Gospel singer dies

sQuashie

January 9, 2015 11:50 AM

Legendary gospel musician, Andrae Crouch, a has passed away

Legendary gospel singer/songwriter and choir director, Andrae Crouch has died. Crouch whose work graced songs by Michael Jackson and Madonna and movies such as "The Lion King," died at age 72. The singer who has performed at Harvest Praise in Ghana several times, died Thursday afternoon at Northridge Hospital Medical Center, where he had been admitted Saturday after suffering a heart attack, said his publicist, Brian Mayes.

The Recording Academy, which awarded seven Grammys to Crouch during a career that spanned more than a half-century, said in a statement that he was "a remarkable musician and legendary figure" who was "fiercely devoted to evolving the sound of contemporary, urban gospel music."

Crouch and his twin sister, Sandra Crouch, also a singer, lived in the Pacoima area of Los Angeles. They were pastors at the New Christ Memorial Church in the Los Angeles suburb of San Fernando.

"Today my twin brother, womb-mate and best friend went home to be with the Lord," said Pastor Sandra Crouch. "I tried to keep him here but God loved him best."

Born in San Francisco, Crouch wrote his first gospel tune at age 14.

Crouch wrote dozens of songs, including gospel favorites such as "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," ''My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)" and "Soon and Very Soon," which was sung at a public memorial to Jackson.

Before his death, Crouch had health issues in recent years, including diabetes and cancer. Last month, he was hospitalized for pneumonia and congestive heart failure and had to cancel a tour.

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