Andrae Crouch Celebrates A 40 year Career with a Gala Concert

gospel | Apr 26, 2007 | Comments 1

The who’s who of gospel are preparing to come to Los Angeles for the gospel gala of a lifetime — a 2-day celebration honoring the distinguished “God father of Gospel,” Andrae Crouch.

A musician and minister, the 9-time Grammy winner will be saluted and serenaded by gospel’s elites for his priceless contributions to the gospel art form and gospel message, on April 28-29 in Los Angeles.

With music that has stood the test of time, Andrae Crouch carries the distinction of presenting songs that are universally loved across color lines and age groups before the term “cross over artist” even existed. Artists as diverse as Elvis and Destiny’s Child have recorded Andrae Crouch classics. His music, as a soloist or in tandem with various groups he led, was synonymous with Gospel in the 70′s and 80′s. Certain titles are automatically recognized by the average gospel music appreciator: “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,” “Can’t Nobody Do Me Like Jesus,” “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory),” “Soon and Very Soon,” “Jesus is the Answer,” “Take Me Back” and “Through it All” are but a few standards with Andrae Crouch’s signature stamped on them as publicist Bill Carpenter notes, “all of his hits are not in the past.” The Hollywood Walk of Fame Star recipient has a more recent hit as a “partner in scribe” on the title track of CeCe Winans’ gold-selling “Throne Room” CD.

The festivities will begin with a VIP reception, banquet and silent auction on Friday April 27, 6:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Universal Hotel. Headliners for the black tie evening will be Shirley Caesar, CeCe Winans, Bill Maxwell and an All-Star Band.

On Saturday April 28 at 7:30 p.m. at the New Christ Memorial Church (13333 Vaughn St. San Fernando, Ca 91340), there will be another outstanding evening of music with an all-star concert featuring Tramaine Hawkins, Donnie McClurkin, BeBe Winans, and the New Christ Memorial Church Mass Choir.

Not to be overlooked, his service as a pastor is also part of the celebration. For more than a decade, Andrae Crouch has continued the preaching legacy of his late father at the New Christ Memorial Church. His father founded the church over 40 years ago. Apostle Kimberly Daniels will appropriately close out the festivities at with a special sermon at the 11:00 a.m. service on Sunday, April 29.

In addition to his Grammy wins, Andrae Crouch has been nominated for an Oscar, won nine Dove Awards, two NAACP Image awards, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and numerous accolades. Andrae Crouch was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and a 2007 Dove Award for his 2006 CD release, “Mighty Wind.”