CROUCH'S 'MIGHTY' CAREER.

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Author: Price, Deborah Evans dprice@billboard.com

Higher Ground

"Legend" is a word tossed around far too lightly in the music business. But when it comes to Andraé Crouch, the word just doesn't seem weighty enough. He's not only shaped the face of contemporary gospel music, but has worked with numerous mainstream artists, including Madonna, Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones and Elton John. He's the only living gospel artist to have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He's a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and is a recipient of the Recording Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award, presented last year at the organization's inaugural Salute to Gospel Music.

So how does a living legend celebrate his 40th anniversary in gospel music? By releasing his first new studio album in eight years. "Mighty Wind," due May 30 on Verity, showcases a veteran artist still at the forefront of contemporary gospel music. "I started when I was 14 years old, and time has gone by so fast," says Crouch, who wrote the gospel classic "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power" for the junior choir at his father's church when he was only 14.

Over the years, Crouch has gained worldwide acclaim as a songwriter, producer, arranger and minister. "Mighty Wind" finds Crouch in peak form, and he's joined by several top names in gospel music.

Crouch co-produced "Mighty Wind" with Luther "Mano" Hanes. Crouch heard a demo of the young producer's work and liked it. Someone told Crouch that Hanes had been a fan and was heavily influenced by his work. "I could tell," Crouch recalls with a laugh. "I could hear me in him … Working with him felt so natural. He's a wonderful brother."

Crouch recorded the album on his own before signing with Verity. "I just wanted to do what I felt the Lord was telling me to do without anyone giving me [direction] as to what the industry wanted," Crouch says.

"I shopped it around, and everyone was giving me a favorable reception, but I wanted something cutting edge. Verity spoke my language."

In addition to his music career, Southern California-based Crouch serves as a pastor of the New Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ, a post he's held since the late '90s. "When God calls you to do something, you're not happy if you run away from it," he says.

PHOTO (COLOR): CROUCH

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By Deborah Evans Price, dprice@billboard.com