Andraé Crouch Dies, Tributes Pour in for Legendary Gospel Singer
Andraé Crouch, the gospel music legend and choir director who worked with Madonna and Michael Jackson, died on Thursday at age 72.
The singer and songwriter died at Northridge Hospital Medical Center where he had been since Saturday after suffering a heart attack, according to his publicist via the Associated Press. News of Crouch's death has left many in mourning, including The Recording Academy, which bestowed Crouch with seven Grammy Awards.
"Andraé Crouch was a remarkable musician and legendary figure in gospel music," Recording Academy president and CEO Neil Portnow said in a statement. "We have lost a dynamic member of our creative community, and our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and all who have been lifted up by his remarkable work."
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Tyler Perry also posted a tribute to Crouch, tweeting: "'God has spoken, let the church say amen.' May your soul rest in peace, Andre Crouch."
"Rest in Him, @AndreCrouch," Smokie Norful added. "Thank you for sharing your gift and leaving us with TIMELESS music. 'Always Remember.'"
Fellow gospel singer Jason Crabb took to Facebook in mourning, writing, "To say the legendary Andrae Crouch was an influence on my life would be a vast understatement. One of the highlights of my career was to perform his classic song 'The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power,' as he played the piano during a Bill Gaither video taping – I'll never forget it. We've lost a true pioneer who will be greatly missed."
The death of the "Soon and Very Soon" singer comes just days after his twin sister, Sandra Crouch, requested prayers for his recovery from an unspecified health condition. Crouch and his sister both served as senior pastors at Christ Memorial Church of God in San Fernando, California, for the past two decades, and today, Sandra mourns her brother.
"Today my twin brother, womb-mate and best friend went home to be with the Lord," she said on Thursday. "I tried to keep him here but God loved him best."
He was well-known for bridging "Jesus music" with mainstream with songs such as "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," "My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)" and "I'll Be Thinking of You," Crouch's songs have played in churches around the world and recorded by artists that include Elvis Presley and Paul Simon. Furthermore, Crouch is one of very few gospel singers to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The award-winning musician has also directed the choirs that sang on Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" and Madonna's "Like A Prayer," while also arranging music for films "The Color Purple" and "The Lion King."
