Tributes have begun pouring in for Gospel Music legend Andraé Crouch, who passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at approximately 4:30pm PST at Northridge Hospital Medical Center in the Los Angeles area.
Andraé, 72, had been hospitalized in the Los Angeles area since Jan. 3 following a heart attack, and he passed away surrounded by his family
According to the Nashville Publicity Group, Andraé’s accolades include 7 Grammy Awards, 6 GMA Dove Awards, an Academy Award nomination for “The Color Purple,” induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Andraé Crouch in an undated press photo, circa 1970; Photo Courtesy of Getty Images.
His songs have been recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon, and he has worked as a producer and arranger with many of music’s top artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and many others.
Andraé can also be heard on Michael Jackson’s hit singles “Man in the Mirror,” “Keep the Faith,” “Will You Be There” and “Earth Song.”
His twin sister, Pastor Sandra Crouch said shortly after his passing, “Today my twin brother, womb-mate and best friend went home to be with the Lord. Please keep me, my family and our church family in your prayers. I tried to keep him here but God loved him best.”
Singer Reba Rambo McGuire, said, “His pen was dipped in heaven…his fingers dripped with passion and his voice had the haunting, familiar sound of home. He wrote the songs that expressed the longings of our hearts. 40 years ago he helped me find my voice. I will miss my mentor and friend.”
*Note: Reba won a Grammy award in 1980 for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary, or Inspirational, alongside Andraé Crouch, Cynthia Clawson, BJ Thomas, Tramaine Hawkins, Walter Hawkins, The Archers and her husband Dony McGuire.
Bishop TD Jakes said, “In our willingness to let God’s grace rest upon us and stand as a testimony to His good works we become a testimony of His power.”
And Kay Warren, wife of Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, added, “Andraé Crouch touched my soul from the first moment I heard him sing – will never forget. Hope I can sing next to him in Heaven’s choir.”
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