Say the name Fred Hammond and one thinks of the gospel artist who has a funky, urban style that preaches and teaches faith, which over the years has garnered him numerous Stellar Awards.

But now add another credit to Hammond's resume: playwright and movie star.

According to Blacknews.com, Hammond will release his first stage play on DVD this month called "Christmas....Who Needs It.''

The play, which was turned into a movie, is inspired by, you name it, urban-playwright, television and movie mogul Tyler Perry, Hammond told the web site.

"This is a faith-based 'dramedy' that will surely put us all in the Christmas spirit. The inspiration for this play was based on the early Tyler Perry plays and I just took the idea and kicked it up a notch by shooting it in Panasonic HD with Redrock Panavision," saidHammond, who produced and stars in the movie. "The timing is divine and it will hopefully enable people to find some joy during these difficult times in which we presently find ourselves as a nation."

Go to blacknews.com for more on the movie, which is due out on DVD on Nov. 25.