Andrae Crouch, a seven-time Grammy winner and gospel music legend for decades, has died at the age of 72, his publicist confirms on his website.
Crouch had been hospitalized at Northridge Hospital Medical Center in L.A. since Saturday. No cause of death was given for the passing of Andrae.
Andrae revolutionized gospel music in the 1970s, giving it a power and verve that propelled him beyond the church and into mainstream entertainment.
Crouch was best known for his gospel work with his choir, the Disciples, but also produced and arranged songs for artists such as Michael Jackson.
Robert Darden wrote for Christianity Today:
"Crouch was an innovator, a path-finder, a precursor in an industry noted for its conservative, often derivative approach to popular music."
The "father of modern gospel" often "combined gospel and rock, flavored it with jazz and calypso as the mood struck him and the song called for it."
Inducted into the Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame in 1998, Crouch was covered by artists such as Bob Dylan, Elton John, Paul Simon and Elvis Presley.
Crouch even directed the gospel choirs that sang on enduring pop hits like Madonna's "Like a Prayer" and Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror."
His songs appeared in films such as The Color Purple and Once Upon a Forest. He was also the arranger and choir director for The Lion King.
Crouch was only the third gospel artist to have a star placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, but his roots - and presence - were always felt in church.
Crouch began to sing in his dad's California church, forming his music group there. He would later co-pastor the congregation with his twin sister.
R.I.P.
Scott was an anchor on ESPN's SportsCenter for over 20 years. He died from cancer at the age of 49.
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