Soon and Very Soon

Abstract Soon & Very Soon provides the first in-depth research into the life, music, and ministry of the most influential gospel artist of the last forty years of the twentieth century. Andraé Crouch’s impact and influence place him in the highest pantheon of all gospel artists. In addition to writing and performing some of the most iconic, most enduring songs in Black sacred music, Crouch’s musical prowess was such that he was just as in-demand in the world of popular music, contributing music to the likes of Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Elvis Presley, and Paul Simon, and Oscar-winning soundtracks like The Color Purple and The Lion King. From his beginnings with the early “Jesus Music” movement, Crouch is also considered the founder of contemporary gospel music as well as the “praise & worship” music phenomenon that dominates many churches today, Black and white. At his death in 2015, gospel and popular music superstars paid lavish tribute to him and even President Barack Obama cited his “extraordinary musical talent” and wrote that Andraé “uplifted the hearts and minds of several generations” and that his impact “continues to be felt in not only gospel but a variety of music genres.”