Andraé Crouch
Andraé Edward Crouch (July 1, 1942 – January 8, 2015) was an American
gospel singer, songwriter, arranger, record producer and pastor. Referred to as "the father of modern gospel music" by
contemporary Christian and gospel music professionals, Crouch was known for his compositions "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power", "
My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)" and "Soon and Very Soon". He collaborated on some of his recordings with famous and popular artists such as
Stevie Wonder,
El DeBarge,
Philip Bailey,
Chaka Khan, and
Sheila E., as well as the vocal group
Take 6, and many popular artists covered his material, including
Bob Dylan,
Barbara Mandrell,
Paul Simon,
Elvis Presley and
Little Richard. In the 1980s and 1990s, he was known as the "go-to" producer for superstars who sought a gospel choir sound in their recordings; he appeared on a number of recordings, including
Michael Jackson's "
Man In the Mirror",
Madonna's "
Like a Prayer", and "The Power", a duet between
Elton John and
Little Richard. Crouch was noted for his talent of incorporating contemporary secular music styles into the gospel music he grew up with. His efforts in this area helped pave the way for early American contemporary Christian music during the 1960s and 1970s.
Crouch's original music arrangements were heard in the films ''
The Color Purple'', for which he received an
Oscar nomination, and Disney's ''
The Lion King'', as well as the
NBC television series ''
Amen''. Awards and honors received by him include seven
Grammy Awards, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998, and a star on the
Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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