Eminent American gospel legend and songwriter, Andraé Crouch passed away on Thursday, January 8, after suffering a heart attack. He had been hospitalized in December 2014 due to pneumonia and symptoms of congestive heart failure. He was hospitalized again at the Northridge Hospital in Los Angeles on January 3, due to a heart attack, to which he succumbed five days later, leaving the entire music industry to mourn at the pastor's funeral.

Crouch's sister, Sandra, released a statement saying:

"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."

Contemporary Christian musician Michael Whitaker Smith expressed his grief at the loss saying:

"…I don't think there is anyone who inspired me more, growing up, than Andraé Crouch. The depth of his influence on Christian music is incalculable."

The New Christ Memorial Church, where Crouch served as co-pastor, made an itinerary for Crouch's funeral service. The website of the church describes the home-going service as "a celebration of Andraé Crouch's life", that is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, January 20, at the West Angeles Church of God. A viewing will be held from from 4 PM to 6 PM, followed by a tribute. Another viewing will be organized on Wednesday, January 21, from 10 am to 11 am, followed by a four hours celebration of his life.

Crouch had worked with Michael Jackson in his song "Man in the Mirror" and with Madonna for her song "Like a Prayer". He also worked with Quincy Jones and Elton John in his successful secular music collaborations. He was honored with the title "The Father of modern gospel music" by musicians of the genre. He had won seven Grammy Awards and in 1998, he was honored with a place in the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He had also worked his wonder in Hollywood movies like The Lion King and The Color Purple.