Los Angeles, CA — Oscar nominated, multiple GRAMMY,® Stellar and GMA Dove Award winner and GMA Hall of Famer Andraé Crouch will release his 18th album, The Journey, in stores May 17, 2011. His new single, “The Promise,” will be sold exclusively at Wal-mart beginning February 15.
The new single and album will be released by Riverphlo Entertainment and distributed by Universal Music Christian Group. Riverphlo Entertainment’s founder, President and CEO Luther “Mano” Hanes signed Andraé Crouch to his new label in 2010. “It is very simple. It is the greatest honor in the world to sign Andraé Crouch to Riverphlo,” said Hanes. “I am playing music today because of him. I learned how to play piano by imitating him when I was six years old. I studied all of his records, all day long.”
The single CD package of “The Promise” includes the single, an instrumental version, an instrumental version with background vocals, “The Promise” video, a video with a personal message from Crouch and a PDF copy of the sheet music. The digital version of single will be sold initially at Walmart.com, iTunes and Amazon beginning February 15. The digital single will be available at all other online retail outlets on February 22. The digital single includes the same components as the physical CD, with the exception of the sheet music.
“The Promise” is written by Crouch and Hanes, an award-winning producer, who is also the creator and executive producer for the CD project. “He has always been progressive, prolific and ahead of his time,” said Hanes. “He dominated radio during his time in the industry, but that was not the thing that made him great. What made him great was how his songs exploded and took deep root inside the church—no mater what color or denomination. His songs were made great by the churches all over the world. When I thought of this project, it was very important that we start off with a song that spoke to the state of the world today, the times we are living in and how we really need to hear from God. The body of Christ needs to be reassured of God’s promise to His people. I felt this song was the perfect song for the body of Christ in this hour.”
As a testament to Crouch’s music legacy, Riverphlo Entertainment will present “The Promise” Choir Competition, which will run from February 15, 2011 through June 30, 2011. “The Promise” Choir Competition is open to church and community choirs in the US, Puerto Rico and Canada. All participants must be at least 18 years of age or older.
The winning choir will receive numerous prizes, including a two song recording digital deal with Riverphlo Entertainment. The label will also handle the marketing and promotion for the winning choir’s digital release. The songs will be produced by Crouch and Hanes. The winning choir will have the opportunity to appear in Andraé Crouch’s upcoming documentary film. Both Crouch and Hanes will come to the winning choir’s city/community to conduct a music workshop on songwriting, production and music ministry. The winning choir will have the option of Crouch and Hanes appearing and/or participating at the winning choir’s sponsored concert in their city/community. In addition, the winning choir will have the opportunity to participate in various local and national media opportunities with Crouch. The winning choir will also receive music and sound equipment from a leading music supplier. For further information on the competition, please visit www.riverphlo.com.
Crouch has been an important figure in Christian Music since the 1960s.
Crouch is credited with revolutionizing the sound of contemporary gospel music and was one of the first black gospel artists to crossover to mainstream contemporary Christian music. His songs have been performed by Elvis Presley, Paul Simon, and church choirs and other musical groups around the world. Crouch also has worked as a producer or arranger with Michael Jackson, Madonna (“Like A Prayer”), Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and Rick Astley (“Cry For Help”). His film credits include Once Upon A Forest, The Color Purple, The Lion King, and Free Willy. In 2004, he became the only living contemporary gospel artist—and just the third in history—to have his star enshrined on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.
As Crouch puts the final touches on the new CD, he spends his time writing 20-30 songs per week. He currently serves as Senior Pastor at the New Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ in San Fernando, California, the church founded by his parents. His twin sister, Sandra Crouch, is the Executive Pastor.
For more information on “The Promise” and Andraé Crouch, please visit:
