Book Release Celebration
In collaboration with Baylor School of Music and Baylor University Libraries, we celebrate the release of a one-of-a-kind biography on music icon Andraé Crouch.
About the Publication
In Soon and Very Soon, authors Robert Darden and Stephen Newby celebrate the countless ways that Crouch indelibly changed the course of gospel and popular music. Not least among them was Crouch's progressive pursuit to address the sociopolitical issues of his time, including AIDS, prejudice, abuse, housing insecurity, and addiction. With his twin sister Sandra, Crouch served as minister of the church their father founded and ministered to individuals experiencing these issues despite ongoing criticism from some church members. Crouch's group "The Disciples" were the first bi-racial musical ensemble in gospel music and performed in a range of venues from mega-churches to Madison Square Garden and Carnegie Hall, in addition to network television programs ranging from Soul Train to The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson to Saturday Night Live. In doing so, Crouch and his Disciples introduced jazz, funk, classical, calypso, Latin and other musical elements into gospel. By the peak of his career, Crouch's influence was so pervasive that he recorded, performed with, and composed for some of the most powerful names in popular music, including Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Quincy Jones, Little Richard, Stevie Wonder, and Madonna.
To illuminate the vivid world in which Crouch lived, Darden and Newby include interviews with surviving musicians, collaborators, friends, and family members, complete with musical analysis of Crouch's compositions and lyrics. As a major intervention in gospel and popular music studies, Soon and Very Soon tells the fascinating and dynamic story of one of the true giants in American popular music.
About Andraé Crouch
Andraé Crouch was more than a gospel musician—he was a trailblazer whose music redefined the genre and bridged the gap between gospel and mainstream audiences. His timeless songs like “My Tribute (To God Be the Glory),” “Soon and Very Soon,” and “Let the Church Say Amen” have become anthems of faith across the world.
With seven Grammy Awards, an Oscar nomination, and collaborations with artists like Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Quincy Jones, Crouch’s influence extended far beyond church walls. He played a pivotal role in bringing gospel music into new spaces, inspiring generations of musicians, worship leaders, and believers. His ministry was not just about music—it was about healing, hope, and spreading the message of Christ.
About the Authors
Robert F. Darden is Emeritus Professor of Journalism at Baylor University and the founder of the Black Gospel Music Preservation Project. He is the author of more than two dozen books and former Gospel Music Editor for Billboard magazine.
Stephen M. Newby holds the Lev H. Prichard III Endowed Chair in the Study of Black Worship as Professor of Music and serves as Ambassador for Black Gospel Music Preservation at Baylor University.