Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ricky Dillard’s Net Worth?
As of 2025, Ricky Dillard, an accomplished American gospel singer and songwriter, has an estimated net worth of $6 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful career in the gospel music industry, spanning over three decades. Ricky Dillard’s Net Worth stems primarily from his music career, including album sales, live performances, and songwriting royalties.
Ricky Dillard’s Early Life and Career Beginnings
Ricky Rydell Dillard was born on February 25, 1965, in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Gospel music played a significant role in his upbringing, with his mother and grandmother instilling in him a deep appreciation for the genre. By the age of five, Dillard was already singing in the choir at St. Bethel Baptist Church. He later became the director of the youth choir, demonstrating early leadership and musical talent. In 1981, he organized the first gospel choir at Bloom High School. Dillard’s early influences included gospel legends such as James Cleveland, Albertina Walker, and Walter Hawkins. In 1984, Dillard joined the Thompson Community Singers.
Before fully transitioning to gospel music, Dillard began his recording career in the Chicago house music scene in 1987. During this time, he collaborated with prominent figures such as DJ Frankie Knuckles (often called the “Godfather of House Music”) and Farley “Jackmaster” Funk. He contributed to tracks like “It’s You” (1987) and “As Always” (1988). In 1989, he released his first album in this genre, “Let The Music Use You,” produced by deep house pioneer Larry Heard, and released on Jack Trax. One of the copies of the album “Let The Music Use You” was last sold on March 8, 2025, with prices ranging from $2.58 to $32.61.
Ricky Dillard’s Gospel Music Career and Success
Dillard founded the New Generation Chorale, also known as “New G,” in 1988. This choir became a pivotal platform for his contributions to contemporary gospel music. Their debut album, “Promise,” was released in 1991 and reached number 15 on the Billboard Gospel Albums chart. “Promise” also earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album in 1992. In 1993, Malaco Records released New G’s follow-up album, “A Holy Ghost Take-Over,” which reached #3 on the US Gospel chart. Subsequent albums, including “Hallelujah!” (1995) and “Worked It Out” (1996), further solidified his presence in the gospel music scene.
In 1996, Dillard signed with Crystal Rose Records, releasing successful albums such as “No Limit” (2000) and “Unplugged…The Way Church Used to Be” (2004). “No Limit” charted on the Christian Albums chart, and “Unplugged” charted on the Independent Albums chart. “Unplugged…The Way Church Used to Be” earned Grammy and Dove Award nominations. In 2000, the album “No Limit” was released, with copies of the album last sold on March 4, 2024, with prices ranging from $0.99 to $6.49.
Ricky Dillard’s album “Amazing,” released in 2014, marked a significant milestone in his career. It reached #1 on the US Gospel chart, #5 on the US Indie chart, and #28 on the Billboard 200. “Amazing” earned him another Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Album. His album “10,” released in 2017, also reached #1 on the US Gospel chart, further cementing his legacy in gospel music. His contributions have been recognized with multiple Stellar Awards, including Traditional Choir of the Year in 2021 and the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
In July 2021, Dillard recorded his second album with Motown Gospel, marking his 13th album overall and 12th gospel album. The first single, “All of My Help,” was released in September 2021 and received significant airplay. His influence extends to contemporary artists like Kirk Franklin and Kanye West, with Dillard even earning the nickname “Choirmaster” for his work with Kanye’s Sunday Service Choir.
While specific figures for album sales, streaming revenue, and performance fees are not publicly available, Ricky Dillard’s consistent chart success and long-standing career indicate a steady stream of income from these sources. The success of albums like “Amazing,” which reached the Billboard 200, suggests substantial sales figures. His touring and live performances, along with royalties from songwriting and publishing, would also contribute significantly to his income. While an exact breakdown of his income sources is not accessible, his $6 million net worth reflects his sustained success and influence in the gospel music industry.
