I know he wasn't much to look at, but for those of you who enjoy listening to music with a Christ-based message but that rocks and rolls, you owe Larry Norman a big "thank you". Larry was a Christian making music back before there was a "Christian music industry". Larry went home to be with the Lord on February 28, 2008.As an outspoken christian on a secular record label back in the 1960's Norman's band opened for The Greatful Dead, The Doors, and Janis Joplin. According to his website... Time Magazine described him as "the top solo artist in his field." Billboard called him "the most important songwriter since Paul Simon." You can and should read more about his life at the bio on his website.
Larry was a good 10-15 year ahead of other early groups such as The Jesus People in reaching out to the current culture for Jesus Christ. Artists such as Randy Stonehill were unbelieving musicians with whom Larry shared the Gospel and took on the road with him. Larry also started a church in his home that later became The Vineyard Church, which later grew to several hundred locations, and Jew For Jesus, an outreach to Jews worldwide. His music has been covered countless musicians, both Christian and non-Christian.
What is your favorite Larry Norman song/cover? Mine is "Reader's Digest (covered by Johnny Q Public)"...with "Why should the Devil have all the Good Music" and "God Part 2 (for you U2 fans)" a close 2nd and 3rd. "I wish We'd All Been Ready" is good too.
CC
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