Crouch's songs -- among them: "My Tribute," "The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power," "Soon and Very Soon," "Bless the Lord" and "Through It All" -- have become standards and are included in the hymnals of both African American and Anglo churches.

He was a major figure in the "Jesus Movement" of the '60s and '70s, which led to the rise in popularity of contemporary Christian and gospel music. He is credited with pioneering the urban gospel sound, blending elements of traditional gospel, R&B, jazz and pop.

Crouch's sound became so synonymous with gospel music that anytime a mainstream artist or movie studio needed a gospel song, he was their first call. His work in writing, arranging and directing can be heard on recordings by Elvis Presley, Elton John, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Paul Simon and others, as well as on ...