Robert F. Darden, an esteemed journalism professor and founder of the Black Gospel Music Preservation Project, teams up with Stephen M. Newby, a noted expert in Black worship and music composition. They delve into the profound legacy of gospel icon Andraé Crouch, examining his transformative impact on music and faith. The conversation covers his unique collaborations with legends like Michael Jackson, the challenges of documenting his life, and the enduring relevance of his powerful hymns. Together, they explore the blend of creativity and spirituality that defined Crouch's contributions.
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insights INSIGHT
Crouch's Musical Revolution
Andraé Crouch revolutionized gospel music and brought it to a global stage.
His style influenced modern music profoundly, blending gospel with other genres.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Collaboration Enabled Rich Interviews
Stephen and Bob's interracial partnership made subjects more comfortable in interviews.
This dynamic mirrored Crouch's inclusive approach to music and collaboration.
insights INSIGHT
Early Life Shaped Musical Freedom
Crouch grew up as a pastor's kid on the West Coast with broad musical freedoms.
This exposed him early on to diverse audiences and genres, shaping his boundary-crossing style.
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Soon and Very Soon, The Transformative Music and Ministry of Andre Crouch
Soon and Very Soon, The Transformative Music and Ministry of Andre Crouch
The Transformative Music and Ministry of Andraé Crouch
Robert F. Darden
Stephen M. Newby
This biography explores the life and career of Andraé Crouch, a highly influential figure in gospel and popular music. The book delves into his musical innovations, his ministry, and his impact on various musical genres. It examines his collaborations with other artists and his role in shaping contemporary gospel music. The authors provide a comprehensive account of Crouch's life, highlighting his spiritual journey and his contributions to the world of music. The book also explores the challenges and triumphs he faced throughout his career.
Gospel singer and seven-time Grammy winner Andraé Crouch (1942-2015) hardly needs introduction. His compositions--"The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," "Through It All," "My Tribute (To God be the Glory)," "Jesus is the Answer," "Soon and Very Soon," and others--remain staples in modern hymnals, and he is often spoken of in the same "genius" pantheon as Mahalia Jackson, Thomas Dorsey and the Rev. James Cleveland. As the definitive biography of Crouch published to date, Soon and Very Soon: The Transformative Music and Ministry of Andraé Crouch(Oxford University Press, 2025) celebrates the many ways that his legacy indelibly changed the course of gospel and popular music.
10 Songs chosen by the authors:
The Blood (Will Never Lose Its Power)
I’ve Got Confidence
My Tribute (to God be the Glory)
Satisfied
Bless His Holy Name
Take Me Back
Soon and Very Soon
Bless His Holy Name
Jesus is the Answer
Just Like He Said He Would
Robert F. Darden is Emeritus Professor of Journalism at Baylor University and the founder of the Black Gospel Music Preservation Project. He is the author of more than two dozen books and former Gospel Music Editor for Billboard magazine.
Stephen M. Newby holds the Lev H. Prichard III Endowed Chair in the Study of Black Worship as Professor of Music and serves as Ambassador for Black Gospel Music Preservation at Baylor University.
New Books in Critical Theory