Gospel music is Ruben Studdard’s rock    

Ruben Studdard is a singer who crosses genres. Studdard is a throwback crooner to another era. His music is old-school. More specifically, when you listen to how he sings, the anthem-rich sound of the church comes out of Studdard. 

That should not be a surprise to anyone who knows Studdard or who has followed his singing career. Studdard grew up singing in the church. His biggest musical influences sing gospel music. 

The backdrop of the church and his faith has proven to be Studdard’s rock in his skyrocketed climb in the music industry.   

“My foundation would be the church,” Studdard said by phone in an interview with News4usonline.com Editor Dennis J. Freeman. “I started singing in church when I was about three years old and, you know, it has been, you know, one of the things that has kept me grounded all these years. So I would say the foundation would definitely have to be the church. You know, my favorite singers are all gospel artists. Marvin Winans and Fred Hammond have forever been my two favorite vocalists.” 

The influence of Winans and Hammond has carried over into Studdard’s brand of music. Although largely an artist who delivers a soulful R&B sound, Studdard can hit the gospel button when called upon. 

His gospel hit “I Need An Angel” is evidence of Studdard’s crossover appeal. The song would not have happened, though, without music mastermind Clive Davis making things happen behind the scenes and R. Kelly putting down another round of powerful and inspirational lyrics to compliment his “I Believe I Can Fly” tune.  

“A lot of people call Clive Davis the song guy. I have to give it to him,” Studdard said. “It was a song that was sent to me by Mr. Davis. At the time, everybody was clamoring to have the next big song by Robert Kelly.” 

“After hearing “I Believe I Can Fly,” I knew he could write an inspirational song. They sent that song to me, and I was like, ‘Wow.’ I couldn’t believe how powerful it was. It definitely resonates now and you know, when I first recorded it.” 

It’s been 21 years since Studdard won the second season of American Idol. It’s been a road well-traveled for Studdard. 

#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/XfzuqCboqw

— Ruben Studdard (@RubenStuddard) April 2, 2023

“I’m excited people are still interested in hearing me perform, twenty-one years post my introduction to mainstream music, thankful that God has given me another opportunity to do a job that I love,” Studdard said. 

Since busting down the door to stardom with his 2003 appearance on American Idol, Studdard has enjoyed a strong musical career. 

He has made multiple albums. He has been nominated for a Grammy. He’s done Broadway. And yet for the most part his music has remained the same way as when he started, Studdard said. 

“I think it is rather similar to the way that it was when I first was introduced in the industry,” Studdard said by phone. “I have, for a very long time, been compared to a lot of amazing singers, and, you know, in my younger days as a professional musician, I didn’t really believe people.” 

“Like I didn’t lean into that…the comparisons. But now, you know, as I get older, I understand it and people see similarities that they saw in Luther Vandross or Barry White or Teddy Pendergrass. And so, for me that’s just a blessing and an honor that people would even consider me to be on the same level vocally as some of the best people to ever touch a microphone,” he added.  

Studdard said those initial comparisons to those music legends were a bit too much to take. 

“It was kind of overwhelming, you know,” Studdard said. “I just didn’t know how to receive it. I never spent my time in Birmingham like trying to be the next Luther Vandross. I just wanted to be the best Ruben Studdard. But to be compared to people that have made such a huge impact in the music industry is just a blessing.”  

Studdard is expected to take the stage with Peabo Bryson and Oleta Adams for the Home for the Holidays concert at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m.