Andrae Crouch Gone to Be with the Ancestors and Elders, January 8, 2015

Andrae Crouch, a superior and legendary gospel artist for more than six decades, and a man known for spending his entire life doing nothing but writing and singing praises to the Lord, has moved forward into eternal rest.

Mr. Crouch, who had suffered a heart attack on January 3 was in an unnamed Los Angeles hospital when he transitioned out of this dimension at the age of 72 on January 8, 2015. He and his twin sister, Sandra, were born on July 1, 1942.

Well known for every song he ever wrote, composed, or recorded, he sang one of his most popular tunes “Soon and Very Soon” at the Michael Jackson memorial in 2009.

Mr. Crouch was a seven-time Grammy winner, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998, and his songs were sung and recorded by hitmakers such as Elvis Presley (who, coincidentally, would have celebrated his 80th birthday today) and Paul Simon. Mr. Crouch worked with both gospel and secular artists by the hundreds, including Shirley Caesar, Carman (who stated that Crouch was the one who introduced him into his walk with the Lord back in the 1970s), Marvin Winans, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, and Michael Jackson. His songs were sung by the Gaithers, Sandi Patty, and other gospel greats such as Larnelle Harris, Babbie Mason, and Yolanda Adams. Crouch was also nominated for an Oscar award for his scores and compositions for the hit movie and stage play, Alice Walker’s “The Color Purple.”

It was once rumored that Elder Crouch and Sister Sandra, an incomparable gospel artist in her own right, were in the company of Michael Jackson only weeks before his death and that they had administered the “sinner’s prayer” to him, but Ms Crouch later made a public statement that those rumors were untrue. Mr. Jackson had only consulted with them about adding more depth of “spirituality” to his own musical compositions.

The Jackson family were tremendous notable fans of the Crouches.

Crouch composed and sang and collaborated on so very many glorious and beautiful songs in honor of God that there are too many to name in a short dedication and tribute, but “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power” and “My Tribute: To God Be the Glory” and “Let the Church Say Amen” are just three of the many.

Rest in Power, Elder Crouch. Well well well done!

God has spoken, let the church say amen…