Andraé Crouch

Andraé Crouch

Date de naissance 1.7.1942 à San Francisco, CA, Etats-Unis d Amérique

Date de décès 8.1.2015 à Los Angeles, CA, Etats-Unis d Amérique

Malheureusement nous ne disposons pas encore d'une biographie en langue française.

Andrae Crouch

Un article de Wikipédia, l'encyclopédie libre.
Andrae Crouch
Birth name Andraé Edward Crouch
Born July 1 1942
Genres Gospel music
Occupations Gospel musician, recording artist, songwriter, arranger, record producer
Years active 1966 present
Labels Light, Warner Bros., Qwest, Verity
Associated acts Sandra Crouch
Tata Vega
Edwin Hawkins
Danniebelle Hall
Website AndraeCrouch.com

Andraé Edward Crouch (born July 1, 1942, in San Francisco, California [1]), is an American Gospel musician, minister, recording artist, songwriter, arranger and record producer.

Biography

In gospel music, playing piano and singing before he was 10 years old.[2] [3]

Musical career

Crouch's first group was the Church of God in Christ Singers (COGICS) in 1960, which included Billy Preston who later played organ for Ray Charles, Little Richard, The Beatles and Eric Clapton and who also had a major secular solo career.[1] One singer, Blinky Williams was a Motown act, opening for the Temptations with Chuck Jackson. The COGICS were the first group to record the song "The Blood".

Crouch founded the Disciples in 1965 with Perry Morgan, and Bili Thedford. The group became a frequent attraction at "Monday Night Sing" concerts in southern California put on by promoter Audrey Meier.[3] Meier would introduce Crouch to Tim Spencer of Manna Music Publishing who would be the first to publish one of his songs ("The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power" which was written by Andrae at age 15 but tossed in the trash because he thought it poor. Sister Sandra thought differently and salvaged it.) In turn, Spencer helped launch their recording career by introducing the group to Light Records founder Ralph Carmichael. Sherman Andrus and Reuben Fernandez (deceased) were added to the group in time to record their first album, Take The Message Everywhere, in 1968. They were subsequently replaced by Andrae's twin sister Sandra in 1970. Sherman Andrus went on to join the Imperials and then Andrus, Blackwood and Company with Terry Blackwood. In 1972, singer Danniebelle Hall (who went on to a successful solo career (now deceased)) , trumpeter Fletch Wiley, Harlan Rogers and drummer Bill Maxwell joined the Disciples.[3] Many support singers, Kathy Hazzard, Bea Carr, and James Felix were part of the Disciples entourage. Bili Thedford left for a solo career and traveled with Minnie Ripperton.

At the urging of Carmichael, Crouch began to record his compositions in 1968 with the group's debut album Take the Message Everywhere releasing in 1969. In 1972, the Disciples appeared on network television's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.[3] By 1985, they had also performed at the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall and toured 68 countries. Crouch's most popular songs from this period include "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," "Through It All," "Bless His Holy Name" and "My Tribute". Their contemporary gospel sound reached beyond the traditional African American base and touched a racially and musically diverse audience.

Crouch was instrumental for bringing Walter and Tramaine Hawkins, Jessy Dixon and The Winans to Light Records, both enjoying successful gospel music careers. His influence has extended to countless artists like BeBe and CeCe Winans, The Clark Sisters, Wintley Phipps, Anointed and Israel Houghton

The Disciples disbanded in 1979 and Andrae' continued on with his solo career with an ensemble Howard Smith, Linda McCrary, Tata Vega and Kristle Murden as well as with the Andrae' Crouch Singers. Joe Sample, Wilton Felder, Dean Parks, David Porcaro, Phillip Bailey Stevie Wonder other secular artists were featured on all of Crouch's major recording sessions. Crouch had a gift of bringing out unique voices in solos on his projects including El Debarge on "The Lord is my Light" or Tata Vega on "Oh it is Jesus". He has produced solo projects for Kristle Murden and James Felix. Several musical acts and solo performers covered his more popular works, including Elvis Presley, further expanding Crouch's musical influence.

In 2004, Crouch became one of only three gospel musicians honored with a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[4]

In 2006, Crouch released Mighty Wind, a 40th anniversary album featuring guest performances by Marvin Winans, Crystal Lewis, Karen Clark Sheard, and Lauren Evans.

Selected discography

Albums
  • The COGICS (Light, 1966)

Andrae' Crouch & The Disciples

  • Take the Message Everywhere (Light, 1969)
  • Keep on Singin' (Light, 1971)
  • Soulfully (Light, 1972)
  • Live at Carnegie Hall (Light, 1973)
  • Take Me Back (Light, 1974)
  • This Is Another Day (Light, 1976)
  • Live in London (Light, 1977)

Andrae' Crouch solo recordings

  • Just Andrae (Light, 1973)
  • I'll Be Thinking of You (Light, 1979)
  • More of the Best... (Light, 1981)
  • Don't Give Up (Warner Bros., 1981)
  • Finally (Light, 1982)
  • No Time to Lose (Light, 1984)
  • Autograph (Light, 1986)
  • Mercy (Qwest, 1994)
  • Tribute: The Songs of Andrae Crouch (Various Artists) (Qwest, 1996)
  • Pray (Quest, 1997)
  • Gift of Christmas (Quest, 1998)
  • Mighty Wind (Verity, 2006)
Compilations;
  • Hall of Fame (CGI/Platinum, 1999)
  • Legends Of Gospel (Light, 2002)
  • He's Everywhere (Liquid 8, 2004)

Production career and other credits

Crouch later worked as a producer or arranger with Michael Jackson, Madonna (Like A Prayer), Quincy Jones, Mika (We Are Golden), Diana Ross, Elton John, Rick Astley (Cry For Help) and Prefab Sprout. Crouch co-wrote the title song to CeCe Winans' award-winning Throne Room album in 2003.

