Andrae Crouch: RIP!
We have been reporting for weeks now that Grammy award winner Andrae Crouch was seriously ill, today, the Lord gave this angel his wings rewarding Andre Crouch with transitioning this life into the golden gates of Heaven. I can just imagine all those great gospel music legends there to greet him. RIP Andre Crouch, your spirit and talent will truly be missed in the gospel music industry. In your words ” No more dying there, Andre, you have gone to see the King, and God has spoken, “Let the Church, say Amen” Thank you Andrae Crouch and RIP!
About Andre
Early years
Andraé Edward Crouch was born in San Francisco, California,] where his parents managed a dry-cleaners. His father, Benjamin Crouch, also had a street ministry and ministered in hospitals and in prison. When Crouch was 11, his father was invited to preach at a small church in a farming community. The church didn’t have a regular pastor so the bishop asked Benjamin to fill the post. The first Sunday, Benjamin asked his son to come up front and asked, “Andraé, if God gave you the gift of music to play and sing for Him, would you do it for His glory all your life?” Crouch said, “Yeah, Daddy.” Weeks later, Benjamin summoned his son again as the congregation sang, with: “If you’re gonna play, play.” Crouch found the key and started to play the piano. He soon began to write songs and lead a choir. As he had a stuttering problem until he was 14, he let his sister be his public spokesperson.
Andre 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.[1]
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 andCeCe 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.
Rest assured CLB family Andrae Crouch spirit will live on forever thru his music and his church family:
If you don’t believe me, check out Southern University’s recent Tribute during a battle of the Bands:
Andre Crouch funeral services are as follows:
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Viewing 4pm-6pm at West Angeles Church of God in Christ
3045 Crenshaw Blvd, 90016
Celebration Service
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
11am-3pm at West Angeles Church of God in Christ
Source
