Andrae Crouch

Andraé Crouch was a prominent American gospel singer, songwriter, and pastor, widely recognized as a pioneer of modern gospel music. Born on July 1, 1942, in San Francisco, California, and raised in the San Fernando Valley, he began his musical career at age 11, playing piano for the Church of God in Christ choir. He wrote his first gospel composition at age 14 and later formed the ensemble Andraé Crouch & the Disciples in 1965. Crouch served as a pastor at Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ in Pacoima, California. His songwriting produced enduring gospel standards, including "Through It All," "Take Me Back," "Soon and Very Soon," "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," and "My Tribute - To God Be The Glory." He also recorded songs such as "Oh, It Is Jesus" and "Let The Church Say Amen." Throughout his career, Crouch collaborated as a vocal arranger and performer with numerous artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Stevie Wonder. His work earned him eight Grammy Awards from 20 nominations, and he received the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Gospel Artist in 1980. Andraé Crouch passed away on January 8, 2015, in Los Angeles, California.