People across the globe have been offering tributes to Andrae Crouch, the world-renowned gospel singer who passed away on Thursday.
Crouch, 72, was hospitalised on January 3 for undisclosed health issues, but it had been hoped he would make a full recovery. He died around 4.30pm yesterday at the Northridge Hospital Medical Centre in the Los Angeles area.
His twin sister, Sandra, released the following statement: "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."
Among those offering their condolences today was Bishop TD Jakes:
In our willingness to let God's grace rest upon us & stand as a testimony to His good works we become a testimony of His power #AndraeCrouch
— TD Jakes (@BishopJakes) January 9, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">A musical genius has left us. He will always be remembered by the gifts he left amongst us... #AndraeCrouch pic.twitter.com/gt0cwkjTfK
— TD Jakes (@BishopJakes) January 9, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">Author of 'God's Not Dead' Rice Broocks also offered a tribute highlighting Crouch's personal Christian faith:
"Jesus is the answer, for the world today- above Him there's no other, Jesus is the way" #AndraeCrouch
— Rice Broocks (@ricebroocks) January 9, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">Recording artist Kurt Carr posted photos of himself and Crouch on his Instagram page:
Hundreds of others have also expressed their admiration of Crouch on social media:
Andre Crouch touched my soul from the first moment I heard him sing - will never forget. Hope I can sing next to him in Heaven's choir.
— Kay Warren (@KayWarren1) January 9, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">#AndraeCrouch "Gone to see the King!" Worship In Peace!
— Phil Munsey (@philmunsey) January 9, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">To a man that has influenced every gospel artist known. @andraecrouch, may you now rest in peace. "Let the church say amen". #AndraeCrouch
— Jay Allie (@PrinceJayAllie) January 9, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">#AndraeCrouch penned the soundtrack of some of my best Sunday morning memories w/my Grandfather. Thank u 4 sharing your gift with this world
— DR.BROWN-DEAN (@KBDPHD) January 9, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">If you like drums and guitar in your church music, you've got Andrae Crouch to thank for that. What a renegade. What a legacy. What a life.
— Tyler Huckabee (@TylerHuckabee) January 9, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">RIP to the legendary Andrae Crouch. You will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.
— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) January 9, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">My heart is saddened by the sudden passing of Gospel Legend and icon Andrae Crouch. I was so blessed… http://t.co/KYG1NystfZ
— James Fortune (@MrJamesFortune) January 9, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">If ever there was one who lifted our souls, lifted "the race", and lifted our hearts it was Andrae Crouch. A bright light has gone out. RIP.
— Ezra Tafari Rose. (@KissMyLisp) January 9, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">Sad to hear of the passing of Andrae Crouch. Before I wrote books we had lunch. Sat on a piano bench with him as he sang in an empty church.
— Donald Miller (@donaldmiller) January 9, 2015 " data-caption="null" data-credit="null">
