You know that feeling when a song starts and the atmosphere in the room just... shifts? It’s not just about the melody or how high the singer can hit a note. It’s about a message that feels like it was written specifically for your worst day. That is exactly what happened back in 2007 when He’s Able by Deitrick Haddon dropped.
Honestly, it wasn't just another track on a gospel album. It became a lifeline. Even now, nearly two decades later, if you walk into a church or turn on a gospel station, those opening chords still command a certain kind of respect. Deitrick Haddon, the Detroit-born "Gospel Soul" pioneer, managed to capture something raw.
He didn't just give us a song; he gave us a mantra.
The Story Behind the Anthem
Deitrick Haddon wasn't exactly a newcomer when "He's Able" hit the scene. He grew up as a "PK" (Preacher’s Kid) in Detroit, the son of Bishop Clarence Haddon and Prophetess Joyce Haddon. By the time he released the album Together In Worship with the Voices of Unity, he was already known for breaking the rules.
He wore leather jackets. He had edgy hair. He mixed R&B and hip-hop into Sunday morning worship.
But "He's Able" was different. It felt more traditional in its bones but modern in its energy. Recorded with the Voices of Unity, the song is built on a simple, soaring truth: God is able to do exactly what He said He would do.
The song actually pulls directly from Ephesians 3:20. You’ve likely heard it: "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think..." But Deitrick didn't just recite the verse. He made it personal.
Why the Lyrics "Don't Give Up on God" Stuck
There’s a specific part of the song that everyone knows. It’s the bridge where the intensity ramps up and the choir starts hammering home that line: "Don't give up on God, 'cause He won't give up on you."
It's simple. Some might even say it’s basic. But in the middle of a crisis? It’s the only thing you need to hear.
I think the reason He’s Able by Deitrick Haddon resonated so deeply is that Deitrick himself has never been one to hide his struggles. He’s been through the fire—divorce, public scrutiny, career shifts, and the high-pressure world of reality TV on Preachers of L.A. When he sings about not giving up, you kind of believe him because you’ve seen him have to live those words out in real-time.
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The "Lost Verse" and the 2020 Revival
Fast forward to 2020. The world is in a literal standstill, people are scared, and suddenly Deitrick Haddon drops something called "He's Able (The Lost Verse)."
Wait, a lost verse?
Yeah, basically. He released a new version on his album TIME (Truth Is My Energy). It felt like a full-circle moment. While the 2007 version was a massive choir production, the newer iterations focused more on the intimate "soul" side of his artistry. It reminded everyone that the message hadn't expired.
Breaking Down the Impact
Let's talk about the stats for a second, because they’re actually kind of wild.
- Release Date: October 29, 2007.
- Album: Together In Worship.
- Chart Performance: It helped propel Deitrick to multiple Billboard #1 spots over the years.
- Cultural Legacy: It’s a staple in choir competitions and Sunday morning setlists globally.
What most people get wrong about Deitrick Haddon is thinking he’s just a "contemporary" guy. Sure, he’s got the flair, but "He’s Able" proves he understands the foundation of the black church experience. He knows how to "drive" a song. If you watch the live performances, the way he interacts with Darwin Hobbs or the Voices of Unity isn't just a performance; it’s a masterclass in gospel direction.
What Really Happened with the Song's Popularity?
The track took on a life of its own because it bridged a gap. Older generations loved the scriptural grounding. Younger listeners loved the beat and the "Gospel Soul" vibe.
It’s one of those rare songs that transcends the "genre" box. You’ll hear it in a Baptist church, a Pentecostal tent revival, and on a workout playlist.
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The song works because it addresses the universal human experience of being "tired." We all get tired. We all feel like throwing in the towel. Deitrick’s vocal delivery—which ranges from a smooth R&B croon to a full-on raspy shout—mirrors that emotional journey from exhaustion to breakthrough.
Real Talk: Is it Still Relevant?
Some people ask if these "old" gospel hits still matter in 2026.
Absolutely.
In an era of 15-second TikTok clips and disposable hits, "He's Able" has staying power because it isn't trendy. It’s foundational. It’s the kind of song you go back to when the "vibe" music isn't enough to get you through a hard week.
How to Apply the Message Today
If you’re listening to He’s Able by Deitrick Haddon today, don't just treat it as background noise. There’s a psychological benefit to the "don't give up" mantra. Experts in resilience often talk about the power of "affirmations," and this song is essentially a seven-minute affirmation set to a groove.
Next Steps for the Listener:
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- Check out the Live Version: Go find the 2007 live recording with the Voices of Unity. The energy of the choir is something you can't replicate in a studio.
- Compare with "The Lost Verse": Listen to the 2020 version to see how Haddon’s voice and perspective have evolved over thirteen years.
- Read the Source: Look up Ephesians 3:20 and see how the lyrics actually deconstruct the verse. It’s a cool way to see how gospel songwriting works.
- Create a Resilience Playlist: Add "He's Able" alongside other Haddon classics like "Well Done" and "Sinner's Prayer" for when you need a mental reset.
Whether you're a lifelong fan of Deitrick Haddon or you just stumbled onto this song during a late-night YouTube rabbit hole, the takeaway is the same. The song isn't just about God's ability; it's a challenge to your own persistence.
Keep going. He’s able.