I remember meeting Andraé Crouch backstage at the Stellar Awards for the first time. My cousin Carmen brought him over for an interview and he sat down and gave me a quick but profound one.

At the time he had just suffered a stroke and his speech was a little slow but during the interview he talked about how grateful he was to still be here and how blessed he was to be doing what he loved. He was warm and kind and it was one of my most memorial moments. It was an honor to interview him that night and whenever I saw him after that he was always pleasant and just a kind person.

A winner of 7 Grammy Awards, 6 GMA Dove Awards, and an Academy Award nomination for "The Color Purple," Crouch was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His songs have been recorded by everyone including Paul Simon and Ronnie Milsap. He worked as a producer and arranger with many top artists, including Madonna, Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and Michael Jackson. Crouch can be heard on Michael Jackson's hit singles "Man in the Mirror," "Keep the Faith, "Will You Be There" and Earth Song.

I was sadden and shocked to hear that he died after complications from a heart attack. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family especially his twin sister Sandra Crouch. Pastor Crouch issued the following statement in a recent press release, “Today my twin brother, womb-mate and best friend went home to be with the Lord. Please keep me, my family and our church family in your prayers. I tried to keep him here but God loved him best.”

A celebration of Andraé Crouchs life will take place on Tuesday, January 20th and Wednesday, January 21st at West Angeles Church of God In Christ, located at 3045 Crenshaw Blvd in Los Angeles, California. Both services will be open to the public.

Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Viewing: 4:00pm 6:00pm
Tribute Celebration: 7:00pm

Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Viewing: 10:00am 11:00am
Celebration of Life: 11:00am

In lieu of flowers, please send tax-deductible donations to:
Andraé Crouch Memorial Fund
c/o New Christ Memorial Church
13333 Vaughn
Pacoima, CA 91340