Tag: Andrae Crouch

Andraé Crouch (1942-2015) was part of my church family [Arrangements Added]

By Libra Boyd
Gospel Music Fever

Andraé Crouch passed today (January 8) in Los Angeles. He was 72.  (Read the related story at USA Today.) My prayers are with his twin sister Sandra and the Crouch family as well as the New Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ, friends, and fans.

Though I knew the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and pastor had been hospitalized since Saturday, reportedly in critical condition from a heart attack, his passing hits me as though he was part of my church family. In a way, he was. As a minister of music, I felt my repertoire of choir selections was incomplete without a Crouch gem. “Maybe God’s Trying to Tell You Something” (from The Color Purple), “Let the Church Say Amen,” “Soon and Very Soon,” “Jesus is the Answer,” “Through It All,” and the classic he penned at age 14, “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power” have permanent pages in my music catalog, and he, through his powerful, meaningful, and relatable songs, will have an abiding presence in the Sunday worship services I conduct as music director.

Andraé Crouch was very likely part of your church family too. His contributions to American music are too numerous to mention. The artists he has influenced are copious. The masses he has led to Christ are countless. 

Crouch was a pioneer and a legend–and other legends and contemporaries embraced opportunities to work with him. In 2012, “Queen of Gospel” Pastor Shirley Caesar told me that her dream collaboration would be a duet with the man whom some have called “the father of modern gospel music.”

His music is timeless. His legacy is lasting.   

Arrangements have been announced, and both services will stream live.

What is your favorite Andraé Crouch song? Please share in the comment section below. 

Andraé Crouch Hospitalization: Official Statement from Sandra Crouch

Yesterday (Sunday, January 4), reports circulated throughout social media about Andraé Crouch’s hospitalization.  Crouch’s sister Sandra has released an official statement that you can view on USA TODAY at the following link: Gospel great Andraé Crouch hospitalized

GMF joins thousands of others in praying for Pastor Crouch and his family.

Update (1/6/15 @ 6:47am) – Yesterday at 12:58pm, the update below was shared on Crouch’s Facebook page.
UPDATE FROM SANDRA CROUCH:
Andraé Crouch, who was hospitalized on January 3rd, has had some positive response to the medical attention that has been given to him. 


The medical team has given some encouraging news and we are so grateful for the many thousands of people who are praying on behalf of my brother. 


With the continued medical attention and your prayers, we are trusting the Lord for a full recovery.

Sandra Crouch and family request prayer for Andraé Crouch

Pastor Sandra Crouch and the Crouch family are requesting prayers and messages of encouragement for Pastor Andraé Crouch.  A note from the Crouch family, shared at www.thelightnc.com, discloses that the 71 year-old beloved singer, songwriter, pianist, and gospel music legend “is facing some health challenges” and recently spent time in the hospital.  The note asks those who have been blessed by his life and ministry to cover him in prayer and to send him your encouraging messages and testimonies at [email protected] over the next 48 hours.


GMF will certainly be sending prayers up for Pastor Crouch, twin sister Sandra and the entire Crouch family, as well as the New Christ Memorial Church family, where they pastor. 

Crouch okay after having been rushed to hospital

Let’s keep Pastor Andraé Crouch in our prayers.

Gospel icon Andraé Crouch rushed to hospital after falling ill

Andraé Crouch talks about dyslexia and songwriting

Many would be surprised to learn that the legendary composer of numerous treasures like “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,” “Soon and Very Soon,” and “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)” has dyslexia.

In a recent AP interview, eight-time Grammy winner Andraé Crouch shared his unique approach to songwriting, despite having a disorder that impairs his reading and comprehension abilities.

Read the interview here: Gospel’s Andraé Crouch calls dyslexia his blessing.

Gospel music documentary features legends, hits theaters June 3

Rejoice and Shout is a new gospel music documentary that opens in theaters June 3rd.  The San Francisco International Film Festival calls it “the most thoroughly researched and exhaustive film about African-American gospel music ever committed to film.”

The documentary features interviews from Smokey Robinson, Ira Tucker, Anthony Heilbut and Mavis Staples among others, and a lot of footage from pioneers and legends including Rosetta Tharpe, The Dixie Hummingbirds, Mahalia Jackson, Rev. James Cleveland, The Blind Boys of Alabama, The Staples Singers, and Andrae Crouch.

If you are a gospel music enthusiast, the Rejoice and Shout trailer is sure to whet your appetite.