Gospel Music Evolution Andrae Crouch

Andrae and his twin sister Sandra were born July 1, 1942 in Los Angeles, California. His father pastored Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and it was there where Andrae was steeped in gospel music, playing piano and singing before he was 10 years old.

Crouch's first group was the Church of God in Christ Singers (COGICS) in 1960, which included Billy Preston who later played organ for Ray Charles, Little Richard, The Beatles and Eric Clapton and who also had a major secular solo career. One singer, Blinky Williams was a Motown act, opening for the Temptations with Chuck Jackson. The COGICS were the first group to record the song "The Blood".
Crouch founded the Disciples in 1965 with Perry Morgan, and Bili Thedford. The group became a frequent attraction at "Monday Night Sing" concerts in southern California put on by promoter Audrey Meier. Meier would introduce Crouch to Tim Spencer of Manna Music Publishing who would be the first to publish one of his songs ("The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power" which was written by Andrae at age 15 but tossed in the trash because he thought it poor. Sister Sandra thought differently and salvaged it.) In turn, Spencer helped launch their recording career by introducing the group to Light Records founder Ralph Carmichael. Sherman Andrus and Reuben Fernandez (deceased) were added to the group in time to record their first album, Take The Message Everywhere, in 1968. They were subsequently replaced by Andrae's twin sister Sandra in 1970. Sherman Andrus went on to join the Imperials and then Andrus Blackwood and Company with Terry Blackwood. In 1972, singer Danniebelle Hall (who went on to a successful solo career (now deceased)) , trumpeter Fletch Wiley, Harlan Rogers and drummer Bill Maxwell joined the Disciples. Many support singers, Kathy Hazzard, Bea Carr and James Felix were part of the Disciples entourage. Bili Thedford left for a solo career and traveled with the late Minnie Ripperton.
At the urging of Carmichael, Crouch began to record his compositions in 1968 with the group's debut album Take the Message Everywhere releasing in 1969. In 1972, the Disciples appeared on network television's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. By 1985, they had also performed at the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall and toured 68 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.
Crouch was instrumental for bringing Walter and Tramaine Hawkins, Jessy Dixon and The Winans to Light Records, both enjoying successful gospel music careers. He influence extended to countless artists like BeBe and CeCe Winans, The Clark Sisters, Wintley Phipps, Anointed and Israel Houghton
The Disciples disbanded in 1979 and Andrae' continued on with his solo career with an ensemble Howard Smith, Linda McCrary, TaTa Vega and Kristle Murden as well as with the Andrae' Crouch Singers. Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Dean Parks, David Porcaro, Phillip Bailey Stevie Wonder other secular artists were featured on all of Crouch's major recording sessions. Crouch had a gift of bringing out unique voices in solos on his projects including El Debarge on "The Lord is my Light" or Tata Vega on "Oh it is Jesus". He has produced solo projects for Kristle Murden and James Felix. Several musical acts and solo performers covered (made recordings of) his more popular works, including Elvis Presley, further expanding Crouch's musical influence.
In 2004, Crouch became one of only three gospel musicians honored with a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In 2006, Crouch released Mighty Wind, a 40th anniversary album featuring guest performances by Marvin Winans, Crystal Lewis, Karen Clark Sheard, and Lauren Evans.

Some of Andrae Crouch's Music
The COGICS (Light, 1966)
Andrae' Crouch & The Disciples
Take the Message Everywhere (Light, 1969)
Keep on Singin' (Light, 1971)
Soulfully (Light, 1972)
Live at Carnegie Hall (Light, 1973)
Take Me Back (Light, 1974)
This Is Another Day (Light, 1976)
Live in London (Light, 1977)
Andrae' Crouch solo recordings
Just Andrae (Light, 1973)
I'll Be Thinking of You (Light, 1979)
More of the Best... (Light, 1981)
Don't Give Up (Warner Bros., 1981)
Finally (Light, 1982)
No Time to Lose (Light, 1984)
Autograph (Light, 1986)
Mercy (Qwest, 1994)
Tribute: The Songs of Andrae Crouch (Various Artists) (Qwest, 1996)
Pray (Quest, 1997)