Living Legend Andrae' Crouch And His Smash "Let The Church Say Amen" Named On Billboard's Year End Gospel Charts

(Photo : Andrae' Crouch) Andrae' Crouch

Andrae' Crouch is credited with revolutionizing the sound of contemporary Gospel music.  As the composer of songs like "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power", "Through It All" and "My Tribute", grandparents and parents grew up on the Gospel icon's music.  With the release of 2011's The Journey, Crouch's latest album on Riverphlo Entertainment (headed by industry veteran Mano Hanes), his musical legacy has been introduced to a brand new generation.  His megahit, "Let The Church Say Amen", featuring the vocal talents of Pastor Marvin Winans, has seen the Gospel musician, composer, recording artist, songwriter, arranger and producer return to the airwaves.  Billboard Magazine cited the single, which spent over 60 weeks at the top of the charts, as the Top Gospel Song of 2012.  In addition, Billboard named Crouch as the number six Gospel Songs Artist of the Year.  Earlier in the year, Crouch was nominated for five 2013 Stellar Awards (Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for "Let The Church Say Amen", CD of the Year for The Journey, Traditional CD of the Year for The Journey and Traditional Male of the Year).

Like Us on Facebook

The Journey, a 2012 GRAMMY Nominated project which highlights collaborations with Chaka Khan, Sheila E., Kim Burrell, and Take 6, is Crouch's first CD in six years.  PBS took note of the Gospel legend and is currently featuring the Andrae' Crouch Collection on their stations nationwide.  Crouch is the first Gospel artist chosen by the Public Broadcasting System to be featured in support of the network.  Fans of the artist are encouraged to check their local PBS stations to view the broadcast.  In addition to PBS, the Collection - the Live In Los Angeles Concert DVD and The Journey CD - are available for purchase, along with other product, on www.acthejourney.com.

Throughout his 50-year career, Crouch's songs have been performed by Elvis Presley and Paul Simon and have been heard in movies and on television including The Color Purple ("Maybe God's Trying To Tell You Something") and the theme from the sitcom "Amen".  He's netted numerous awards including nine GRAMMY Awards, six GMA Dove Awards and an Oscar nomination.

With a recording career that began in the 60s, Andrae' Crouch was a key figure in the Christian movement of that era.  A versatile musician and composer, Crouch's expertise spanned multiple genres including contemporary light rock, pop, jazz, African/world music, and of course, Gospel. His first musical group was the COGICs (Church of God In Christ Singers) and later he formed The Disciples, in 1965.  The ensemble catapulted Crouch to notoriety and they toured in over 70 countries.  The most popular songs during this era were "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power", "Through It All", "Bless His Holy Name" and "My Tribute".  Later he composed or arranged songs for artists such as Ringo Starr, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones and countless others.  His film contributions include The Lion King, Free Willy and Once Upon A Forest.  With GRAMMYs, Doves, Stellars, NAACP Image Awards and many others to his credit, he's also a recipient of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences Gospel Music Lifetime Achievement Award and a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  Currently, Crouch serves as Senior Pastor of New Christ Memorial Church of God In Christ in San Fernando, CA.  In 2010, he signed with Riverphlo Entertainment and released The Journey in the fall of 2011.  More information can be found at www.riverphlo.com.