Andrae Crouch & The Disciples

Andraé Edward Crouch is an American Gospel musician, recording artist, songwriter, arranger and record producer. Andrae and his twin sister Sandra were born July 1, 1942 in San Francisco , California. His father pastored Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ and it was there where he was steeped in gospel music, playing piano and singing before he was 10 years old. His first group was the Church of God in Christ Singers (COGICS) in 1960, which included Billy Preston. The COGICS were the first group to record the song "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power". Crouch founded the Disciples in 1968 with Sherman Andrus, Perry Morgan, Reuben Fernandez and Bili Thedford. The group became a frequent attraction at "Monday Night Sing" concerts in southern California put on by promoter Audrey Meier. Meier would introduce Crouch to Tim Spencer of Manna Music Publishing who would be the first to publish one of his songs ("The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power" which was written by Andrae at age 15 but tossed in the trash because he thought it poor and salvaged by Sandra.) In turn, Spencer helped launch their recording career by introducing the group to Light Records founder Ralph Carmichael. Sherman Andrus and Reuben Fernandez were replaced by Andrae's twin sister Sandra in 1970. In 1972 singer Danniebelle Hall, trumpeter, Fletch Wiley and drummer Bill Maxwell joined the Disciples. At the urging of Carmichael, Crouch began to record his compositions in 1969 with the groups debut Take the Message Everywhere releasing in 1970. In 1972, the Disciples appeared on network television's The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. By 1985 they had also performed at the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall and toured 68 countries. Crouch's most popular songs from this period include "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," "Through It All," "Bless His Holy Name," and "My Tribute". Their contemporary gospel sound reached beyond the traditional African American base and touched a racially and musically diverse audience. The Disciples disbanded in 1981 and Andrae' continued with the Andrae' Crouch singers. Several musical acts and solo performers covered (made recordings of) his more popular works, further expanding Crouch's musical influence.