I am so excited!
Celebrating Andraé Crouch
Celebrating Black History Month with Family Christian
February is the month during which many Americans celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans to the history, and current fabric of our country. It would take longer than the number of days in this month, or even in 20 years, to tell of all of the notable persons of our history. Thanks to my partnership with Family Christian, I have selected 2 incredible, educational topics to highlight. This week, I am honoring Pastor Andraé Crouch.
Who was Andraé Crouch?
He was not just a pastor, musician, composer, singer, arranger, or producer. He was an innovator, a genius. Crouch didn’t just sell music to church artists, but he was well-respected, and sought after throughout the entertainment industry. He earned 9 Grammy Awards, an Oscar nomination, 6 GMA Dove Awards, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences’ Inaugural Salute to Gospel Music Lifetime Achievement Award, was inducted into the GMA Hall of Fame, and given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Defying Color & Culture
If you aren’t familiar with Christian music, then you may not fully understand the significance of his accomplishments. Church music often brought comfort and inspiration to church members, but it did not always reach outside of the faith community. Andraé Crouch created songs that connected people of all backgrounds. This isn’t uncommon in 2015; however, in the 1970’s, when America was still trying to figure out how to operate after the major movements of the Civil Rights era of the 1960’s, not all Christians worshiped together. Crouch’s music, and his willingness to share genuine love, completely changed the face of Christian music. “The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power”, “Through It All”, “Bless His Holy Name”, “Soon and Very Soon”, “Jesus is the Answer”, and “My Tribute” are just a few of the songs that made their way into congregations and homes of all colors around the world. Many of his most popular tunes were covered by artists from Elvis Presley and Paul Simon, to Bill Gaither. His talent was heard on such incredible projects as the Lion King, and the Color Purple. He was also invited to work with, and minister to, everyone from Michael Jackson and Michael W. Smith, to Stevie Wonder and Take 6. You name the popular or historic artist, and you will more than likely find that they were influenced by Andraé Crouch. You name the ethnicity, and you more than likely would find them singing along to his songs in the audience.
If I had to introduce the essence of Andraé Crouch to someone, and could only pick a handful of selections from his extensive discography, I would suggest the following releases:
click for details
click for details
click for details
Visit your local Family Christian store, or online, to find these, and other products by Andraé Crouch.
The following footage came from 2 of my favorite appearances by Pastor Crouch. In the first, he boldly took the Grammy Awards stage, and without condemnation or preaching, simply proclaimed that Jesus is Lord. The 2nd was a recent moment with Bill Gaither.
Andraé Crouch used the universal languages of love and music to bring many races together, not only in the Christian music community, but around the world.
This post was written in partnership with Family Christian. FC Bloggers may receive product and/or compensation for facilitating reviews, or writing articles. All opinions, unless otherwise indicated, are always my own, and are never influenced by any other factors.
#FunFriday Kid Songs
I couldn’t be more elated to greet the weekend. It has been quite the hectic week around here. My Superkiddo wanted to celebrate this morning with a dance party, so we decided to share 3 selections from his “super cool, big kid” (Mom approved children’s music) playlist with you.
Let’s start with Handy:
It is so fascinating that Weird Al can transform pretty much any song, and make it hilarious!
If your kids keep your xm radio locked on Kids Place Live, then you should be familiar with these songs:
Shrimp, by Recess Monkey, has been in heavy rotation in this house for several months:
Pillow Fort Pillow Fight by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Happy Friday, everyone!
Review: Royal Tailor #FCBlogger
This post contains sponsored content.
Royal Tailor is a Houston-based band that will soon take the entire world by storm. They defy what is typical of most “Christian bands”. How so? They aren’t a cliche, and aren’t presenting a cheesy attempt of being relevant. Their latest project is an authentic, dynamic production, filled with catchy lyrics, undeniable groove, and an unwavering message.
