Andrae Crouch, RIP

ANDRAÉ CROUCH, the gospel great who branched out to become a successful songwriter and producer in the secular world, died on Thursday (1/8) from complications following a heart attack at Northridge Hospital Medical Center. He was 72. “Today, my twin brother, womb-mate and best friend went home to be with the Lord,” said Pastor Sandra Crouch. “Please keep me, my family and our church family in your prayers. I tried to keep him here but God loved him best.” Crouch’s accolades include seven Grammys, six GMA Dove Awards and an Oscar nomination for “The Color Purple.” He was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His songs have been recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon, and he worked as a producer and arranger with Michael Jackson, Madonna, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and other hih-profile artists. Crouch can also be heard on Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror,” “Keep the Faith,” “Will You Be There” and “Earth Song.”