Category: Music

Before there was a Lecrae, there was Andrae’ Crouch:

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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Giving honor to whom honor is due: A small conversation with Richard Smallwood.

I was a little reserved about interviewing Richard Smallwood due to the fact of him being from a different generation. I wondered if I knew enough about him to hold a conversation. My knowledge of him was limited to some of his biggest staple songs. However I had an interview with him that went very well. Due to minor technical difficulties, the interview will be covered in writing instead of audio.
First of all, Mr. Smallwood is a very humble man of depth with God. That was made very evident and clear in his conversation and in the manner that he carried himself.

He was asked  the following questions:

Russelyn: How does it feel with several churches across the country singing your songs?

Smallwood: You know I never really get used to it. It’s an amazing experience every time.

Russelyn: You are known for so many staple gospel songs, what is your process for getting music.

Smallwood: I really do not have a process. Sometimes the songs come through experience or I will just hear music, I could be on the bus or even asleep in a dream.

Russelyn: What do you feel has been your big break in music?

Smallwood:  Well, I have always been in music. My mom said since I was very young I would hum full songs from church. I think when my music really start to become more well known was when I did, “I Love the Lord.” Whitney Houston re did that song and it became even more well known.

Russelyn: What was the most rewarding experience that you have had as an artist so far?

Smallwood: Wow, that’s a good question. I would have to say the most rewarding experiences I have had as an artist has been when people have told me how my music has touched their lives. People will come up to me and tell me your song kept me from committing suicide or your song really helped me through a bad situation, and that is what has been most rewarding to me.

In short, the above is a summary of what Mr. Smallwood and I discussed during our interview. I was really honored to talk to such a legendary and humble man of God. It’s very important as each generation moves forward that we take lessons from the previous generation realizing what really matters and that is living your life for Christ in the most sincere way possible.

Thanking the BRL Awards and staff for affording me two great interviews.

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Interview with Lecrae at the 2014 BRL Chicago TGA Awards:

Recently, I interviewed Lecrae at the 2014 BRL Chicago Touching the Generations Award. I asked him about the pressures he has to deal with being more mainstream now, his new movie coming up and also referenced his song called “Wait,” asking him for encouragement for single women. See what he had to say below:

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