On Wednesday, January 21, at West Angeles Church of God in Christ, the best psalmists and worshippers in the world gathered together, lifting their voices to celebrate the life of gospel great Andraé Crouch. It was the perfect sendoff for a man who, by all accounts, is considered the father of modern gospel music.
There were performances and expressions of love by Yolanda Adams, Jonathan Butler, Shirley Caesar, Kurt Carr, Kirk Franklin, Edwin and Lynette Hawkins, Israel Houghton, Rev. Jessie Jackson, Dr. Bobby Jones, Donald Lawrence, Ledisi, Donnie McClurkin, Kristie Murden, Tommy Sims, Richard Smallwood, The Disciples Tribute Ensemble, Tata Vega, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Pastor Marvin Winans and Stevie Wonder.
Although he was known around the world, Crouch was hailed as a man who would interact with all people anytime, and anywhere. “He was the greatest psalmist and worshipper this side of heaven,” said Pastor La Vern Moore, of New Christ Memorial Church.
“You are looking at sons and daughters who stand here because of the anointing that rested on this great man’s life,” said gospel minister Donnie McClurkin.
As expected, the service was a musical extravaganza. Bishop Kenneth Ulmer of Faithful Central Bible Church officiated the service and reminded those in attendance that they were witnessing a “snapshot in history.”
From the moment artist and close friend, Kurt Carr, led the Andraé Crouch Tribute Choir in ‘Bless the Lord, you knew this was no ordinary service, but a homegoing rooted and grounded in love for a pastor, a brother, and friend.
“I don’t know how to say thank you for the love and doors that you opened for my family,” said soloist BeBe Winans. Edwin and Lynette Hawkins remembered Crouch as an evangelist first who witnessed and led countless others to Christ.
“Gospel music is so rich and wealthy because of his incredible gift,” said CeCe Winans before performing the Crouch penned song, ‘I’ll Be Thinking of You,’ with Kristle Murden and Stevie Wonder on harmonica.
Wonder who played on the original recording said he was honored “to be able to do this song again and celebrate his life. He blessed me as a friend.”
Pastor and gospel great Shirley Caesar in remembering Crouch said, “Andraé did not write nonsensical songs like Jesus will never say no. That’s a lie. If you don’t believe it, you ask Him for somebody’s husband…somebody’s wife.
“He wrote songs with power in it. I cannot imagine this planet or Los Angeles without Andraé Crouch because he was such a blessing.”
Sandra Crouch, the twin sister of Crouch and his co-castor of New Christ Memorial Church in Pacoima, spoke of his musical genius at an early age and the love for her older brother, telling the crowd, “My twin was born 30 minutes before me and was therefore my opening act.”
Pastor Crouch recounted how difficult it was to let Andraé go. “The Lord gave me four days to get ready and said he’s suffered long enough and I want him here with me.”
Pastor Marvin Winans of Perfecting Church in Detroit, MI eulogized Crouch through songs and words, leading the all-star singers and audience in one of Crouch’s best-loved songs, ‘Let the Church Say Amen,’ as the casket was escorted to its final resting place.
“Andraé preached Jesus and we can’t end this service without giving others the opportunity to receive Jesus as this was Andraé’s work,” Winans said. “We thank you for the life and times of Pastor Andraé Edward Crouch. Let the Church say Amen.”
