Larry Norman, the Pied Piper of the Jesus Movement

Francis Schaeffer Whatever Happened to the Human Race (Episode 1) ABORTION _____________________________________ 1978 Prolife Pamphlet from Keith Green’s ministry has saved the lives of many babies!!!! Francis Schaeffer “BASIS FOR HUMAN DIGNITY” Whatever…HTTHR Dr. Francis schaeffer – The flow of Materialism(from Part 4 of Whatever happened to human race?) Dr. Francis Schaeffer – The Biblical […]

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Tribute to Keith Green who died 32 years ago today!!!

This is a tribute to Keith Green who died 32 years ago today!!! On July 28, 1983 I was sitting by the radio when CBS radio news came on and gave the shocking news that Keith Green had been killed by an airplane crash in Texas with two of his children. 7 months later I […]

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“Music Monday” My favorite Christian music artist of all time is Keith Green.

My favorite Christian music artist of all time is Keith Green. Sunday, May 5, 2013 You Are Celled To Go – Keith Green Keith Green – (talks about) Jesus Commands Us To Go! (live) Uploaded on May 26, 2008 Keith Green talks about “Jesus Commands Us To Go!” live at Jesus West Coast ’82 You can find […]

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story, and the song that sums up his life (Part 10)

To me this song below sums up Keith Green’s life best. 2nd Chapter of Acts – Make My Life A Prayer to You Make my life a prayer to You I want to do what You want me to No empty words and no white lies No token prayers, no compromise I want to shine […]

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story (Part 9)

Keith Green – Easter Song (live) Uploaded by monum on May 25, 2008 Keith Green performing “Easter Song” live from The Daisy Club — LA (1982) ____________________________ Keith Green was a great song writer and performer. Here is his story below: The Lord had taken Keith from concerts of 20 or less — to stadiums […]

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story, includes my favorite song (Part 8)

Keith Green – Asleep In The Light Uploaded by keithyhuntington on Jul 23, 2006 keith green performing Asleep In The Light at Jesus West Coast 1982 __________________________ Keith Green was a great song writer and performer and the video clip above includes my favorite Keith Green song. Here is his story below: “I repent of […]

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 4)

Keith Green – So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt (live) Uploaded by monum on May 25, 2008 Keith Green performing “So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt” live at West Coast 1980 ____________ This song really shows Keith’s humor, but it really has great message. Keith also had a great newsletter that went out […]

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 3)

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story (Part 7)

Keith Green – Your Love Broke Through Here is something I got off the internet and this website has lots of Keith’s great songs: Keith Green: His Music, Ministry, and Legacy My mom hung up the phone and broke into tears. She had just heard the news of Keith Green’s death. I was only ten […]

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 2)

September 29, 2021 – 1:13 am

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MUSIC MONDAY Christian Rock Pioneer Larry Norman’s Songs Part 9

Christian Rock Pioneer Larry Norman’s Songs Part 13

6 Reasons We Should All Be Ready to Know Music Pioneer Larry Norman

Uncategorized | Mar 22, 2018

Larry Norman

By Bob Smietana

The late Larry Norman’s life can be summed up in one question. “Why should the Devil have all the good music?”

Norman, often considered the father of Christian rock, was perhaps the most influential Christian singer and songwriter over the last 50 years.

When he burst on the scene in the late 1960s, Christian music had little popular appeal outside the church. Norman set out to change that—and in doing so, created a whole new genre of music—marrying rock and roll to lyrics about Jesus.

By the time he retired due to poor health 2001, Christian contemporary music had become a billion dollar industry. That same year, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

His songs earned list of fans from Paul McCartney and Sammy Davis Jr. to Bono and the Pixies. He played at the White House for Jimmy Carter and was an opening act for a who’s who of 70s rock: the Who, Jefferson Airplane, the Byrds, and Jimi Hendrix.

“I want the people to know that He saved my soul but I still like to listen to the radio,” Norman sang in one of his most popular songs, which also includes the line, “Jesus is the rock and he rolled my blues away.”

