Gospel Legend Andraé Crouch Dead at 72
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Earl Gibson III/Getty Images(LOS ANGELES) — Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Andraé Crouch died Thursday in Los Angeles at the age of 72, a spokesperson confirms to KABC.
Crouch had been hospitalized since Jan. 3. He died at Northridge Hospital Medical Center, the spokesperson confirmed.
USA Today reports the singer had been hospitalized after suffering a heart attack.
On Sunday, Crouch’s sister, Sandra, posted on Facebook that her brother “was taken to the hospital so that medical staff could more directly address some serious health complications that had arisen.”
Sandra Crouch said in a statement Monday to USA Today that her brother was further postponing his Let the Church Say Amen Celebration Tour because of his health issues.
Crouch has also reportedly struggled with cancer more than once in recent years.
The singer and songwriter enjoyed a storied career with over four decades in the music industry, working in both gospel and secular music, collaborating with the likes of Elton John, Paul Simon, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross and others. He even directed the choirs featured on Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” and Madonna’s “Like a Prayer.”
Even so, Crouch is best known for gospel hits such as “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power” and “Soon and Very Soon,” the latter of which was sung at Michael Jackson’s public funeral service. His hit, “Let the Church Say Amen,” was sung at Whitney Houston’s funeral.
Music label executive April Chandler tells ABC News Radio that Crouch and his sister Sandra “were very instrumental in forming what is today considered the sound of gospel.”
Chandler says Andrae Crouch was well respected by peers in the gospel industry and was “very kind, very loving and supportive and very approachable.”
Until his death, Crouch also served as the co-pastor at New Christ Memorial Church in San Fernando, California.
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