Delroy Hutchinson

Delroy Hutchinson, married to Janet and a father of three sons, attributes his extensive musical career to his upbringing in the church and his musically inclined family.

Born in Jamaica, Delroy is one of seven children of Eastern Uriah and Muriel Hutchinson, both of whom were musicians who encouraged their children to learn instruments.

His foundational musical training came from the Firstborn Church International Firstborn Church of the Living God, under Bishop Francis. Delroy emphasizes the church as his “school, college and university.” He learned to convey messages through music, noting the distinctive two-four rhythm of their church music, which he contrasts with the one-three rhythm prevalent in many European churches. Music was learned by ear, focusing on feeling and emotion, enabling him to play in every key due to the congregation’s tendency to change keys mid-song.

Initially a drummer, Delroy transitioned to singing after his mother discovered him emulating artists like Edwin and Walter Hawkins. Commissioned had the most profound influence on him, their contemporary sound incorporating R&B and soul vocal harmonies into gospel music. This inspired Delroy to form Plain Truth with his brothers Clinton and Clifton, Norman Comrie, and Carl Williams. They primarily wrote their own songs, occasionally covering Commissioned or Winans tracks, and toured extensively. The group disbanded due to Delroy’s personal convictions about its direction, a decision he now views as a mistake but one he believes God used for a greater purpose.

Years later, Beresford Dawkins invited Delroy to join “The Well,” where he met Godfrey Gayle, a singer he had long admired. After “The Well” disbanded, Delroy and Godfrey formed the duet “Hutchinson and Gayle,” performing with Clifton, Trevor Prince, Ray Prince, and Ian Reid. They sought a record deal, but declined an offer from Ty Scott Records that would have excluded their band members, prioritizing their commitment to the group.

In two thousand or two thousand one, Hutchinson and Gayle won the GMTV Gospel Challenge, securing a contract with Integrity Music and a MOBO Award for Best New Gospel Newcomer. Despite winning the MOBO, they declined Integrity Music’s unfavorable contract terms and self-recorded an album, which Integrity distributed but did not promote.

His wife’s vision led to successful gospel club nights, “Cafe Gospel” and “Gospel Renaissance,” held in “posh wine bars”. Though initially hesitant to DJ gospel, the presence of turntables at the first event inspired him, and he quickly became proficient, sourcing unique tracks from the US.

Delroy has taught music for twenty-three years, sharing his industry experience with students and establishing choirs in every school he’s taught. His sons, Andre and Daniel, are now full-time musicians, touring and producing in various genres.