He's only one of three gospel musicians honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and his music has spanned decades. On Thursday night, gospel legend Andraé Crouch died. According to Christianity Today, Crouch was admitted to Northridge Hospital in Los Angeles over the weekend, and his death was due to complications from a heart attack.
Crouch and his twin sister, Sandra Crouch, were pastors at the New Christ Memorial Church in San Fernando, Calif.
"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."
Crouch, like many gospel singers, got his start in his father's church, singing with his twin sister. His career launched gospel music into the mainstream in the 1970s and led to seven Grammy Awards. Crouch was also a noted producer and worked with artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna and Quincy Jones.
Some of Crouch's most popular songs include "My Tribute," "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power" (which he wrote at the age of 14) and "Soon and Very Soon." Chances are if you've ever attended a black church, "Soon and Very Soon" was a choir staple. His music even made it to movies such as The Color Purple and Once Upon a Forest. Crouch was also the music director for Broadway's The Lion King.
As news of his passing became public, people on social media remembered his life and music.
https://twitter.com/MCHammer/status/553388187179962369https://twitter.com/TJMShow/status/553512007198994432https://twitter.com/TheRevAl/status/553505600697823232https://twitter.com/ledisi/status/553452803264638976https://twitter.com/JackeeHarry/status/553409432592613376
Crouch, like many gospel artists of his time, paved the way for today's contemporary gospel musicians, and his music will never be forgotten.