A Gospel Legend
Andraé Edward Crouch was born July 1, 1942 in the city Los Angeles, California.
an award-winning gospel musician, recording artist, songwriter, arranger, and producer. Born July 1, 1942 in Los Angeles, California, he was a key figure in the Christian Music movement of the 1960s and 1970s.
Even at a young age, he was a crucial contributor to the Christian/Gospel music movement of the 1960s. He rose to prominence to eventually become known as the “father of modern gospel music”. Over the decades his songs have been covered by such legends as Paul Simon and even Elvis Presley.
His awards and accolades are numerous, including six Gospel Music Association dove awards, an induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, eight Grammy Awards, and even an Oscar nomination. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, at the time only the 3rd Gospel Artist in history to do so, received NAACP Image awards, and a lifetime achievement award by the National Academy of Recording Artists.
His exposure to music and Christianity began extremely early in his life, at a church founded by his parents. He excelled at Piano playing, the point where his playing was considered “god-given” even in early childhood.
His career officially started by his founded his first group, the Church of God in Christ Singers (COGICS). This group included one Billy Preston, who would go on to play with such legends as the Beatles and Eric Clapton and have his own solo career.
Then he founded ‘The Disciples’ in 1965. During a 3-year period Crouch saw worldwide renown, including touring 68 countries and appearing on the legendary Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. There songs from this period include some that are still popular today, including, “The Blood Will Never Lose its Power”, “Bless His Holy Name”, “My Tribute” and “Through It All”.
The music found widespread appeal, branching out from the traditional African American audience, and attracting the attention of mainstream American artists, who recorded and performed his music as well.
In his later years he worked to help produce much music by mainstream megastars of the day, including Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and Madonna. He recorded theme songs for TV shows, voiced Yertle the Turtle, and has numerous film credits including The Color Purple and The Lion King.
Andrae Crouch served for many years as the Senior Pastor at a church founded by his parents, the New Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ, located in San Fernando, California.
He passed sadly in 2015 after having been hospitalized for a heart attack. He was 72 years old.