Legendary Gospel Singer-Songwriter Andrae’ Crouch Passes Away At Age 72

According to the L.A. Times, legendary gospel singer-songwriter Andrae Crouch has passed away at age 72  from complications due to a recent heart attack on Thursday, January 8 at 4:30p.m. in Los Angeles’ Northridge Hospital Medical Center.

Crouch was a multi-Grammy award winner. He is best known for contemporary Christian and gospel hits such as “Take Me Back,” “Jesus Is The Answer,” “My Tribute,” “Through It All, ” “Soon and Very Soon,” “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power, “ and “Let The Church Say Amen.” The latter was a recent hit featuring Marvin Winans. The California native received an Academy Award nomination for his work as an arranger of compositions on the 1985 movie, The Color Purple.

The Gold record artist worked with both gospel and mainstream music notables, including Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones. Crouch had been ill for some time. Last month he postponed his “Let The Church Say Amen Celebration Tour” after being hospitalized for pneumonia and congestive heart failure.

Crouch frequently told the story of how his father prayed for him when he was a boy and he was instantly given the gift to play the piano. Andrae Crouch and his twin sister Sandra served as pastors of New Christ Memorial Church in Pacoima, CA. The church his father pastored.

Andrae Crouch leaves behind his sister Sandra Crouch, a treasure trove of gospel classics and a legacy as one of gospel’s greatest pioneers.

Here is an interview I did with Andrae Crouch in 2011. I dedicate it in his memory and to all who loved his color blind style of gospel music. Take a listen to it.