By Bob Marovich From 1963 to 1984, the Emmy Award-winning television program Jubilee Showcase brought the nation’s greatest gospel singers and groups into living rooms throughout Chicagoland. Every Sunday morning, host Sid Ordower treated viewers to performances by such stalwarts as the Caravans, the Mighty Clouds of Joy, the Norfleet Brothers, Andrae’ Crouch, Jessy Dixon, the Staple Singers, and the Barrett Sisters. The show featured pioneering gospel performers such as Roberta Martin and Thomas Dorsey. There were many gospel greats whose taped appearance on Jubilee Showcase represents the only video footage of their live performances. Jubilee Showcase was the longest-running ...

Richard Smallwood with Vision Anthology Live RCA Inspiration (release date: June 29, 2015) By Bob Marovich Arguably the most anticipated gospel album thus far this year is Richard Smallwood with Vision’s Anthology Live. The seminal group’s first project in four years is a double-CD live recording that offers new selections as well as an extended retrospective of Smallwood’s artistic legacy. In addition to reflecting on his own opus, Smallwood pays tribute to the Roberta Martin Singers, Edwin Hawkins, and Andrae’ Crouch—gospel legends who inspired him to play, write, and direct. The Martin Singers, and especially the ensemble’s accompanist Little Lucy ...

By Bob Marovich for the Journal of Gospel Music If Richard Smallwood had his druthers, the autobiography he is writing would have been released simultaneously with his new album, the two-CD Anthology Live. The album, recorded with his group, Vision, is essentially the “musical soundtrack” to his autobiography.  But the music came first, and Anthology Live (RCA Inspiration) hits stores June 29. The maestro, whose song canon is among the finest in modern sacred music, talked with the Journal of Gospel Music about the new release, his and Vision’s first CD in four years. The genesis of Anthology Live, Smallwood ...

LOS ANGELES, CA — Music legend Andraé Crouch has died. The Grammy and Dove Award winner passed away on Thursday, January 8, 2015 at approximately 4:30pm PST at Northridge Hospital Medical Center in the Los Angeles area. Andraé, 72, was hospitalized on January 3rd. Andraé’s family requests privacy at this time. Andraé’s accolades include 7 Grammy Awards, 6 GMA Dove Awards, an Academy Award nomination for “The Color Purple,” induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His songs have been recorded by everyone from Elvis Presley to Paul Simon, and ...

Read an update and a statement on gospel icon Andrae Crouch and his continued health complications from sister Sandra Crouch: Click below, courtesy of Breathecast.com: Andrae’ Crouch Statement by Sandra Crouch Please keep Andrae’ and his family in your prayers.

Headlines and Global News reports that Andrae Crouch is healthy and his “Let the Church Say Amen” tour will commence Friday, March 20, in Birmingham, Alabama. Read more here: http://www.hngn.com/articles/54443/20141224/father-of-modern-gospel-andrae-crouch-healthy-all-star-tribute-tour-rescheduled.htm

(NASHVILLE, Tennessee) — Legendary Gospel artist Andraé Crouch was admitted to the hospital on Monday, December 1. As a result of Andraé’s sudden and unexpected hospitalization, Riverphlo Entertainment has decided to postpone this month’s Let the Church Say Amen Celebration Tour. Ticket holders can contact the venues for information on rescheduled dates. Andraé is talking and alert and resting comfortably, reports his sister, Sandra Crouch. On behalf of Andraé and the Crouch Family, we appreciate your prayers for a quick and speedy recovery. The all-star concert tour was scheduled to kick off in Philadelphia on December 6th, paying tribute to ...