Andrae Edward Crouch (born July 1, 1942), gospel musician, recording artist, songwriter, arranger, and producer, was a key figure in the Jesus Music movement of the 1960s and 1970s. His religious songs have been sung by Elvis Presley, Paul Simon, young white hippies, and mainstream churches, as well as his fellow black Pentecostal Christians. He has won more than 16 Grammy awards and an Oscar nomination. Crouch was inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998.

His recordings range from reverent hymns, to the traditional gospel music pioneered by Thomas A. Dorsey, to contemporary light rock and pop-oriented songs backed by jazz musicians, to African/world-music influences.

Crouch received his early musical formation in his parents' church in southern California. His first group was the COGICS (Church of God in Christ Singers), which consisted of Andrae Crouch, Gloria Jones, Frankie Karl Springs aka Frankie Kahrl, Edna Wright, Blinky Williams, Andrae's sister Sandra Crouch, and Billy Preston. Preston later played organ for the Beatles.

Crouch founded the Disciples in 1965. At the urging of Christian composer Ralph Carmichael , he began to record his compositions in 1969. During the 1965-85 period, Andraé Crouch and the Disciples appeared on the Tonight Show, performed at the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall, and toured more than fifty countries. Crouch's most popular songs from this period include "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," "Through It All," "Bless His Holy Name," and "My Tribute". Their contemporary gospel sound reached beyond the traditional African American base and touched a racially and musically diverse audience. Musicians on their recordings included Sherman Andrus, Billy Thedford, Billy Preston, Sandra Crouch, Perry Morgan, Ruben Fernandez, Tramaine Hawkins, Danniebelle Hall, Paula Clarin and Phyllis Swisher. Several musical acts and solo performers covered (made recordings of) his more popular works, further expanding Crouch's musical influence.

Crouch later worked as an producer or arranger with Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, and Elton John. His film credits include Once Upon A Forest , The Color Purple, The Lion King, and Free Willy. He also appeared as the television voice of Dr. Seuss's Yertle the Turtle .

Andrae Crouch now serves as Senior Pastor at the New Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ in San Fernando, California, the church founded by his parents.

External links

• International Dictionary of Black Composers
• New Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ
• A Decade of Jesus Music 1969-1979