Pastor Andrae Crouch

Andraé Crouch, a gospel musician who bridged the worlds of church and mainstream music for more than 50 years, Andraé Crouch died Thursday, January 8,2015 at the age of 72.

Crouch, sometimes called "the father of modern gospel music," led the choirs that sang on such hits as Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror and Madonna's Like a Prayer. As a songwriter, he wrote several gospel favorites, most notably The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power, My Tribute (To God Be the Glory) and Soon and Very Soon, a song sung at Jackson's public memorial service.
The seven-time Grammy winner was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998.

His songs were recorded by Elvis Presley and Paul Simon, he collaborated with Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Elton John, Quincy Jones and Diana Ross, and he was a backup singer on several Michael Jackson songs.
He also received an Academy Award nomination for his composition work on The Color Purple.

Andraé Crouch got his start in music at his father's small church, which was opened in a garage in the San Fernando Valley in 1951. His father needed a piano player for the church, prayed on it, and three weeks later Crouch was working the keys. .

            Andraé Crouch Soul Gospel Playlist  


"I think that some people still think that the formula other than gospel still is not strong enough to get that crossover appeal to people enough that they would play it all the time or nonchurch people would accept it, but I disagree. I think that if something's really good and it touches that part of their heart that has been

untouched, or maybe it has been touched but they never wanted to admit it, I think that when they get back to that, I think that we are still in a place that people enjoy it the way it's supposed to be enjoyed.
"And I think that when we like songs in gospel and it hits that part of the soul or the mind that brings back familiarity to the person or to the listeners, I think we zero in on something that will always be needed."

        Andrae Crouch


         Appreciate what God has given to you - Pastor Andrae Crouch speaking


         We Are Not Ashamed - written by Andrae Crouch - recorded by The New CMC Choir


     "We Are Not Ashamed" recorded @ New Christ Memorial Church under the direction of Sandra Crouch  .... on 2/1/06. Featured soloists are Tony McLendon & Valerie Doby. Rickey Grundy at the piano.