Gospel music legend Andrae Crouch has died at the age of 72.
In a statement, the Nashville Publicity Group said that Grammy and Dove Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer and arranger – described as the “father of modern Gospel” – died from complications following a heart attack at approximately 4.30pm on 8th January at the Northridge Hospital Medical Center in the Los Angeles area.
He had been hospitalised following the heart attack on 3rd January.
Crouch’s sister, Sandra Crouch, said in a statement: “Today my twin brother, womb-mate and best friend went home to be with the Lord. Please keep me, my family and our church family in your prayers. I tried to keep him here but God loved him best.”
Details of a celebration service and tribute will be forthcoming.
In a career going back decades, Crouch won seven Grammy Awards and six Dove GMA Awards and received an Academy Award nomination for his music on The Color Purple. His songs have been recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon and he worked as a producer and arranger with top artists included Michael Jackson, Madonna, Diana Ross and Elton John.
Crouch was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Bishop TD Jakes was among those who paid tribute to Crouch following news of his death. “In our willingness to let God’s grace rest upon us and stand as a testimony to His good works we become a testimony of His power,” he said.
Kay Warren, wife of Saddleback Church pastor Rick Warren, said: “Andrae Crouch touched my soul from the first moment I heard him sing – will never forget. Hope I can sing next to him in Heaven’s choir.”
A celebration of Crouch’s life will be held on 20th-21st January at West Angeles Church of God in Christ in LA. Both services will be open to the public.
– with reporting by ASSIST News Service.
