ABOUT
Trend-setting, Billboard chart-topping singer and songwriter William Becton is an artist who has garnered iconic status in Gospel music. As one of the first gospel artists to take inspirational lyrics and merge them with urban sounds, Becton’s songwriting prowess proved to be a ground-breaking and bold creative innovation that propelled him to prominence.
He began his musical journey in 1995 with his critically acclaimed debut album BROKEN (Intersound Records). The album peaked at #1 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums Chart and boasted the Gospel radio block-buster single and R&B Top 40 Radio cross-over hit “Be Encouraged”.
“When I wrote ‘Be Encouraged’, I saw the need for inspiration, the need for encouragement, the need for hope,” says Becton.
Becton continued to write dynamic contemporary Gospel music intermingled with soul and southern charm. HEART OF A LOVE SONG (CGI Records/A&M) released in 1997 and B2K: PROPHETIC SONGS OF PROMISE (CGI Records/CGI Platinum) in 2000, which included a special appearance of Ali Ollie Woodson of the legendary group The Temptations on the remake and sequel of “Be Encouraged” call “Still Encouraged”. Both albums also soared to the Top 10 Billboard Gospel Albums, further establishing his inscription as a creative force in music.
A few years after the release of B2K, Becton recorded BROKEN 3, a live recording at Gospel artist Wess Morgan’s Celebration of Life Church in Nashville, TN. He was ordained as pastor at Harvest International Ministerial Fellowship Inc in Laurel, MD in that same year. Surprisingly, Becton stepped out of the spotlight at the height of his career. He disappeared from the music scene but not from his ministry. With both of his parents' passing only a few years apart from each other, he entered a grief-filled period of emotional devastation. He took a sabbatical from the music industry and relocated to Charlotte, NC.
After overcoming many trials, he began writing and producing again with a renewed spiritual vigor and set to re-launch his church, The House of Worship. He has also continued his education by earning a Master’s Degree in Theology from Life Christian University.
Twenty-five years later, William Becton’s goal is the same as when he started his musical journey: to encourage the soul, heal the brokenhearted, and tend to God’s people.
Becton celebrated 25-years since the momentous BROKEN album and released "Be Encouraged 2020 Remix". The remix includes the original lead vocals of Cliff Jones, James Washington, and Woodson with Becton. Becton adds the phrase "Keep Breathing" to acknowledge the current Covid-19 pandemic and the racially charged injustices impacting our country.
Becton's newest offering is a remake of the 1980s classic "Set Me On Fire". His blazing musical production heats the track that encourages listeners to live a life sold out for Christ so that others can see the fire that burns within the soul. "Set Me On Fire" features guest vocalist Stef (Stephanie McLain), Becton's protégée and an artist on his Becthoven Music Group, LLC label.
Becton will compile and release the BROKEN album series in a complete collection of work called BROKEN TRILOGY. This will allow Gospel music fans to reminisce, admire and own his discography. It will introduce this gospel pioneer to a new generation of fans who have forever positively impacted culture and people’s hearts.
