Birmingham GMWA to Honor Andre’ Crouch with Concert
by Donnell Adams
He was a songwriter beyond measure and one of the most talented gospel artists of all time; none other than the legendary and recently departed, Rev. Andre’ Edward Crouch. “Let the Church Say Amen”, “Soon and Very Soon”, “Take Me Back”, the theme song from the sitcom “Amen” and “God’s Trying to Tell You Something” from The Color Purple are only a few of his compositions. Born July 1, 1942, he is often referred to as the father of modern contemporary gospel music. He has a twin sister, Sandra Crouch, who is also a powerhouse in the gospel industry.
Rev. Crouch passed on January 8, 2015. Upon learning of his death, Dr. Prince E. Yelder, Minister of Music for the Birmingham Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA) decided that the Chapter’s next concert would be a tribute to Rev. Crouch. “He has been such a powerful force in gospel music and has helped make it what it is today. We dare not ignore this man and the strides he has made in gospel music,” says Yelder.
One of Crouch’s songs that is often rendered by the choir is “My Tribute”, led by world-renowned soprano, Cleopatra Kennedy. Formed by the late Mary K. Elsaw and Rev. James Cleveland in 1968, the choir is now headed by Mrs. Eloise Ford Gaffney, who also serves as national chair for the Women’s Division of GMWA. “We want everyone to share in our celebration of this great man.” The tribute concert will be on February 22nd at 7 p.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 3428 Maple Ave, SW Birmingham, Ala., Dr. Patrick Sellers, Pastor.
The Birmingham Chapter of GMWA also acts as the Birmingham Community Mass Choir. The choir has done tributes to other gospel artists such as Bishop Walter Hawkins, Thomas Whitfield, Hezekiah Walker and Love Fellowship, Aretha Franklin, Charles Hayes, The Thompson Community Choir and others. For years, the choir was headed by the late Lawrence T. Sneed, one of the founding members.
In 2016, the Birmingham Chapter will host the 49th Annual GMWA National Convention. This will be the first time the convention has ever been hosted in Birmingham. Thousands of delegates from around the United States and as far away as Japan and Switzerland will be present. More information on the convention can be found on the website: www.gmwanational.net.
