Christian Review Magazine Issue 3 - March 2015 | Page 7

Called the “the father of the
modern gospel,” because he
more than anyone expanded
gospel music to include
elements of R&B and modern
popular styles during the 70s and
80s, Crouch had his early musical
formation in his parents’ church
in southern California. He often
told the story about how his
piano- playing was literally
God-given when he was a child.

Will Never Lose Its Power,”
“Through It All,” “Bless His Holy
Name,” and “My Tribute.” Their
contemporary gospel sound
reached beyond the traditional
African American base and
touched a racially and musically
diverse audience. Several
musical groups and solo
performers recorded Crouch’s
more popular works, further
expanding his musical influence.

His first musical group was the
COGICS (Church of God in Christ
Singers), which he formed when
he was in high school and which
featured vocalist Billy Preston.
Preston later played organ for
the Beatles, Eric Clapton, and
many other mainstream and
gospel artists before launching a
successful solo career. The
COGICS were the first to record
“The Blood Will Never Lose It’s
Power.”

He later worked as a producer or
arranger with Michael Jackson,
Madonna (“Like A Prayer”),
Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton
John and Rick Astley (“Cry For
Help”). His film credits include
Once Upon A Forest, The Color
Purple, The Lion King, and Free
Willy. Who can forget the rousing rendition of “Maybe God’s
Trying to Tell You Something,”
from The Color Purple (featuring
Tata Vega on lead), or the theme
from the NBC sitcom Amen.
Crouch also appeared on
television as the voice of Dr.
Seuss’s Yertle the Turtle.

Crouch founded the Disciples in
1965. At the urging of Christian
composer Ralph Carmichael, he
began to record his
compositions in 1969. During
the 1965-1985 period, Crouch
and the Disciples appeared on
The Tonight Show starring
Johnny Carson, performed at the
Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie
Hall, and toured 68 countries.
Their most popular songs from
this period include “The Blood

Crouch who is credited with
revolutionizing the sound of
contemporary gospel music, was
one of the first black gospel
artists to crossover to
mainstream contemporary
Christian music, and his songs
have become staples and
popular hymns in churches all

around the world. In 1996, his
songs were the impetus for the
GRAMMY award-winning CD,
Tribute: The Songs of Andraé
Crouch, which featured a range
of artists, including the Brooklyn
Tabernacle Choir, Take 6 and
Michael W. Smith, performing
some of his classic songs.
Andraé Crouch won numerous
awards and honors over the
years. In addition to his
GRAMMY® Awards and GMA
Dove Awards, he received
ASCAP, Billboard and NAACP
Image Awards. In 2004, he
became the only living
contemporary gospel artist—and
just the third in history—to have
his star enshrined on the
prestigious Hollywood Walk of
Fame. In 2005, Crouch was the
recipient of the National
Academy of Recording Arts and
Sciences’ Inaugural Salute to
Gospel Music Lifetime
Achievement Award.
Andraé Crouch served as Senior
Pastor at the New Christ
Memorial Church of God in Christ
in San Fernando, California, the
church founded by his parents.
Crouch released his last studio
album, The Journey, in 2011, and
passed away January 8, 2015. He
was 72 years old.
Photo courtesy of Riverphlo Entertainment

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