Andraé Crouch was a pioneering figure in contemporary gospel music, blending classic gospel elements with pop songwriting and production. Born on July 1, 1942, in San Francisco, Crouch began his musical journey at his father's church in Los Angeles, self-teaching himself to sing, play piano, and write songs by age ten. In the early '60s, he formed Andraé Crouch & the Disciples, who released their first album, "This Is Another Day," in 1977. Eventually, the group name was dropped, and albums were credited solely to Crouch. Crouch's career soared with albums such as 1978's self-titled release, 1981's "Don't Give Up," 1982's "Live at Carnegie Hall," 1997's "Pray," and 1998's "Gift of Christmas." He penned gospel classics like "My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)" and "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power." Crouch toured globally, collaborated with pop icons like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, and Madonna, won nine Grammy Awards, received an Academy Award nomination, and contributed to soundtracks for "The Lion King" and "Free Willy." Inducted into the Gospel Hall of Fame in 1998, Crouch was celebrated with the tribute album "Tribute: The Songs of Andraé Crouch," featuring artists like the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and the Winans. Madonna