|PIC1|Nine-time American Grammy winner Andrae Crouch will celebrate his years of music and ministry with a gala weekend of festivities.

Universally known for his classic songs that have been recorded by artists as diverse as Elvis Presley and Destiny's Child, Crouch and his various ensembles (The Disciples and later, the Andrae Crouch Singers) have popularised evergreens such as "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power", "Can't Nobody Do Me Like Jesus", "My Tribute (To God Be the Glory)", "Soon and Very Soon", "Jesus is the Answer", "Take Me Back" and "Through it All".

In addition, he recently co-wrote the title track of CeCe Winans' gold-selling "Throne Room" CD. Winans is one of the famous friends coming out to salute Pastor Crouch at a special VIP reception, banquet and silent auction on Friday 27 April. Headlining the black tie affair will be Shirley Caesar, CeCe Winans, Bill Maxwell and an all-star band.

On Saturday 28 April, there will be another evening of music with an all-star concert featuring Tramaine Hawkins, Donnie McClurkin, BeBe Winans, and the New Christ Memorial Church Mass Choir.

For more than a decade, Crouch has pastored at the New Christ Memorial Church that his father founded over 40 years ago.

Aside from his nine Grammy awards, Crouch has been nominated for an Oscar, won nine Dove Awards, two NAACP Image awards, has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and numerous accolades. His latest CD "Mighty Wind" was nominated for an NAACP Image award.