Andraé Crouch & The Disciples

Andraé Crouch & The Disciples were an American soul-gospel group that released seven albums on Light Records between 1968 and 1976.

Members: Andraé Crouch (vocals, keyboards, organ), Perry Morgan (vocals), Bili Thedford (vocals, bass, percussion, 1965-76), Reuben Fernandez (vocals, 1965-70), Sherman Andrus (vocals, 1968-72), Sandra Crouch (vocals, percussion, 1970-79), Danniebelle (vocals, 1972-79), Bill Maxwell (drums, vocals, 1972-79), Fletch Wiley (trumpet, 1972-76), Harlan Rogers (keyboards, 1972-74), Hadley Hockensmith (guitar, 1972-74), James Felix (vocals, bass, 1976-79), Bea Carr (vocals, 1976-79)

Background

Andraé Crouch was born in Los Angeles on July 1, 1942, alongside his twin sister Sandra, into a household shaped by ministry and entrepreneurial work. Their father, Benjamin Crouch, pastored Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ in Pacoima and led outreach efforts in hospitals, prisons, and the streets. The family also ran a dry-cleaning business and a small restaurant. Andraé first touched a piano during one of his father’s guest preaching engagements when he was eleven. Urged by the congregation to play, he quickly found the key and accompanied them by ear. He began writing soon after, penning his first gospel song at fourteen.

In 1960, Crouch co-founded the Church of God in Christ Singers (COGICS), a vocal group that included Billy Preston on keyboards. That ensemble became the first to record “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power,” a piece Andraé had written at fifteen. Its original 1964 recording on Simpson Records, and later exposure through Manna Music, helped push the song into wider circulation. Between 1963 and 1966, Crouch also contributed to singles on Vee Jay, Exodus, and Simpson Records, writing or performing on sides by The Watson Sisters, The Caravans, and The Cogics. These releases built his reputation in gospel circles, even before his name headlined any full-length release.

In 1965, while studying at Valley Junior College, Crouch formed The Disciples with Perry Morgan, Reuben Fernandez, and Bili Thedford. The group debuted at regional “Monday Night Sing” concerts organized by composer Audrey Mieir, who later introduced Crouch to Tim and Hal Spencer of Manna Music. Through that connection, Crouch met Light Records founder Ralph Carmichael. In the years that followed, The Disciples expanded to include Sherman Andrus, and Light prepared to issue their debut LP. Their earliest single, “It’s Gonna Rain,” appeared on Vee Jay in 1965.

This Is Another Day

Andraé Crouch and The Disciples released their fifth studio album, This Is Another Day, in September 1976 on Light Records.

Andraé Crouch wrote all ten tracks and arranged the bulk of the material, with additional arrangement contributions from Larry Muhoberac, Clark Gassman, and Fletch Wiley. Muhoberac arranged all string sections. The track “My Peace I Leave With You” features lead vocals by Danniebelle Hall and arrangements solely by Muhoberac. Saxophonist Michael Brecker appears on two tracks, and steel guitarist Al Perkins solos on “All That I Have.”

Crouch played piano, organ, electric piano, and co-mixed the album. He was joined by keyboardists Joe Sample and Leon Russell, bassists David Hungate (pre-Toto) and Wilton Felder, trumpeters Chuck Findley and Oscar Brashear, saxophonist Ernie Watts, and drummer/co-producer Bill Maxwell.

A1. “Perfect Peace” (4:05)
A2. “My Peace I Leave With You” (2:40)
A3. “This Is Another Day” (4:06)
A4. “Quiet Times” (4:40)
A5. “Soon and Very Soon” (4:43)

B1. “We Expect You” (4:03)
B2. “You Gave to Me” (3:12)
B3. “All That I Have” (3:33)
B4. “The Choice” (3:35)
B5. “Polynesian Praise Song (I Love You)” (5:35)

Sessions occurred at Mama Jo’s in North Hollywood with Andraé Crouch and Bill Maxwell producing. Tom Trefethen, Bill Taylor, and Jerry Barnes engineered, with horn and string parts recorded at United Western. Mixing took place at Mama Jo’s with Crouch, Maxwell, and Trefethen.

This Is Another Day features a red-framed gatefold cover by Rick Sharp, depicting a stylized tropical scene. Sharp also illustrated the 1977 Sursum Corda album by symphonic rock group Quill.

Discography: