LOS ANGELES (AP) — Andrae Crouch, a legendary gospel performer, songwriter and choir director whose work graced songs by Michael Jackson and Madonna and movies such as "The Lion King," has died. He was 72.
Crouch died Thursday afternoon at Northridge Hospital Medical Center, where he had been admitted Saturday after suffering a heart attack, said his publicist, Brian Mayes.
The Recording Academy, which awarded seven Grammys to Crouch during a career that spanned more than a half-century, said in a statement that he was "a remarkable musician and legendary figure" who was "fiercely devoted to evolving the sound of contemporary, urban gospel music."
Crouch and his twin sister, Sandra Crouch, also a singer, lived in the Pacoima area of Los Angeles. They were pastors at the New Christ Memorial Church in the Los Angeles suburb of San Fernando.
"Today my twin brother, womb-mate and best friend went home to be with the Lord," said Pastor Sandra Crouch. "I tried to keep him here but God loved him best."
Born in San Francisco, Crouch wrote his first gospel tune at age 14.
Crouch wrote dozens of songs, including gospel favorites such as "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," ''My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)" and "Soon and Very Soon," which was sung at a public memorial to Jackson.
Debuting in 1960, Crouch helped pioneer the burgeoning "Jesus Music" movement from the late 1960s and '70s that started the spread of contemporary Christian music.
"We've lost a true pioneer and he will be missed," said Jason Crabb, another Grammy-winning gospel singer.
His influence also crossed over into in pop music. Elvis Presley performed his song "I've Got Confidence" for a 1972 gospel album, and Paul Simon" recorded "Jesus Is the Answer" for a 1974 live album.
Crouch worked with many other stars, from Diana Ross to Ringo Starr, and his gospel albums sometimes featured performers from other musical genres. His 18th solo album, "The Journey," released in 2011, featuredChaka Khan, Shelia E., Take 6, Kim Burrell and Marvin Winans.
Crouch was one of only a handful of gospel performers to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
His choir, The Disciples, sang background for Madonna's song "Like a Prayer." Crouch helped Michael Jackson arrange the King of Pop's 1987 hit song, "Man in the Mirror."
He also arranged music for the 1985 film "The Color Purple" — which earned him an Academy Award nomination — and Disney's "The Lion King" in 1994.
His success came despite a lifelong struggle with dyslexia. To create, he would make drawings that allowed him to grasp the concept. For the Jackson song, he drew a mirror with an image in it.
"I memorized everything through sight, the shape of the word," Crouch told The Associated Press in 2011. "Some things that I write, you'll see a page with cartoon pictures or a drawing of a car — like a Ford — or a flag. I still do it on an occasion when a word is strange to me."
"So when I finish a song, I thank God for bringing me through," he continued. "You have to press on and know your calling. That's what I've been doing for all my life. I just went forward."
Crouch had health issues in recent years, including diabetes and cancer. Last month, he was hospitalized for pneumonia and congestive heart failure and had to cancel a tour.
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Andraé Edward Crouch (July 1, 1942 – January 8, 2015) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, arranger, record producer and pastor. Referred to as "the father of modern gospel music" by contemporary Christian and gospel music professionals, Crouch was known for his compositions The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power, My Tribute (To God Be the Glory) and Soon and Very Soon. In secular music, he was known for his collaborative work during the 1980s with Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Quincy Jones as well as conducting choirs that sang on the Michael Jackson hit Man in the Mirror and Madonna's Like a Prayer.[1] Crouch was noted for his talent of incorporating contemporary secular music styles into the gospel music he grew up with. His efforts in this area were what helped in paving the way for early American contemporary Christian music durng the 1960s and 1970s.[2]
Crouch's original music arrangements were heard in the films The Color Purple and Disney's The Lion King, as well as the NBC television series Amen. Awards received by him include seven Grammy Awards, being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998, and reciving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004.[2]

Early years[edit]

Andraé Edward Crouch was born, along with his twin sister, Sandra, on July 1, 1942 in San Francisco, California to parents Benjamin and Catherine (neé Hodnett) Crouch.[3] When he was young, Crouch's parents owned and operated Crouch Cleaners, a dry-cleaning business, as well as a restaurant business in Los Angeles, California.[4] In addition to running the family's businesses, Crouch's parents had a Christian street-preaching ministry and a hospital and prison ministry.[5] When Crouch was 11, his father was invited to speak for several weeks at a small church as a guest preacher. Crouch's father and the church's congregation encouraged the young boy to play during the services. At the piano, Crouch found the key in which the congregation was singing and started to play. After this, Crouch honed his piano-playing skills and, in time, wanted to write his own music. When he was 14 years old, he wrote his first Gospel song.[6] [7][8]

Career[edit]

Groups[edit]

Crouch's first group musical effort was formed in 1960 as the Church of God in Christ Singers. The group included future recording artist and session musician Billy Preston on keyboards[3]and was the first to record the Crouch's song The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power. The song's popularity grew following the initial 1969 recording, becoming a standard in churches and hymnals worldwide.[2] While attending Valley Junior College in the San Fernando Valley to become a teacher, he formed gospel music group "The Disciples" in 1965 with fellow musicians Perry Morgan and Bili Thedford.[9] The group became a frequent attraction at "Monday Night Sing" concerts in southern California put on by Audrey Mieir, a Christian minister and music composer who frequently sponsored new Christian music groups.[7]Following Mieir's introduction of Crouch to Manna Music Publishing's founders Tim and Hal Spencer, Manna published Crouch's song The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power, written when he was 15 years old. Both Spencers helped launch Crouch's recording career by introducing them to Light Records founder and prolfic Christian songwriter Ralph Carmichael. After the addition of Sherman Andrus The Disciples, Light Records recorded and released the group's first album, Take The Message Everywhere, in 1968.[10] Following the group's first album release, Crouch's twin sister, Sandra, joined The Disciples. With Sandra on-board, two more albums would follow, Keep On Singin' and Soulfully before a major change in the group's lineup in 1972.[citation needed]
Andrus left The Disciples to join The Imperials and was replaced by singer Danniebelle Hall. More musicians were being added and the group's membership by the early 70s included Fletch Wiley on trumpet, Harlan Rogers on keyboards, Hadley Hockensmith on guitar, and Bill Maxwell on drums.[7] The group appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1972[7] and to sold out crowds at Carnegie Hall in 1975 and 1979.[11]Steve Chawkins (January 8, 2015). "Andrae Crouch, Grammy-winning gospel singer and pioneer, dies at 72". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 9, 2015.</ref> By 1985 they had also performed at the Hollywood Bowl and toured 68 countries.[citation needed] Crouch's most popular songs from this period include "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power", "Through It All", "Bless His Holy Name", "Soon and Very Soon", "Jesus is the Answer", and "My Tribute". Their contemporary gospel sound reached beyond the traditional African American base and touched a racially and musically diverse audience.

Solo career[edit]

The Disciples disbanded in 1979 and Crouch continued on with his solo career with an ensemble including Howard Smith, Linda McCrary, Táta Vega, and Kristle Murden and The Andraé Crouch Singers. Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Dean Parks, David Paich, Phillip Bailey, Stevie Wonder, and other secular artists were featured on all of Crouch's major recording sessions. Crouch had a gift of bringing out unique voices in solos on his projects including El Debarge on "The Lord is my Light" or Táta Vega on "Oh it is Jesus". With Bill Maxwell he has co-produced projects for The Winans, Danniebelle Hall, and Kristle Murden. Many musical acts and solo performers covered his more popular works, including Elvis Presley ("I've Got Confidence"), further expanding Crouch's musical influence. In 1986, Crouch composed the theme music for the Sherman Hemsley sitcom Amen , sung by Vanessa Bell Armstrong. He was featured in the 1995 Warren Chaney docudrama, America: A Call to Greatness.[12]
In 2006 Crouch released Mighty Wind, a 40th anniversary album featuring guest performances by Lauren Evans, Crystal Lewis, Karen Clark Sheard, Táta Vega, andMarvin Winans.
Crouch was also a judge for the 10th annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists' careers.[citation needed]

Influence[edit]

Crouch was a key figure in the Jesus Music movement of the 1960s and 1970s. As a result, helped bring about contemporary Christian music, and began to bridge the gap between black and white Christian music. Though sometimes criticized for diluting the Gospel message by using contemporary styles, his songs have become staples in churches all around the world and recorded by mainstream artists such as Elvis Presley and Paul Simon.[3]
Crouch is also credited with revolutionizing the sound of urban Gospel music. Crouch was instrumental in bringing Walter and Tramaine Hawkins, Jessy Dixon and The Winans to Light Records, all enjoying successful gospel music careers. His influence has extended to countless artists like BeBe and CeCe Winans, The Clark Sisters,Wintley Phipps, Anointed and Israel Houghton.
In 1996, Crouch's songs were the impetus for the Grammy Award- winning CD, Tribute: The Songs of Andraé Crouch (released on Warner Bros. Records), which featured a range of artists performing some of his classic songs including the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Take 6 and Michael W. Smith.
Crouch and his sister Sandra loved and greatly respected Michael Jackson as a dear friend for many years. In 1987, the Andraé Crouch Choir sang background vocals along with Siedah Garrett, Glen Ballard, and The Winans on Jackson's hit single "Man in the Mirror" from the Bad album. The Andraé Crouch Singers were also featured on the songs "Keep the Faith" and "Will You Be There" from Jackson's 1991 Dangerous album. Andraé and Sandra also did the choir arrangement for those songs. On Jackson's HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I project in 1995, the Andraé Crouch Choir chants climactically in a dramatic interaction with Jackson on "Earth Song." Crouch's composition, "Soon and Very Soon" was performed at the public memorial service for Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

Personal life[edit]

On November 12, 1982, Crouch was arrested in Los Angeles for possession of cocaine after being stopped for erratic driving. Sheriff's deputies discovered a substance in the vehicle which Crouch said was instant chicken soup powder. After consenting to a search, he was found to be carrying a vial of cocaine in his pocket. Crouch was arrested and released several hours later on $2,500 bail, maintaining the drugs belonged to a friend who had been staying in his apartment. Police declined to press charges.[13][14]
Between 1993 and 1994 his father, mother, and older brother all died.[3] Following his father's death, he took over as Senior Pastor at Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ in Pacoima, California, the church founded by his parents, serving alongside his twin sister Sandra.[3]
Crouch was hospitalized in early December 2014 for pneumonia and congestive heart failure. As a result, his December tour was postponed.[15][16] He was hospitalized again on January 3, 2015 in Los Angeles, as the result of a heart attack. Crouch died five days later at Northridge Hospital Medical Center on January 8, 2015, at the age of 72.[11][16] On the same day, his sister, Sandra, released the following statement: "Today my twin brother, womb-mate and best friend went home to be with the Lord. Please keep me, my family and our church family in your prayers. I tried to keep him here but God loved him best."[17]

Discography[edit]

Main article: Andraé Crouch discography

Andraé Crouch and The Disciples[edit]

Solo recordings[edit]

  • 1973: Just Andrae (Light)
  • 1979: I'll Be Thinking of You (Light)
  • 1981: Don't Give Up (Warner Bros.)
  • 1982: Finally (Light)
  • 1984: No Time to Lose (Light)
  • 1986: Autograph (Light)
  • 1994: Mercy (Qwest)
  • 1997: Pray (Qwest)
  • 1998: Gift of Christmas (Qwest)
  • 2006: Mighty Wind (Verity)
  • 2011: The Journey (Riverphlo Entertainment)
  • 2013: Live in Los Angeles

Other credits[edit]

Crouch later worked as a producer or arranger with Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Mika (We Are Golden), Diana Ross, Elton John, Rick Astley (Cry For Help) and Prefab Sprout. Crouch co-wrote the title song to CeCe Winans' award-winning Throne Room album in 2003.[citation needed]

Awards[edit]

Crouch has won numerous awards and honors over the years including nine Grammy Awards, four GMA Dove Awards, and ASCAP, Billboard and NAACP Awards. In 2004, he became the only living Gospel artist – and just the third in history – to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
On November 11, 2011, Sandra and Andrae Crouch were granted an honorary "Artist-in-Residence" Award by the International Center of Worship for Global Day of Worship Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA.[citation needed]

Grammy Awards[edit]

Crouch has won seven Grammys:[18]
  • 1975: Best Soul Gospel Performance Take Me Back
  • 1978: Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album Live in London
  • 1979: Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album I'll Be Thinking of You
  • 1980: Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational "The Lord's Prayer" (collaborative)
  • 1981: Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album Don't Give Up
  • 1984: Best Soul Gospel Performance, Male "Always Remember"
  • 1994: Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album Mercy

GMA Dove Awards[edit]

  • Soul/Black gospel album
    • 1977 – This is another day(Light)
    • 1978 – Live in London (Light)
  • Contemporary gospel album of the year
    • 1985 – No Time To Lose (Light)
    • 1998 – Pray (Qwest/Warner Bros.)
  • Traditional gospel album of the year
    • 1993 – With all of my heart; Sandra Crouch and Friends (Sparrow)
  • Contemporary gospel recorded song of the year
    • 1997 – "Take me back"; Tribute—The Songs of Andrae Crouch (songwriter) (Warner Alliance)

Other honors[edit]

  • Nominated for an Oscar for The Color Purple (1985)
  • NARAS' Inaugural Salute to Gospel Music Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, 2005
  • Christian Music Hall of Fame and Museum inductee, 2007
  • How Sweet the Sound Living Legend Award, 2012

Filmography[edit]

Film
Television

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Andraé Edward Crouch (July 1, 1942 – January 8, 2015) was an American gospel singer, songwriter, arranger, record producer and pastor. Referred to as "the father of modern gospel music" by contemporary Christian and gospel  music professionals, Crouch was known for his compositions The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power, My Tribute (To God Be the Glory) and Soon and Very Soon. In secular music, he was known for his collaborative work during the 1980s with Stevie Wonder, Elton John and Quincy Jones as well as conducting choirs that sang on the Michael Jackson hit Man in the Mirror and Madonna's Like a Prayer.  Crouch was noted for his talent of incorporating contemporary secular music styles into the gospel music he grew up with. His efforts in this area were what helped in paving the way for early American contemporary Christian music durng the 1960s and 1970s.

Crouch's original music arrangements were heard in the films The Color Purple and Disney's The Lion King, as well as the NBC television series Amen. Awards received by him include seven Grammy Awards, being inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998, and receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2004.

Crouch has won numerous awards and honors over the years including nine Grammy Awards, four GMA Dove Awards, and ASCAP, Billboard and NAACP Awards.  In 2004, he became the only living Gospel artist – and just the third in history – to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. 

Andrae Crouch was inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998.

 A discography for Andrae Crouch includes the following:

Andrae Crouch and The Disciples
  • 1969: Take the Message Everywhere (Light)
  • 1971: Keep on Singin' (Light)
  • 1972: Soulfully (Light)
  • 1973: Live at Carnegie Hall (Light)
  • 1975: Take Me Back (Light)
  • 1976: This Is Another Day (Light)
  • 1978: Live in London (Light)

Andrae Crouch (solo artist)

  • 1973: Just Andrae (Light)
  • 1979: I'll Be Thinking of You (Light)
  • 1981: Don't Give Up (Warner Bros.)
  • 1982: Finally (Light)
  • 1984: No Time to Lose (Light)
  • 1986: Autograph (Light)
  • 1994: Mercy (Qwest)
  • 1997: Pray (Qwest)
  • 1998: Gift of Christmas (Qwest)
  • 2006: Mighty Wind (Verity)
  • 2011: The Journey (Riverphlo Entertainment)
  • 2013: Live in Los Angeles
Andrae Crouch won seven Grammys: 
  • 1975: Best Soul Gospel Performance Take Me Back
  • 1978: Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album Live in London
  • 1979: Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album I'll Be Thinking of You
  • 1980: Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational "The Lord's Prayer" (collaborative)
  • 1981: Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album Don't Give Up
  • 1984: Best Soul Gospel Performance, Male "Always Remember"
  • 1994: Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album Mercy

Andrae Crouch also won the following Dove Awards:
  • Soul/Black gospel album
    • 1977 – This is another day(Light)
    • 1978 – Live in London (Light)
  • Contemporary gospel album of the year
    • 1985 – No Time To Lose (Light)
    • 1998 – Pray (Qwest/Warner Bros.)
  • Traditional gospel album of the year
    • 1993 – With all of my heart; Sandra Crouch and Friends (Sparrow)
  • Contemporary gospel recorded song of the year
    • 1997 – "Take me back"; Tribute—The Songs of Andrae Crouch (songwriter) (Warner Alliance)