Friday, January 09, 2015

Updated: Andraé Crouch kindled 'new dimension' of worship [Video]


Legendary gospel songwriter and performer Andraé Crouch has died at the age of 72.

Crouch's songs -- among them: "My Tribute," "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," "Soon and Very Soon," "Bless the Lord" and "Through It All" -- have become standards and are included in the hymnals of both African American and Anglo churches.

He was a major figure in the "Jesus Movement" of the '60s and '70s, which led to the rise in popularity of contemporary Christian and gospel music. He is credited with pioneering the urban gospel sound, blending elements of traditional gospel, R&B, jazz and pop. Read more

See also
New: My Trbute to Andrea Crouch -- He's Gone to See the King [Video]
Andrae Crouch: his life and legacy
Remembering Andrae Crouch, Dead at 72
In this video Andraé Crouch sings "Soon and Very Soon" on The Ford Show which ran on NBC television from October 4, 1956, to June 29, 1961. Tennessee Earnie Ford who hosted the show included a religious song at the end of the show despite the objections of network officials who feared it might provoke controversy. Ford himself sung gospel music as well as country, Western and pop music. While particularly suitable for the seaon of Advent, "Soon and Very Soon" may be sung year-round. According to Hymnary.org, the song "is filled with exuberant joy and eschatological hope" and "revels in the promise of paradise – eternal communion with the King – where there will be no more hurting or crying or dying." It is my favorite of Crouch's songs.

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