Andraé (right), and Quincy Jones (left), during the soundtrack sessions for “The Color Purple”. (courtesy Bruce Lowe/Cinema Show Music)
profoundly impact music and many lives within Andraé on a short road tour. I marveled at Bible College, he learned to set Scripture to
the church. Beyond his electrifying recordings God working through him musically and in the music in classes taught by Jack. This was due
and Andraé’s communication of the Gospel. I was amazed to Andraé’s poor ability to memorize passages
songs would soon be placed in hymnbooks at everyone, every race and every age group, as assignments. However, he could remember
throughout the world. You may recognize some coming together as one during those concerts. anything musically, and the songs he wrote in
of them: In an age when music often divides people the class ended up being sung by the other
within the church, Andraé’s presence was the students. He would begin a song with a chorus,
The link to the right (“My Tribute”) from 1996 antithesis. My short stint was unique in that the and then repeat it once or twice before ever
captures the gathering of many CCM artists in great Billy Maxwell, Andraé’s longtime drummer, going to the verse. That way, the song was
tribute to Andraé. This project would go on to was unable to make this particular trip due to a imprinted in everyone’s mind by the time the
win a Grammy the following year. He would also scheduling conflict. At the time Bill was under a verse was sung. We used that template a lot
significantly contribute to many mainstream time constraint to complete the production of during those years.
artists and their projects. Michael Jackson, Keith Green’s first album for Sparrow Records, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Kahn, and Sheila E are “For Him Who Has Ears to Hear”, so I got the Our audience was 90% white. Andraé would do
but a few of the artists that Andraé worked with. “nod”. somewhat conservative and relatable songs for
performances,
many
of
He also arranged music for films such as “The
the first part of every concert, and then when
Color Purple”, and ”The Lion King”. All of this in Bill recently told me, “I came on with Andraé he felt the audience was comfortable with him,
addition to seven Grammy Awards and twenty in 1972. Andraé was inspired by a few people he’d switch into a black gospel expression.
Grammy nominations, multiple Dove Awards, as a worship leader, Audrey Meier and Jack This was the first time any of these people had
and numerous industry acknowledgements. Hayford were two of those people. From been exposed to that kind of music!
Audrey he learned how to lead congregations
In 1977 I was privileged to play drums for
in sing-able songs, and while a student at Life
February 2019
After “Live at Carnegie Hall”, more black people
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