“The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,” “My Tribute (To God be the Glory),” “Soon and Very Soon”; these classic songs of faith and hope were all written by legendary gospel singer, composer, producer and pastor Andraé Crouch.
Aptly named the “Father of Modern Gospel,” the 7-time Grammy Award winner influenced generations of musicians and his collaboration with artists across all genres–like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross and Quincy Jones–was a testament to his ability to transcend ideas of what is strictly religious and strictly secular, infusing gospel soul into everything he produced.
In a 2011 interview with NPR’s Michel Martin, the Gospel Music Hall of Famer highlighted his passion to reach all people with his music:
“I think that some people still think that the formula other than gospel still is not strong enough to get that crossover appeal to people enough that they would play it all the time or nonchurch people would accept it, but I disagree. I think that if something’s really good and it touches that part of their heart that has been untouched, or maybe it has been touched but they never wanted to admit it, I think that when they get back to that, I think that we are still in a place that people enjoy it the way it’s supposed to be enjoyed.
“And I think that when we like songs in gospel and it hits that part of the soul or the mind that brings back familiarity to the person or to the listeners, I think we zero in on something that will always be needed.”
Sadly, after being hospitalized for pneumonia and congestive heart failure in December and again in January, Crouch died of a heart attack at the age of 72. Though he is surely resting with the angels, his spirit will always live on in song.
