The new single and album will be released by Riverphlo Entertainment and distributed by Universal Music Christian Group. Riverphlo Entertainment’s founder, President and CEO Luther “Mano” Hanes signed Andraé Crouch to his new label in 2010.
“It is very simple. It is the greatest honor in the world to sign Andraé Crouch to Riverphlo,” said Hanes. “I am playing music today because of him. I learned how to play piano by imitating him when I was six years old. I studied all of his records, all day long.”
e single CD package of “The Promise” includes the single, an instrumental version, an instrumental version with background vocals, “The Promise” video, a video with a personal message from Crouch and a PDF copy of the sheet music. The digital version of single is being sold at Walmart.com, iTunes and Amazon. The digital single became available at all other online retail outlets on February 22. The digital single includes the same components as the physical CD, with the exception of the sheet music.
“The Promise” is written by Andrae Crouch and Hanes, an award-winning producer, who is also the creator and executive producer for the CD project. “He has always been progressive, prolific and ahead of his time,” said Hanes. “He dominated radio during his time in the industry, but that was not the thing that made him great. What made him great was how his songs exploded and took deep root inside the church-no mater what color or denomination. His songs were made great by the churches all over the world. When I thought of this project, it was very important that we start off with a song that spoke to the state of the world today, the times we are living in and how we really need to hear from God. The body of Christ needs to be reassured of God’s promise to His people. I felt this song was the perfect song for the body of Christ in this hour.”
Andrae Crouch has been an important figure in Christian Music since the 1960?s. Crouch is credited with revolutionizing the sound of contemporary gospel music and was one of the first black gospel artists to crossover to mainstream contemporary Christian music. His songs have been performed by Elvis Presley, Paul Simon, and church choirs and other musical groups around the world. Crouch also has worked as a producer or arranger with Michael Jackson, Madonna (“Like A Prayer”), Quincy Jones, Diana Ross, Elton John and Rick Astley (“Cry For Help”). His film credits include Once Upon A Forest, The Color Purple, The Lion King, and Free Willy. In 2004, he became the only living contemporary gospel artist-and just the third in history-to have his star enshrined on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.
As Andrae Crouch puts the final touches on the new CD, he spends his time writing 20-30 songs per week. He currently serves as Senior Pastor at the New Christ Memorial Church of God in Christ in San Fernando, California, the church founded by his parents. His twin sister, Sandra Crouch, is the Executive Pastor.