Andrae Crouch: Gone to see the King

Legendary gospel singer-songwriter and arranger Andrae Crouch—often referred to as the “father of modern gospel music”—died Thursday of a heart attack. He was 72. The musician and pastor leaves behind a dizzying sphere of achievement and influence, attested by seven Grammy awards, six Dove Awards, and entrée at diverse institutions from the Grand Ole Opry to Carnegie Hall, from Billy Graham Crusades to the White House. President Barack Obama said he was “saddened” by Crouch’s passing and paid tribute to the way he “uplifted the hearts and minds of several generations.”

It’s no understatement to say Crouch was a man who made—to adapt a phrase from Barry Manilow—the whole church sing. The key word here being “whole.” Crouch’s music was among the first to cross the color line and appeal to black and white audiences. He crafted immensely singable songs that were simultaneously reverent but undoubtedly soulful and full of the energy of his time.

Crouch’s entry into music ministry came early and was based on the needs of the moment. His preacher-father simply informed him their church service needed a piano player. So Dad “prayed for me one Sunday and I started playing the piano about 3 weeks later,” Crouch recalled during an interview with NPR. By age 15, he had penned the gospel classic, “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,” and went on to create many more beloved hits, including “Jesus Is The Answer,” and “Soon And Very Soon,” which mourners sang at Michael Jackson’s public memorial.

Crouch’s peculiar genius lay in effortlessly combining traditional African-American gospel with the essential elements of early rock ’n’ roll and rhythm and blues. The result was a shot across the bow reverberating in many directions at once and across racial and generational divides. His music powerfully influenced members of the “Jesus Movement,” and from there went on to play a seminal role in the development of CCM. Michael W. Smith said Crouch, “opened a whole new world of possibilities for me musically,” during an interview with Billboard. “I don’t think there is anyone who inspired me more, growing up, than Andrae Crouch. The depth of his influence on Christian music is incalculable.”

Secular artists also took note of his infectious blend. Elvis Presley recorded Crouch’s “I’ve Got Confidence” in 1972, while Paul Simon recorded “Jesus Is The Answer” for a 1974 live album. Crouch’s crackerjack choir became sought after by the biggest artists of his day, including Michael Jackson, for “Man In The Mirror,” Madonna, Elton John, and Ringo Star. Crouch further left his mark on pop culture through his work on The Lion King and his contribution to the film The Color Purple, for which he received an Academy Award nomination. He also earned Billboard, ASCAP, and NAACP awards, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and is one of the very few gospel artists to have a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame.

Despite such accolades, Crouch had his sights set on a different legacy.

“All I want in life is to be remembered as a guy that really loved God,” he told Billboard. He recalled his dad’s admonition to stay focused on Scriptural truth: “Then it will heal. It will deliver. It will bring life. Your opinion won’t do anything, but God’s word will. … It will penetrate through people’s hearts. … The words of God will cut through steel.”

Crouch’s music revealed that focus, whether wrapped in a gentle ballad or propelled by blazing funk. Now that “Soon and very soon” has arrived, Andrae Crouch can go to his reward.