organized New G, and she has been going ever since.”
Bringing Hope Back Home
With 15 albums in the group’s catalog, Dillard approached the Chicago Gospel Music Festival as an opportunity to revisit New G’s musical journey from 1988 to the present.
“We can’t do every song, but I’m going through the journey from 1988 until now,” he said before the performance. “I’m going to walk through the songs and give them some of those songs from then and now.”
More importantly, Dillard wanted the performance to offer hope and encouragement to those experiencing uncertainty and hardship.
“I want to uplift those who come so that when they leave that area and go back to their various walks, homes and lifestyles, they know that God has their back. I want to make sure the songs we minister bring joy, hope, restoration and a future.”
Throughout its history, New G has also become more than a choir. Dillard describes it as a family, a safe space and a place where members can discover their purpose.
Some former and current members have gone on to establish ministries, choirs and musical groups. Others have become recording artists, pastors, musicians, writers, doctors, lawyers and political leaders.
Recognition Beyond the Stage
Throughout his career, Dillard and New G have received numerous awards and honors, including Stellar and Dove Awards, lifetime achievement recognition and honorary doctorates. Dillard has also received congressional and White House acknowledgments.
“There’s nothing more encouraging and inspiring than to be acknowledged for the work that God gives you to do. People acknowledge that work, celebrate that work and are inspired and changed because of that work.”
Although he is grateful for the honors, Dillard’s message to aspiring singers, musicians, writers and artists remains focused on purpose, patience and perseverance.
“Make your calling and election sure that this is where you are supposed to be and that this is what you are supposed to be doing,” he advised. “Secondly, see yourself there. See yourself moving into the journey. Thirdly, stay the course.”
What’s Next for Ricky Dillard and New G
Dillard and New G’s schedule will remain busy throughout the rest of the year. In September, Dillard plans to release a live edition of “Sweet, Sweet Spirit,” his jazz-gospel collaboration with legendary bassist Ron Carter. The original studio album was released in February.
The live project will include bonus tracks and performance videos. Dillard and New G are also preparing for a 15-city tour scheduled to run from late September through October.
The group will attend the Stellar Awards and could also participate in the Dove Awards later this year.
“We’re moving out to complete the rest of the year with a heavy schedule. “We’re looking to meet those who love us, love what we do, and want to be in a worship experience or concert with us. We’re looking to connect, network and show love.”
Dillard’s Chicago Gospel Music Festival appearance represented a full-circle moment for an artist whose childhood passion grew into an internationally recognized ministry.
“We are honored by our past and our present,” Dillard said. “Thank you for this opportunity to reunite with the Defender.”
