Pastor Andrae CrouchSomewhere around sunset in the eastern and central time zones of the United States, the California sun shined a little brighter as light dimmed in the life of gospel music's beloved legend, Pastor Andrae Crouch. News sources from all over reported Pastor Crouch's demise this evening and hearts worldwide broke following the devastating news. As recently reported in this column, Pastor Crouch washospitalized following a massive heart attack on last Saturday. Prayers poured in from all over the world for the man who wrote the songs that spoke to many generations. Pastor Andrae Crouch the transcendent gospel legend has gone home at the age of 72, leaving behind his twin sister,extended/musical family and an illustrious musical legacy.
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Pastor Crouch recently suffered with health issues and was forced to cancel the "Let the Church Say Amen" Tour mere days before its start. The tour regained its bearings, and announced new dates as Pastor Crouch seemed to return to better health. He'd been sidelined with many a health issue as of late but fans and friends continued in steadfast prayer for such a pioneer, the father of contemporary gospel.
As the gospel community and music world at large struggle to come to grips with this tremendous loss, Pastor Crouch's words eulogize him..."God has spoken, let the church say amen..."
Pastor Crouch sang about the real life power of an encounter with Jesus Christ and Christ's impact on his life. Through it all, his career spanned decades, inspired millions and led many more to Christ.
Many will remember Andrae Crouch for his impact on their life. Where were you when you first heard an Andrae Crouch song? Whether you were in a crowded stadium at a Billy Graham Crusade, watching him in concert on the Trinity Broadcast Network, spinning his records on your home stereo or riding in the car listening to him on the radio, Andrae Crouch's music stayed with you from the first moment you heard it.
Pastor Crouch wrote music that made the whole world sing...about Jesus! There's not one demographic on the face of the earth Andrae Crouch's 'Jesus music' hasn't reached. Over the years Pastor Crouch's "Disciples" looked just like his audience, mixed. He found a way to build a bridge from Christ to every believer! No matter where you were from, or what you looked like he made you understand more about where you're going...home,and soon!
As the gospel community and music world at large struggle to come to grips with this tremendous loss, Pastor Crouch's words eulogize him..."God has spoken, let the church say amen..."
Pastor Crouch sang about the real life power of an encounter with Jesus Christ and Christ's impact on his life. Through it all, his career spanned decades, inspired millions and led many more to Christ.
Many will remember Andrae Crouch for his impact on their life. Where were you when you first heard an Andrae Crouch song? Whether you were in a crowded stadium at a Billy Graham Crusade, watching him in concert on the Trinity Broadcast Network, spinning his records on your home stereo or riding in the car listening to him on the radio, Andrae Crouch's music stayed with you from the first moment you heard it.
Pastor Crouch wrote music that made the whole world sing...about Jesus! There's not one demographic on the face of the earth Andrae Crouch's 'Jesus music' hasn't reached. Over the years Pastor Crouch's "Disciples" looked just like his audience, mixed. He found a way to build a bridge from Christ to every believer! No matter where you were from, or what you looked like he made you understand more about where you're going...home,and soon!
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The world may never really know the full impact of Crouch's ministry. Artists from all over drew inspiration from him, for varying reasons. Crouch worked with many and through his unique humility blessed artists of all stature in gospel music, even indie artists. Calculating Crouch's true impact...only Heaven knows!
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That's the beauty of Crouch's music, he was gifted with the master's touch. He could ever so poetically express the inexpressible meanderings of the listener's soul...he wrote with Heaven's pen! Irreplaceable, inimitable, indelible...mere words fail the human heart and human language as the gospel community attempts to summarize Crouch's impact on modern gospel music. There's hardly a measurement for music capable of reaching audiences beyond the sometimes secluded walls of the church building.
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Crouch garnered an Oscar nomination for his work on the soundtrack of the ground-breaking movie "The Color Purple". He was even called upon as an arranger and vocal conductor on Disney's "The Lion King". Did you know him as "Yertle the Turtle"? Who could ever forget his work with the undisputed"King of Pop", Michael Jackson? Crouch's singers and members of the Winans family rounded out the background vocals on the 1988 smash written by Siedah Garrett and Glen Ballard. Crouch and his singers returned to sing the song at Jackson's funeral as he was laid to rest in 2009.
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Soon and very soon, it won't be long, if Heaven were never promised to me...Crouch sang of the city so bright and fair, now he rests in his home beyond the skies.
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Reflecting on the life and legacy of the late Pastor Andrae Crouch, hearts are overflowing with gratitude for a life well lived. The familial bond between him and his twin Sandra was never broken. They sang together and they Pastored together, furthering the legacy of their parents. They ministered in each corner of the world together, fulfilling the Great Commission. Andrae Crouch was a once in a lifetime gift; and all who experience his ministry and gift in his lifetime are truly grateful to God this evening, smiling in the midst of tears.
Many careers and ministries were birthed through this awesome minstrel impacting believers and new converts the world over. May God richly reward him with blessings only eternity can sustain. Pastor Donnie McClurkin made a poignant statement this evening regarding his mentor and friend: "Our modern day David has gone to Heaven, it won't be the same. Let the church say Amen.
All of gospel music will be counting years as months, months as weeks, and weeks as days until we'll all be going home to see you again. Until that day, God be with you Andrae Crouch.
Many careers and ministries were birthed through this awesome minstrel impacting believers and new converts the world over. May God richly reward him with blessings only eternity can sustain. Pastor Donnie McClurkin made a poignant statement this evening regarding his mentor and friend: "Our modern day David has gone to Heaven, it won't be the same. Let the church say Amen.
All of gospel music will be counting years as months, months as weeks, and weeks as days until we'll all be going home to see you again. Until that day, God be with you Andrae Crouch.