Easter Sunday I learned that the “Father of Christian Rock”, Larry Norman, died of heart failure on February 24 at his home in Salem, Oregon. Norman’s band “People” had a top 10 hit in the sixties with a recut version of the Zombie’s song- I Love You. However, he is best remembered for his influence on the direction of Contemporary Christian music.
Considered a rebel by the church in general, Larry Norman’s music was blacklisted from most Christian stores. He later responded to this treatment by saying:
“The churches weren’t going to accept me looking like a street person with long hair and faded jeans. They did not like the music I was recording. And I had no desire to preach the gospel to the converted.”
Larry’s influence was far reaching however. He had a heart for those in the music business who were struggling with drug and alcohol abuse. In an effort to help, he began a bible study called “The Vineyard”. As you may have heard, Bob Dylan was one of the musicians who attended. It wasn’t too long afterward that Dylan anounced he was “born again” and released his first Christian album – Slow Train Coming.
As far as I know, Larry Norman performed his final concert in June of 2005. He forgot the words to his first song and asked if anyone in the audience knew them. They began singing the words and he was able to finish the song. Frank Black of the Pixies also made a guest appearance at the concert. At one point, according to David Sanford of Stanford Communications , Larry stood looking out at the audience for a long time and then announced:
“As far as I can tell, this is the last time I’ll be able to play in America, in Europe, and planet earth.”
Larry Norman’s music was most popular during the Jesus revolution of the 1970s, despite the fact that his music was rejected by mainstream, conservative Christianity. Artist such as Johnny Cash, Eric Clapton, U2, John Mellencamp, Van Morrison and others were touched by his influence. Early Contemporary Christian artists, Keith Green and Randy Stonehill, are said to attribute their faith in Jesus to Larry Norman’s life and witness. Larry himself said that he wanted to…
“push back the darkness with my bravest effort.”
In 2001 Larry Norman, alongside his childhood inspiration, Elvis Presley, was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Here are a few of his last known recorded words for his fans…
Goodbye, farewell, we’ll meet again
Somewhere beyond the sky.
I pray that you will stay with God
Goodbye, my friends, goodbye.
Larry
Rest in peace brother.
Until next time…
Keep practicing!
guitarcoach