Here are a few reasons why Norman’s music lives on long after his death. And what modern Christians can learn from a long-haired hippy Jesus freak.

He put righteous rockers on the map.

Before Norman, contemporary Christian music didn’t really exist, says Greg Thornbury, author of Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music, a new biography on Norman.

He helped create a new genre of music—and did it with style.

Billboard magazine called Norman “the most important writer since Paul Simon,” after the release of his 1971 album, “Only Visiting This Planet.”

That album was added to the Library of Congress National Recording Registry for its artistic and cultural value.

Some of the biggest names in early contemporary Christian music—folks like Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Steve Camp, the Daniel Amos Band, and Randy Stonehill—have all credited Norman for paving the way for their careers.

Norman didn’t just talk about engaging culture. He made it.

“We are constantly talking about cultural engagement,” says Thornbury.

“For many evangelicals, that means blogging and talking about culture. But it’s a different thing altogether to do it and have the respect of the world. Larry Norman had that. I think we have a few things to learn there.”

Norman was open about his faith but friendly to those who didn’t share it. And he stuck with it—despite opposition from inside and outside the church.

“We should care about Larry Norman because he was truly an artist living out his faith—against almost impossible odds,” says Thornbury.

“The secular music industry thought he was completely nuts to waste his talent on religion. On the other hand, you had church leaders, preachers, saying rock and roll is of the Devil, your children should not be listening to this.”

Norman led the Jesus movement.

The 1970s brought a religious revival, as young Americans—many in California’s counterculture—decided to look into Jesus.

The so-called “Jesus freaks” became a national phenomenon. Even Billy Graham noticed.

Graham and Norman were both featured at Jesus Explo 72—a “religious Woodstock,” which drew more than 75,000 young Christians to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas.

Norman was also featured in a cover story in Time entitled “The Jesus Revolution”—about how young people’s lives were being reshaped by the teaching of Jesus.

Norman wanted Jesus to save your soul. And change your life.

Norman loved to be around famous people, says Thornbury. But he was uncomfortable with the trappings of stardom.

After concerts, he refused to sign autographs. But he’d stand around for hours talking with concertgoers and praying with them about their troubles.

Other singers, Thornbury wrote, sang about finding forgiveness for sin. But Norman wanted to show that forgiveness should transform the lives of listeners.

“Larry Norman, in contrast, was incredibly effective at getting crowds to enter into his ‘message’—how, through God, coming to terms with your secret sins made you more compassionate to the poor, the needy, and the lost,” he wrote.

Norman’s songs still speak to today’s culture.

Nothing was off limits for Larry Norman. He sang about drug abuse, racism, greed, pride, loneliness, war, and the news media.

His songs were often bittersweet—filled with regret and hope, joy and sorrow—and almost always sing-able.

He might be the only artist who could sing about the end of the world to a calypso beat, as he did in “Revolution Peace and Pollution.” Or sing a catchy melody about the KKK, fake news, injustice in the courts, race, and religion.

Norman’s songs are popular among other artists.

More than 300 artists have covered Larry Norman songs, from British 1960s pop singer Petula Clark and 1950s country singer Tennessee Ernie Ford to modern CCM rock bands like DC Talk and Audio Adrenaline.

Five great introductory Larry Norman songs

I Wish We’d All Been Ready: Probably his best-known song, it features an all-star backing band (including legendary drummer Hal Blaine of the Wrecking Crew.) You’ll find yourself humming along.
Great American Novel: A classic protest song that points to Jesus in the end. Could have been written today.
UFO: Like C.S. Lewis, Norman wondered what would happen if Jesus appeared to residents of another planet.
The Outlaw: A look at all the ways people see Jesus—from rabble-rousing moral teacher to Son of God.
Shot Down: Larry Norman was no saint—he had failings like any other person. And he had his critics. So he answered them in a catchy song.

Related:

BOB SMIETANA (@BobSmietana) is senior writer at Facts & Trends.