The CD starts off with Got that Fire. WOW! Now, THIS is how you introduce a new project. This track simply explodes, is full of energy, and convinces you immediately that they really do have that fire. You aren’t given much time to catch your breath because the guitars and drums drive you right into Jesus Love. This song has an appearance by TobyMac, and reminds us that we are loved unconditionally. Original encourages the listener to stop trying to fit into the mold of society. I’ve been created for something greater. I’m a fighter, igniter, yeah, I’m the original. I believe that many teens can be encouraged by this song to pursue who they were born to be, rather than following the suggestions of peer pressure. Things begin to slow down just a bit with You are My Rescue. This song has been in heavy rotation on many CCM stations, and will leave you joining in the refrain: nothing I fear can stand in Your way; You are my rescue. Love Song is exactly what the song title suggests. It is beautiful, and speaks of how Love changes our lives. You make my heart beat steady to the love song You’ve written for me. It seems that the band decided that your time for rest was long enough, and you were given enough time to catch your breath, so the dance track Ready Set Go, featuring Capital Kings, comes next. Royal Tailor uses this track to say that Love is something everyone needs to know, and this band is ready to share it. Remain has also been in heavy rotation in my area, and has the sweetest refrain of this promise: stars burn out, seasons change, time will pass and beauty fade, but all My Love will remain. Start Over encourages the listener to remember that any situation can change. We all fall down, gotta get back up again, knowing that at every ending is a chance to start again. Making Me New is one of my morning cardio standards. It truly is impossible to stand still, or wear a frown, while listening to this song. When you investigate the lyrics, you will hear how exciting it is to be changed by Love. Give Me Faith is a moving ballad that challenges us to remember to trust that things are happening, even when we cannot see them. Fight for Freedom (Let the Walls Fall) is the perfect ending to this project. It is an anthem, wrapped in a battle cry, served up on a platter of sheer ear candy. The combination of the lyrics, vocals, instruments, and production is simply brilliant.
It is close to impossible to pick just 1 song as a favorite; I love all of the tracks! Just in case you haven’t heard Royal Tailor before, here is your sneak peek of 2 songs that my family and I rock out to daily:
Ready Set Go:
Making Me New:
Everything about this project is fabulous, from the masterful musicality of each individual band member, to the flawless mixing and production. Royal Tailor has found the perfect blend with Tauren Wells’ smooth vocals (reminiscent of Justin Timberlake, and a young Michael Jackson), and the incredible skills of DJ Cox (guitar), Jarrod Ingram (drums), and Blake Hubbard (bass). Their song choices for this project are simply genius, and should place them in the top running for major awards, and a long career. If I could grade this project, I would give it an A, with infinite pluses!
You can find Royal Tailor at your local Family Christian store, on via online retailers.
Just Jeanae received complimentary product in order to complete a review for the Family Christian Blogger Network. All opinions expressed are always my own, and are not influenced by any other factors.
The End Is Near! Run, Kids, RUN!
Do you know what is so awesome about today? THIS very Friday? It is the LAST Friday of our school year!
It has been an INCREDIBLE school year, and I am so thankful that we followed our inner voice to pick this school. Superkiddo is in the perfect school for right now, and has just completed a stellar academic, social, and spiritual year. My heart is full. We have class parties, and awards ceremonies to attend next week. I don’t expect much focus or interest from the students…
Thank you, Crazytownblog for the perfect end of the school year reflection
If your littles haven’t reached the end of the year yet, or if you happen to be in a year-round school, I send you extra hugs today. I have given all that I can to this school year, and I am done. Superkiddo is done. I don’t want to sign another permission slip. He doesn’t want to work on another project. I don’t want to wake up early, and rush out of the door. We are ready to relax for a few weeks before diving into our summer vacations and obligations. Until then, do not expect much work from Superkiddo and I. We are done. D-O-N-E. With what? Everything.
I am so thankful to the teachers, administrators, and fellow parent volunteers. Everyone worked together to make this such a wonderful year for the students. Superkiddo picked these songs to share with you, and this Fun Friday Dance Party is dedicated to the END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR!
Happy Friday, everyone!
xoxo
