Originally published in CBN
This week the world will say goodbye to gospel legend Andraé Crouch. He died Thursday at the age of 72, after being admitted to the hospital following a heart attack.
Crouch served as a co-pastor of New Christ Memorial Church in the Los Angeles suburb of San Fernando.
The church’s website says “a celebration of Andraé Crouch’s life” will be held at West Angeles Church of God with viewings Tuesday (January 20, 2015) and Wednesday, a tribute Tuesday evening, and a four-hour celebration of his life on Wednesday.
And in February, several music icons will pay tribute to Crouch at the 23rd Annual Movieguide® Faith & Values Awards Gala. Confirmed singers will include Cece and Marvin Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Take 6, and Tata Vaga.
“Andraé was one of the greats,” Dr. Ted Baehr, founder and publisher of Movieguide®, said.
“When my wife, Lili, and I, started our ministry in New York City, he came to our apartment to discuss his career,” Baehr recalled. “From that moment onward, he was our very dear friend, and it was exciting to see how God blessed his talent and his life throughout the years. He will be missed.”
Last month, Crouch was hospitalised for pneumonia and congestive heart failure and had to cancel a tour. He was readmitted to the hospital in early January.
In his 72 years on earth, Crouch worked with stars like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Barbara Mandrell. He was also a frequent guest on CBN’s “The 700 Club.”
His sister, Sandra Crouch, said: “I tried to keep him here but God loved him best.”