As the gospel world is left reeling at the news of legendary singer Andrae Crouch's passing, many of its prominent figures chimed in on social media to express how they are feeling.
Singer Carman Licciardello, who initially posted about Crouch earlier in the week, shared a story on his Facebook about when they met.
"He lead me to Jesus in 1976," wrote Carman, "My heart is broken tonight in 1,000 pieces. I was just with him a month ago, laughing, joking, prophesying over each other and listening to each others songs."
He continued, "Over a year ago I had refused to go into Chemotherapy treatment for cancer. I accepted that it was my time to go and was ready...Then Andrae asked me in that gravelly voice of his 'How's your faith my son?' And of all people in this world he was the only one who could reach back 30 years, look deep into my spirit like the first day he birthed me into the kingdom and bring out the honesty in me."
Carman said Crouch prayed for him, and the holy spirit filled the car so much he had to pull over because he could not see through his tears.
Singer Jamie Grace made a brief post about Crouch on her Facebook as well, "my stomach literally hurts... love when Andraé Crouch shuffles on my iTunes and have been singing this song since I was a little girl. so sad to hear about his passing. will be praying for his family and friends. #soonandverysoon."
A gospel legend in her own right, Yolanda Adams sent love and prayers to the Crouch family.
"It is with heavy hearts that we send our prayers and love to SAUNDRA and the CROUCH family on the passing of Our Dear Pastor Andrae' Crouch!! He was an encourager, an uplifted and an ICON!! He will be dearly missed because he was dearly ADORED!!" she wrote.
One third of the Selah trio, Todd Smith, expressed his thoughts on the passing of Andrae Crouch, and called him one of him "musical heroes."
"One of my musical heroes has passed away. Andrae Crouch's music gave me hope during lonely times growing up in Africa. Songs like"Through It All," "Soon And Very Soon," "The Blood Will Never Loose It's Power," & "Jesus Is The Answer" taught me how to sing from the depths of my soul!" he wrote on Facebook. "We have lost one of the greatest songwriters in Christian music. I never met him, but his music inspired me more than anyone's. Thank you Andrae!"
Half of gospel duo Mary Mary, Erica Campbell, wrote about Crouch as well, "My heart is soo heavy i Love you Pastor Andre Crouch. #RiP#ToGodbetheGlory pray for the family and the church..Christ Memorial Church Of God In Christ"
Jason Crabb chimed in as well and shared a clip of singing "The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power" with Crouch.
"To say the legendary Andrae' Crouch was an influence on my life would be a vast understatement. One of the highlights of my career was to perform his classic song, "The Blood Will Never Lose It's Power," as he played the piano during a Bill Gaither video taping - I'll never forget it. We've lost a true pioneer who will be greatly missed," Crabb said.
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