His film credits include Once Upon A Forest, The Color Purple, The Lion King, and Free Willy. He also appeared as the television voice of Dr. Seuss's Yertle the Turtle. He played himself on an episode of The Jeffersons. Also, in 1998, Crouch guested on an episode of Nickelodeon's Cousin Skeeter.

Also of mention is his collaborations with Quincy Jones, specifically the rendition of 'Maybe God's Trying to Tell You Something,' from The Color Purple (featuring Tata Vega on lead) as well as apppearing on Jones' Back on the Block album. he and Bill Maxwell produced the theme from the popular NBC sitcom Amen.

Awards

Andrae Crouch has won numerous awards and honors over the years including eight Grammy Awards, four GMA Dove Awards, and ASCAP, Billboard and NAACP Awards. In 2004, he became the only living contemporary Gospel artist — and just the third in history — to have a star enshrined on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He was the third Gospel musician to appear on the walk.

GMA Dove Awards
  • Soul/Black gospel album
    • 1977 - This is another day; Andrae Crouch and The Disciples; Bill Maxwell; Light
    • 1978 - Live in London; Andrae Crouch and The Disciples; Bill Maxwell, Andrae Crouch, Light
  • Contemporary gospel album of the year
    • 1985 - No Time To Lose; Andrae Crouch; Bill Maxwell; Light
    • 1998 - PRAY; Andrae Crouch; Andrae Crouch, Scott V. Smith; Qwest/Warner Bros.
  • Traditional gospel album of the year
    • 1993 - With all of my heart; Sandra Crouch and Friends; Sandra Crouch, Andrae Crouch; Sparrow
  • Contemporary gospel recorded song of the year
    • 1997 - "Take me back"; Tribute—The Songs of Andrae Crouch; CeCe Winans; Andrae Crouch; Warner Alliance
Grammy Awards [5]
  • Best Soul Gospel Performance, Contemporary
    • 1979 - "I'll Be Thinking Of You"
    • 1981 - "Don't Give Up"
  • Best Gospel Performance, Contemporary Or Inspirational
    • 1980 - "The Lord's Prayer"
  • Best Soul Gospel Performance, Male
    • 1984 - "Always Remember"
  • Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album
    • 1994 - Mercy
Other awards and honors
  • inducted into the Gospel Music Association's Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 1998
  • an Oscar nomination
  • NARAS' Inaugural Salute to Gospel Music Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, 2005
  • Christian Music Hall of Fame and Museum inductee, 2007

Film and television

Appeared on the 70's show The Jeffersons, in the episode "Men of the cloth."
Also appeared in the 1982 SCTV Christmas special.[6]

Personal life

Between 1993 and 1994 his father, mother, and older brother died in short order.[1] Following the death of his father, Andraé took over as Senior Pastor at Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ in Pacoima, California, the church founded by his parents. He serves alongside his twin sister, Sandra. He is cousin to music critic Stanley Crouch.[1] His nephew, Keith Crouch, is a successful music producer and artist.

Musical influence

Andraé Crouch was a key figure in the Jesus Music movement of the 1960s and 1970s influencing future artists, Michael W. Smith and Amy Grant. Though sometimes criticized for diluting the Gospel message by using contemporary styles, his songs have become staples in churches all around the world and recorded by mainstream artists such as Elvis Presley and Paul Simon.[1]

Crouch, who is credited with revolutionizing the sound of contemporary Soul Gospel music, was one of the first African American Gospel artists to crossover to mainstream contemporary Christian music. In 1996, Crouch's songs were the impetus for the Grammy Award- winning CD, Tribute: The Songs of Andraé Crouch (released on Warner Bros. Records), which featured a range of artists performing some of his classic songs including BeBe and CeCe Winans, the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Take 6 and Michael W. Smith.

Andraé and his sister, Sandra considered Michael Jackson as a dear friend for many years, whom they loved and greatly respected. In 1987, the Andraé Crouch Choir sang background vocals along with Siedah Garrett, Glen Ballard, and The Winans on Jackson's hit single, "Man in the Mirror" from the Bad album. The Andraé Crouch Singers were also featured on the songs, "Keep the Faith" and "Will You Be There" from Jackson's 1991 Dangerous album. Andraé and Sandra also did the choir arrangement for those songs. On Jackson's HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I project in 1995, the Andraé Crouch Choir chants climactically in a dramatic interaction with Jackson on "Earth Song."

At a time not long before Michael Jackson's death, Andraé and Sandra had met with him to discuss recording background with their choir for a couple of songs on what was to be his upcoming project. As was typical during their creative, musical sessions with Michael, they would sing and pray together. Crouch's composition, "Soon and Very Soon" was performed at the public memorial service for Jackson at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Manheim, James M. and Belfiore, Michael (2005). Andraé Crouch Pilchak, Angela M., ed. Contemporary Musicians, p. 2729, Farmington Hills, Michigan: Gale Group. ISSN 1044-2197.
  2. Booth, John D., The Music of Andrae Crouch and the Disciples. Masters of Church Music, New Orelans Baptist Theological Seminary, 1974, p. 3
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Carpenter, Bil. Uncloudy Days: The Gospel Music Encyclopedia, ISBN 978-0-87930-841-4, Backbeat Books, San Francisco, 2005, page 107
  4. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1943907 Andrae Crouch awarded star on Walk of Fame
  5. Grammy Awards won by Andraé Crouch
  6. Season 5, Cycle 2; broadcast December 17, 1982.

External links

Dernière modification de cette page 22.04.2010 07:36:12

Récupérée de Andrae Crouch de l'encyclopédie libre Wikipedia. Tous les textes sont disponibles sous les termes de la Licence de documentation libre GNU.