Andraé Crouch Laid to Rest; Gospel Music Stars Kirk Franklin, Erica Campbell to Gather in Mourning Tonight

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Legendary gospel singer Andraé Crouch is being laid to rest on Wednesday after two days of services at West Angeles Church of God in Christ in San Fernando, California.

Crouch died at age 72 on Jan. 8 after suffering a heart attack, and the "celebration of Andrae Crouch's life" included a viewing on Tuesday as well as a tribute that evening. On Wednesday, another viewing is being held as well as a four-hour Celebration of Life funeral service. All services are being streamed on both BET and on watch.westa.tv.

For the second and last tribute on Wednesday, gospel music stars including Kirk Franklin, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dr. Bobby Jones, Erica Campbell and Cece and Bebe Winans are set to perform, among dozens of others. The all-star tribute kick off is at 7 p.m. PST. Bishop Kenneth Ulmer is officiating, with a eulogy by Pastor Marvin Winans. Additionally, video tributes will be shown by Bishop T.D. Jakes, Kenneth Copeland, Michael W. Smith, The Pointer Sisters, Bill Gaither, and many more.

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Crouch, who won seven Grammy Awards over the course of his decades-long career, is famous for bridging "Jesus music" with mainstream music. Crouch's songs such as "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power, "My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)" and "I'll Be Thinking of You" have played in churches around the world and have been recorded by artists that include Elvis Presley. The singer was also a choir director who worked on Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" as well as Madonna's "Like A Prayer."

In the years leading up to his death earlier this month, Crouch had suffered several health conditions such as several cancers, congestive heart failure, and diabetes. The "Soon And Very Soon" singer was admitted into the hospital after suffering a heart attack on Jan. 3. His death days later left many in mourning, including Barack Obama, Jason Crabb, T.D. Jakes and Sandra Crouch, the singer's twin sister and co-pastor at New Christ Memorial Church.

"Today my twin brother, womb-mate and best friend went home to be with the Lord," she said following Crouch's death. "I tried to keep him here but God loved him best."

Next month, Crouch will also be honored at the 23rd Annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards. The singer/songwriter's life and achievements will be celebrated with a special performance by Gospel music greats Take 6, Tata Vaga, and Donnie McClurkin, among many more. The Annual Movieguide Faith & Values Awards Gala will be televised on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. ET on the Reelz TV Channel: Hollywood Happens Here.