TD Jakes, Bill Winston, Obama Mourn Loss of Andraé Crouch

Legendary gospel singer Andraé Crouch passed away on Saturday night after decades of glorifying Christ and leading the masses into His presence through his gospel music.

A memorial service is planned at West Angeles Church of God, with a four-hour celebration of his life set for Wednesday. He died from complications due to pneumonia and congestive heart failure.

His songs have been recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon, and he has worked as a producer and arranger with many of music’s top artists, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and many others. Andraé can also be heard on Michael Jackson’s hit singles “Man in the Mirror,” “Keep the Faith,” “Will You Be There” and “Earth Song.”

Now, memories of Crouch are pouring in. Here are a few:

“Michelle and I were saddened to learn of the passing of music legend Pastor Andréa Crouch. Pastor Crouch grew up the son of a minister in California and discovered at a young age that he was blessed with extraordinary musical talent which would lead to an iconic career that spanned over 50 years. As a leading pioneer of contemporary Gospel music, the soulful classics that Pastor Crouch created over the years have uplifted the hearts and minds of several generations and his timeless influence continues to be felt in not only Gospel but a variety of music genres. We are grateful that his music and spirit will continue to live on for years to come and our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and fans during this time,” says President Barack Obama.

“We honor the life of Andraé Crouch and his indelible impact in Gospel music. May God bless his family and legacy,” says Pastor Bill Winston of Bill Winston Ministries.

“A musical genius has left us. He will always be remembered by the gifts he left amongst us,” says Bishop T.D. Jakes.

“I was a huge fan of Andraé Crouch’s music going back to my teenage years when he was just emerging on the music scene. In my early 20s, while a reporter with the Orlando Sentinel, I had the opportunity to interview him—which for me was a highlight,” says Charisma Media founder Steve Strang. (Read his full column here.)

“My friend for 44 years—my encourager and my fellow warrior—caught a glimpse of heaven and couldn’t stay here any longer. I’m sure the Heavenly Host gave him a standing ovation as ‘My Tribute—To God Be the Glory’ filled the air. Andraé touched my heart and I know will see him again,” says Howard Rachinski, Chairman and CEO of CCLI.

“His pen was dipped in heaven … his fingers dripped with passion and his voice had the haunting, familiar sound of home. He wrote the songs that expressed the longings of our hearts. Forty years ago he helped me find my voice. I will miss my mentor and friend,” says Reba Rambo McGuire, who won a Grammy award in 1980 for Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary or Inspirational alongside Crouch, Cynthia Clawson, BJ Thomas, Tramaine Hawkins, Walter Hawkins, The Archers and her husband Dony McGuire.

“I met Andraé just once, at the height of the Jesus Movement, as he was part of an evangelistic outreach in a park close to downtown Tulsa. I’m sad; another part of my youth is now gone. I’m glad that Andraé is free from all the physical struggles he endured over the last several years,” says David Shibley, founder of Global Advance.