Riverphlo Recording Artist Andraé Crouch is an icon in Gospel music. Known for countless Gospel hits such as “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power”, “My Tribute” and his most recent mega-hit, “Let The Church Say Amen”, Crouch has been in the music industry for over four decades.
His songs have lasted the test of time and are sung in churches Sunday after Sunday. On January 19, 2013, in Nashville, TN, the Gospel legend was honored by ASCAP for his contributions to the genre. He was celebrated with the 2013 ASCAP “Gospel Icon” Award.
In a room that included other well-known gospel artists such as William McDowell, Jason Nelson and Maurette Brown Clark, the Senior Pastor of New Christ Memorial Church of God In Christ in San Fernando, CA, shared the story of his beginnings in the music industry as he accepted his award. The event remembered the singer and songwriter and the indelible mark he has made to the genre.
Later that evening, Andraé Crouch introduced Marvin Winans at the 28th Annual Stellar Awards as he performed Crouch’s song, “Let The Church Say Amen”. Spending more than 60 weeks on the Billboard Top Gospel Songs Chart and named as the Top Gospel Song of 2012, the song, from the GRAMMY Award Nominated project, The Journey, has become an anthem in the African American church. Both the song and the artist were nominated for five 2013 Stellar Awards.
That same weekend on Sunday, Pastor Crouch received the “Keeper of the Flame” Award for Social Justice Through Music at the African American Church Inaugural Ball held in Washington, D.C., in celebration of the re-election of President Barack Obama. Organized by The Balm In Gilead, Inc., the event also honored Muhammed Ali, Bishop George E. Battle, Jr., Bishop Philip R. Cousin, Sr., Ruby Dee, Ed Dwight, Joycelyn Elders, MD, Bishop William H. Graves, Sr., Rev. Dr. Cynthia Hale, Elaine R. Jones, Esq., Vernon E. Jordan, Sr., Esq., Hugh Masekela, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss, Jr., Jessye Norman, Beny J. Primm, MD, and Cicely Tyson.
Pastor Crouch’s legacy in music is rich. Now embraced by a new generation, his music has been recorded by artists such as Elvis Presley and Paul Simon and he has been tapped by music industry veteran Quincy Jones and the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. His music has 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.
PBS took note of the Gospel legend and is currently featuring the Andraé Crouch Collection on their stations nationwide. He 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. More information on Andraé Crouch can be found at www.riverphlo.com.
