Legendary gospel singer dies at 72

oge okonkwo

January 9, 2015 1:31 PM

Crouch wrote dozens of songs, including gospel favorites such as "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," ''My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)" and "Soon and Very Soon,"

Legendary gospel performer, Andrae Crouch has died at the age of 72.

Crouch was also a song writer and choir director whose work graced songs by Michael Jackson and Madonna and movies such as "The Lion King", despite his lifelong battle with dyslexia.

Confirming his death, the singer's publicist Brian Mayes said he passed away on Thursday, January 8, in the afternoon at Northridge Hospital Medical Center, where he had been admitted Saturday after suffering a heart attack.

Speaking on his death , the Recording Academy, which awarded seven Grammys to Crouch in a career that spanned more than fifty years, said "a remarkable musician and legendary figure" who was "fiercely devoted to evolving the sound of contemporary, urban gospel music."

Crouch wrote dozens of songs, including gospel favorites such as "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,"''My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)" and "Soon and Very Soon," which was sung at a public memorial to Jackson.

Crouch worked with many other stars, from Diana Ross to Ringo Starr, and his gospel albums sometimes featured performers from other musical genres. His 18th solo album, "The Journey," released in 2011, featured Chaka Khan, Shelia E., Take 6, Kim Burrell and Marvin Winans.

Crouch was one of only a handful of gospel performers to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

His choir, The Disciples, sang background for Madonna's song "Like a Prayer." Crouch helped Michael Jackson arrange the King of Pop's 1987 hit song, "Man in the Mirror."

He also arranged music for the 1985 film "The Color Purple" — which earned him an Academy Award nomination — and Disney's "The Lion King" in 1994.

Crouch had health issues in recent years, including diabetes and cancer. Last month, he was hospitalized for pneumonia and congestive heart failure and had to cancel a tour.

oge okonkwo