Chrystal Rucker

Chrystal Rucker is a gospel soprano and songwriter known for her work within the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) tradition. Born in Kansas City, Missouri, she is the daughter of a COGIC bishop and studied music and English at the University of Missouri–Kansas City. Her early career included performing as a guest vocalist on albums by noted gospel figures such as Edwin Hawkins, Myron Williams, and Jerome Greene.

In 2007, Rucker suffered a series of strokes that required an extensive recovery period. She returned to music with a renewed sense of purpose, and in 2012 she released her debut album, You Deserve, on the EPM Music Group label. The album’s title track reached the Billboard Hot Gospel Songs chart, and the album itself entered the gospel Top Ten.

Rucker’s catalog also includes performances of songs such as “The Anointing,” along with covers of “Changed,” “Over the Rainbow,” and “Safety.” Her work continues to reflect the gospel and COGIC heritage that shaped her career.