Sandra Crouch, the esteemed twin sister of the late Andraé Crouch and co-author of the iconic song “Jesus Is the Answer,” has passed away at the age of 81.
On Sunday, March 17, Sandra Crouch departed this life at Northridge Hospital in Northridge, California, due to complications arising from radiation treatment for a benign brain lesion, as reported by Billboard.
Born to ministry-focused parents on July 1, 1942, in Los Angeles, Sandra and her brother Andraé were raised in a household steeped in faith. Their parents founded the Christ Memorial Church C.O.G.I.C. in 1951. By 1960, the siblings, along with their friends from church, began their musical journey as The COGICS.
Andraé Crouch went on to establish Andraé Crouch & The Disciples, while Sandra made her mark in Hollywood as a percussionist. Her notable contributions include playing for The Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back,” Neil Diamond’s “Tap Root Manuscript,” and Janis Joplin’s “Pearl” album.
In the 1970s, Sandra joined forces with her brother and The Disciples, lending her voice, instrumental talents, and songwriting skills to create songs like “Jesus Is the Answer,” which became a staple on gospel radio.
The twins also contributed their talents to Michael Jackson, backing him on several tracks from “History – Past, Present and Future Book 1,” and during his live performance of “Man in the Mirror” at the Grammys in 1988. Their collaboration extended to film soundtracks, including 1985’s “The Color Purple,” 1993’s “Free Willy,” and 1994’s “The Lion King.”
Sandra released three solo albums in the 1980s, each earning Grammy nominations, with one winning the award. Her debut album, “We Sing Praises,” released in 1983, garnered three nominations and won the award for best soul gospel performance, female, at the 26th annual Grammy Awards.
Her follow-up album, “We’re Waiting,” came out in 1985, featuring the song “Completely Yes.” It was nominated for best soul gospel performance by a duo, group, choir, or chorus at the 28th annual Grammy Awards. Sandra’s third and final solo album, “With All of My Heart,” was released in 1992 and was nominated for best gospel album by a choir or chorus at the 35th annual Grammy Awards. She supported the album with the Gospel: Good for the Soul Tour alongside Daryl Coley and the Richard Smallwood Singers.
Sandra won two GMA Dove Awards for traditional gospel album, first for “We Sing Praises” in 1984, and then for “With All of My Heart” in 1993.
In 1998, Andraé Crouch took over their parents’ church, Christ Memorial COGIC in San Fernando, California, and ordained Sandra as a co-pastor, challenging the COGIC denomination’s stance on female preachers. They renamed the church New Christ Memorial Church. Sandra became the senior pastor in 2015 following her brother’s passing.
The church’s assistant pastor, Kenneth J. Cook, announced Sandra’s passing last week via social media, expressing, “It’s with a heavy heart that I announce that at 12pm today, March 17, 2024, our beloved Senior Pastor Sandra Elaine Crouch transitioned into the arms of the Lord. We as believers know that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. We will forever cherish the memories and teachings we received from her.”
Sandra Crouch’s life and legacy will be honored with a viewing and musical tribute on April 16 at New Christ Memorial Church, followed by a homegoing service on April 17.