1. Only Visiting This Planet – Larry Norman

Posted March 4, 2010 by low5point in ccm, christian, christian alternative, christian cd, christian music, christian rock, jesus music, music, Uncategorized. 51 Comments

ONLY VISITING THIS PLANET

Larry Norman

Prophet…scoundrel…poet…thief…comedian…clown…rock star…fallen star…

* * *

DC Talk – I Wish We’d All Been Ready [Live]

But that influence ultimately started with “Only Visiting This Planet.” Recorded for MGM’s Verve label, the album would become the most influential Christian album of all time. It served as a lesson in how a Christian can write songs on every possible topic with true humanity all the while expressing the undeniable Biblical truths a Christian possesses. There are songs about lost love, sex, free love, politics, media, culture and theology.

George Martin produced the album that was recorded in London at his AIR studios in 1972. It would be, by far, the best produced Christian album for its time and still remains a quality production. Norman’s voice is at its very best, both his singing and lyrical voice.

The album starts with a song of lost love, “I’ve Got to Learn to Live Without You.” I have always believed that it was Norman’s attempt at a Top 40 pop song. The honesty and longing in Norman’s voice makes the song utterly believable. These are theme and thoughts shared by nearly all who have experienced a love gone wrong.Musically it contains a very beautiful string arrangement and a subtle similarity to what The Beatles finished their career with.

Today I thought I saw you walking down the street
With someone else, I turned my head and faced the wall.
I started crying and my heart fell to my feet
But when I looked again it wasn’t you at all.

Why’d you go, baby? I guess you know,
I’ve got to learn to live without you

“The Outlaw” follows and would become one of the two or three most famous Larry Norman songs even though it would not receive Christian radio airplay until several years later. The story of Jesus as portrayed by an outlaw working on the outside of the established religious community also would speak to Norman’s own situation. With limited acoustic guitar accompaniment and some keyboards, this song is all about Norman’s voice and words.

some say He was an outlaw that He roamed across the land
with a band of unschooled ruffians and a few old fishermen
no one knew just where He came from or exactly what He’d done
but they said it must be something bad that kept Him on the run

Larry Norman The Outlaw

While at a sales conference for The Benson company the sales force was being introduced to music from an upcoming Dana Key (DeGarmo and Key) solo project. One song was going to be a reworking of a DeGarmo and Key song. I commented that having Key re-record a song he had already sung wouldn’t “sound new” to fans and would possibly cause the listener to wonder why Key would need to do a solo album if he was just going to redo previously recorded songs.

Actually I said, “What’s going on a the record company? You guys running out of songs?” But what I really meant was the above. Either way Key went back into the studio and recorded a cover of Norman’s “The Outlaw” and it ended up being the biggest hit from that album.

For some reason, I never got a thank you letter.

“Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus” would be a song that would continue to shock listeners for generations to follow. The blunt discussion included would not even be accepted well today with a more “enlightened” audience. Labeled vulgar, this ong is the primary reason many stores would never carry the album, even decades later.Driven by an amazing blues vibe the song remains one of Norman’s finest and on par with the best of Bob Dylan lyrically.

Sipping whiskey from a paper cup,
You drown your sorrows till you can’t get up,
Take a look at what you’ve done to yourself,
Why don’t you put the bottle back on she shelf,
Yellow fingers from your cigarettes,
Your hands are shaking while your body sweats,
Why don’t you look into Jesus, He’s got the answer.
Gonorrhea on Valentines Day,
And you’re still looking for the perfect lay,
You think rock and roll will set you free,
You’ll be deaf before your thirty three,
Shooting junk till your half insane,
Broken needle in your purple vein,

Why don’t you look into Jesus, he’s got the answer.

