Andraé Crouch
Andraé Edward Crouch (born July 1, 1942 in San Francisco , California - † January 8, 2015 in Los Angeles , California) was an American gospel singer and pianist, composer , choir director, arranger and record producer.
Live and act
At the age of nine, Crouch began to sing and play the piano - without any formal training. He wrote his first song at the age of 14. He never married and had no children.
In 1965 he founded the band Andraé Crouch & the Disciples , with whom he made a number of recordings and toured worldwide. Later he had great success as a solo artist, but also as a producer and arranger for many world stars.
As a child, Crouch stuttered and did not overcome his severe dyslexia until very late. He developed cancer several times and suffered from diabetes. Without being able to read sheet music , he composed numerous songs such as "My Tribute (To God Be The Glory)" and "The Blood Will Never Lose its Power".
Although he worked as a drug advisor for a while, a drug discovery led to a career turnaround in the gospel scene. During that time he devoted himself to secular music. From him come u. a. Arrangements for the film music of The Lion King , Free Willy and The Color Purple .
Over the course of his career, Crouch has worked with countless musicians, including a who's who of soul and pop music:
Elvis Presley , Quincy Jones ( Back on the Block ) , Michael Jackson , Madonna , Paul Simon , Philip Bailey , Stevie Wonder , Ringo Starr , Elton John , Chaka Khan , Joe Sample (including LP Mercy , 1994) and Billy Preston (LP Take me back , Andraé Crouch & the Disciples, 1975).
He later returned to the gospel scene and, together with his twin sister, Sandra Crouch, took over the father's parish. World-famous songs by him are "Jesus is the Answer" and "Soon and very soon we are going to see the King".
Significance for modern gospel music
Crouch was one of the most influential gospel musicians ever. He is considered a pioneer of contemporary gospel music ("Urban Gospel Music"), that is, contemporary, modern gospel music, which is a mixture of traditional gospel, rhythm and blues, funk, soul, jazz and pop music. The modern gospel choir sound he created can also be heard on world-famous secular music productions, and his musical style has inspired just as many secular musicians.
Awards
Grammys
- 1975: Best Soul Gospel Performance - Take Me Back
- 1978: Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album - Live in London
- 1979: Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album - I'll Be Thinking of You
- 1980: Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational - "The Lord's Prayer" (in collaboration with other artists)
- 1981: Best Contemporary Soul Gospel Album - Don't Give Up
- 1984: Best Soul Gospel Performance, Male - "Always Remember"
- 1994: Best Pop / Contemporary Gospel Album - Mercy
GMA Dove Awards
- 1977 Soul / Black Gospel Album - This is another day
- 1978 Soul / Black Gospel Album - Live in London ; Andrae Crouch and The Disciples
- 1985 Contemporary gospel album of the year - No Time to Lose
- 1993 Traditional gospel album of the year - With all of my heart ; Sandra Crouch and Friends
- 1997 Contemporary gospel recorded song of the year - Take me back ; Tribute-The Songs of Andrae Crouch (Composition: Andrae Crouch)
- 1998 Contemporary gospel album of the year - Pray
Web links
- Andraé Crouch in the Internet Movie Database (English)
- Literature by and about Andraé Crouch in the catalog of the German National Library
Individual evidence
- ↑ Brian Mansfield: Gospel music pioneer Andraé Crouch dies at 72. USA today, January 9, 2015, accessed on January 13, 2015 (English).
- ^ Greg Prato: Andraé Crouch Biography. allmusic.com, accessed January 13, 2015 .
- ↑ www.nytimes.com
- ↑ latimes.com
- ↑ www.allmusic.com
- ↑ www.grammy.com
- ↑ www.theguardian.com
- ↑ www.nytimes.com
- ↑ www.catholic.org
- ↑ www.christianitytoday.com
- ↑ bigstory.ap.org
- ↑ www.billboard.com
- ↑ www.rollingstone.de
- ↑ www.grammy.com
- ↑ www.doveawards.com
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Crouch, Andraé |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Crouch, Andraé Edward (full name) |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American gospel singer and composer |
| DATE OF BIRTH | July 1, 1942 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | San Francisco , California |
| DATE OF DEATH | January 8, 2015 |
| Place of death | Los Angeles , California |