Died On This Date (January 8, 2015) Andrae Crouch / The Father of Modern Gospel Music
themusicsover Andrae Crouch
July 1, 1942 – January 8, 2015
Andrae Crouch was a Gospel music pioneer in that he almost single-handedly crossed it over to the mainstream over the course of his career. Crouch took to music at an early age, and had already written his first Gospel song by the time he was 14. In 1960, he formed his first group, the Church of God in Christ Singers, that also counted Billy Preston as a member. That lead to the Disciples which lasted until 1979, when Crouch went on to his successful solo career. His best known songs are “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory),” “Soon and Very Soon,” and “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power.” Over the years, Crouch collaborated with the likes of Elton John, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Madonna (to name just a few). He also contributed original music to several films and television shows, most notably, The Lion King and The Color Purple, for which he earned an Academy Award nomination. Throughout a career that spanned nearly 50 years, he won seven Grammys, four Dove Awards, and numerous other accolades. Andrae Crouch was 72 when he died on January 8, 2015 while in the hospital after suffering a heart attack five days earlier.
Thanks to Harold Lepidus at Bob Dylan Examiner for the tip.
What You Should Own
Maureen Gray was a beloved soul singer whose strong and impassioned voice exemplified what became known as the Philly Sound. Born in New York City, Gray was just five years old when she made her professional debut at Carnegie Hall. She sang just one song that night, “Steam Heat” from Pajama Game, and received her first standing ovation. At just 12 years old, she came to the attention of Chancellor Records who released her first record, “Today’s The Day,” which became an instant hit in the Philly area, making her the envy of her classmates. Later, she had a Billboard charting hit with “Dancin’ The Strand,” and several other marginal hits. Gary went on to be an in-demand session singer, recording with the likes of Eric Clapton, 
Clarence Burke, Jr. was the front man for the legendary soul group, the Five Stairsteps. Formed by five siblings in 1965, the “First Family of Soul,” as they were known, is perhaps best remembered for their Top 10 single, “O-o-h Child,” which was released in 1970. Throughout the years, the song has been covered, sampled and used in films and television countless times. Burke was not only the lead singer of the group, but was also their guitar player, choreographer and primary songwriter. During the mid ’70s, the Stairsteps, as they were then known, were introduced to the 
Tony Sheridan was an early English rock and roll singer, guitarist and songwriter who is most often recognized for his work with the pre-fame Beatles. He holds the honor of being only one of two non-Beatles to ever be credited on one of the groups recordings – the other being 
