Before there was a Lecrae, there was Andrae’’ Crouch:
Andrae’ Crouch was affectionately referred to as the Father of Modern Gospel and he was the leading staple singer, songwriter and arranger of his generation. He crossed the boundary lines of traditional gospel right into the contemporary without losing the message nor the anointing of the gospel. Name any well known extraordinary artist of the last couple generations and you will find a connection with Andrae’ Crouch from Michael Jackson to Elvis. Andrae’ Crouch was an extraordinarily talented man.
Even though I wasn’t born during the peak of Mr. Crouch’s’ career, I definitely recognized his work as something great when my mom exposed me to his music. My mom would always win records from the radio station in the mid 80s and play them all throughout the house.
The peak of Crouch’s’ career was during the 1970s which was one of the coolest eras for African-American people. We were slightly just past some of the toughest Civil Rights struggles of our history in this country. The 1970s is where the Black is beautiful era became prominent and Blacks in this country were starting to gain some pride and self-worth about themselves and music was a big part of that expression.
Unsurprisingly, Black exploitation films also became popular during that era where drugs and the life of a pimp or super-fly street thug was glorified to the young Black youth of that day, but God always has a remnant of someone to represent his name.
That is what Andrae’ did in the music industry. His music had a similar sound to the popular music of that time, but it was gospel. It was just as cool, just as talented, and original as the music of that time similar to contemporary artists today such as Lecrae, Kirk Franklin, and others. Crouch was considered worldly and a sell out by some as well just like Christian artists today. Before the contemporary movement of artists that we embrace so well today, there were people like Andrae’ Crouch, Shirley Caesar, and Edwin & Walter Hawkins who paved the way for gospel music to be embraced in the mainstream.
Andrae’ is responsible for some of the most beloved gospel songs such as “The Blood Will Never Lose its Power”, “Soon & Very Soon”, “Take me back”, “Jesus is the Answer”, and the list goes on. My favorite song from him is “I’ll Still love You” from the “Take Me Back” album. Andrae’ has won several awards over the years including 7 Grammys, 6 Dove Awards, and other honors. Yesterday, we lost a legend whose contribution to the world will never be forgotten. May Andrae’ Crouch rest with the Lord.
Enjoy one of my favorites form Andrae’ Crouch below:
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