Andraé Edward Crouch is an award-winning gospel musician, recording artist, songwriter, arranger and producer. Born July 1, 1942 in Los Angeles, California, he was a key figure in the Christian Music movement of the 1960s and 1970s. His religious songs have been performed by Elvis Presley, Paul Simon, church choirs, and other musical groups around the world. He has won eight GRAMMY awards, six GMA Dove awards and received an Oscar nomination. Crouch was inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998.

 

His recordings range from reverent hymns, to the traditional gospel music pioneered by Thomas A. Dorsey, to contemporary light rock and pop-oriented songs backed by jazz musicians, to African/world-music influences.

 

Called the “father of modern gospel,” because he more than anyone expanded gospel music to include elements of R&B and modern popular styles during the 70s and 80s, Crouch had his early musical formation in his parents' church in southern California. He has often told the story about how his piano-playing was literally God-given while he was a child. 

 

His first group was the COGICS (Church of God in Christ Singers), which he formed when he was in high school and which featured vocalist Billy Preston. Preston later played organ for the Beatles, Eric Clapton, and many other mainstream and gospel artists before launching a successful solo career. The COGICS were the first to record "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power".

 

Crouch founded the Disciples in 1965. At the urging of Christian composer Ralph Carmichael, he began to record his compositions in 1969. During the 1965-1985 period, Crouch and the Disciples appeared on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson, performed at the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall, and toured 68 countries. Their most popular songs from this period include "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," "Through It All," "Bless His Holy Name," and "My Tribute". Their contemporary gospel sound reached beyond the traditional African American base and touched a racially and musically diverse audience. Several musical groups and solo performers recorded Crouch’s more popular works, further expanding Crouch's musical influence.

 

He later worked as a producer or arranger with Michael Jackson, Madonna (“Like A Prayer”), Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and Rick Astley (“Cry For Help”). His film credits include Once Upon A Forest, The Color Purple, The Lion King, and Free Willy. Who can forget the rousing rendition of “Maybe God’s Trying To Tell You Something” from The Color Purple (featuring Tata Vega on lead), or the theme from NBC sitcom Amen. Crouch also appeared on television as the voice of Dr. Seuss's Yertle the Turtle.

 

Crouch, who is credited with revolutionizing the sound of contemporary gospel music, was one of the first black gospel artists to crossover to mainstream contemporary Christian music, and his songs have become staples and popular hymns in churches all around the world. In 1996, his songs were the impetus for the GRAMMY Award- winning CD, Tribute: The Songs of Andraé Crouch, which featured a range of artists, including the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Take 6 and Michael W. Smith, performing some of his classic songs. 

 

Andraé Crouch has won numerous awards and honors over the years. In addition to his GRAMMY Awards and GMA Dove Awards, he has received ASCAP, Billboard and NAACP Image Awards. In 2004, he became the only living contemporary gospel artist - and just the third in history - to have his star enshrined on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2005, Crouch was the recipient of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’ Inaugural Salute to Gospel Music Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

Andraé Crouch now serves as Senior Pastor at the New Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ in San Fernando, California, the church founded by his parents.

 

He has recently signed a new record deal with Riverphlo Entertainment 

and is releasing his new album titled The Journey in stores September 27, 2011. The signing re-teams him with songwriter, producer and CEO Mano Hanes (who produced Mighty Wind), Hanes launched the new label Riverphlo Entertainment, which is distributed by Universal Music Christian Group. 

 

A documentary on Crouch’s incredible musical journey, as well as a television show, book and other media properties are in the works for 2011 and 2012.