Gospel singer Ricky Dillard was born and raised Chicago, where he inherited a love for gospel music from his mother and grandmother, singing in the church choir at an early age.

Dillard soon began directing the youth choir in his church (starting at the age of five), and later directed young adult choirs. As a youth, Dillard came across two specific recordings that would inspire him to pursue gospel singing even more zealously – James Cleveland and Aretha Franklin's "Amazing Grace" with the Southern California Community Choir, and the Institutional Radio Choir from Brooklyn, NY.

Dillard continued to direct choirs locally, and became a member of the Thompson Community Singers. He formed the New Generation Chorale in 1988. A chance parking lot encounter with a major record producer proved to be destiny in the making and Dillard was signed, due in part because of the reputation he had already attained.

Starting in the early ‘90s, Dillard began recording his solo albums (which often merged gospel with dance), including the 1991 release “Promise,” 1993's “A Holy Ghost Take Over,” 1995's “Hallelujah,” “Worked It Out,” released in 1996, 2000's “No Limit,” “Unplugged” in 2004 and “The 7th Episode; Live in Toronto” in 2007.

Successful international tours in England, Germany, Spain and Italy, including a memorable performance for the late Pope John Paul II at the Vatican, have been career highlights. Dillard garnered nominations for a prestigious Grammy Award as well as a Dove Award. Dillard has received several Stellar Awards, an NAACP Image Award, and numerous other honors, citations and keys to a myriad of cities, at home and abroad. Dillard serves as CEO of Animated Entertainment, Inc. and New Generation Ministries, Inc.