Larry Norman – Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus

1978 Prolife Pamphlet from Keith Green’s ministry has saved the lives of many babies!!!!

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 4)

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 3)

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story (Part 7)

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 2)

September 29, 2021 – 1:10 am

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MUSIC MONDAY Christian Rock Pioneer Larry Norman’s Songs Part 8

Christian Rock Pioneer Larry Norman’s Songs Part 12

True Tunes Podcast Ep 17: Larry Norman and his son Mike; It’s Complicated…

Mike Norman (L) Bono, and Larry Norman (R) Shortly before Larry’s passing

The late Larry Norman has been called the “father of Christian Rock,” though he said he never intended to create an alternate genre. U2, The Pixies’ Frank Black, and Dylan have called themselves fans. However, many who worked closely with him, came away seriously wounded in one way or another. What are we to make of messy, painful stories like his? Might the lasting legacy of Larry Norman have something to teach us about listening for the good, and discerning our own path to healing and beauty amongst damage? In this episode of the True Tunes Podcast, we visit with Larry’s son Mike Norman and hear what it was like to live with Larry and how he has come to terms with his father’s complicated legacy. We also unearth some previously unheard interview clips with Larry himself in which he talks about his regrets, offers advice for artists coming up behind him, and more.

Along the way, we’ll hear lots of music, including an All Norman Jukebox takeover, and some Larry rarities.

Find The True Tunes Podcast HERE– or wherever you listen to podcasts.

1. Only Visiting This Planet – Larry Norman

Posted March 4, 2010 by low5point in ccm, christian, christian alternative, christian cd, christian music, christian rock, jesus music, music, Uncategorized. 51 Comments

ONLY VISITING THIS PLANET

Larry Norman

Prophet…scoundrel…poet…thief…comedian…clown…rock star…fallen star…

* * * *

Larry Norman: “Song For A Small Circle Of Friends” Music Video*

As with the Stonehill review I will not dwell on that part of the story. There have been plenty of others that have written extensively on the subject. But I do want to note the opening line of this review and reinforce that those things which have made Norman such an important and lasting figure in Christian music are not only the positives but the negatives as well.

His life would be filled with failed marriages and friendships. No artist ever recorded more than two albums with Norman and most left frustrated, jaded and angry. The rift between Stonehill and Norman lasted decades and much has been written on this and a controversial and decidedly one-sided documentary, “Fallen Angel” has been produced. Anyone with the interest and an internet connection can research the gory details I will avoid here. My point is that his life was both wonderful and tragic and both cannot be denied.

This album would prove to be a major influence on many young people and future Christian musicians. The honesty, well produced rock would break down many doors currently boarded shut. Though not a “heavy” record musically it still contained a serious rock vibe and socially significant content.

The following nationally album is what many, the present writer included, spelled the end or Norman’s artistic zenith. “Something New Under the Son” could really be considered a 4th album in the series, but “trilogy” just sounds more artistically satisfying. Also released on Solid Rock and distributed by Word records, the album would serve as the “heaviest” of Norman’s studio releases. This is a blues record through and through. Although recorded in 1977 it would also not see the light of day until 1981. This too would become a common problem of Norman’s both for himself and for the artists he was associated with, most notable Randy Stonehill and Daniel Amos.

It should be noted that there were several releases between “In Another Land” and “Something New” but were either generally unavailable (Starstrom), parody albums (Streams of White Light) or live albums (Israel Tapes and Roll Away the Stone). In fact “Israel Tapes” was recorded several years earlier (1975). Another album was a single that expanded into an album called “The Tune.”

Larry Norman – The Tune Jesus Fest 8-13-1983

This would also begin a frustrating history of Norman releasing poorly recorded live albums and albums of re-hashed demos, reworked song and compilations under different names. “Something New” would also mark the end of Norman’s national distribution agreements and all but one release would be exclusive to Norman’s Solid Rock or Phydeaux labels, primarily through mail order. I could discuss a majority of those albums but I’m not sure wordpress has enough bandwith.

“Something New” is often overlooked and that is a shame. As mentioned above, the album is a lesson in blues writing. Nearly every song would be considered a blues tune and Norman excels here. “Born to Be Unlucky” just flat-out rocks and Jon Linn gets to show off here. “Watch What You’re Doing” is hysterical and remained a Norman live favorite for years to come. Linn’s guitar and Norman’s harmonica trade-off some amazingly aggressive riffs.

Norman, who apparently had a lot of nightmares, recorded three songs with a numbered “Nightmare” title, but the best one is here. But the song that steals the show is the closing rocking romp, “Let The Tape Keep Rolling.” Though he would write several songs “reinventing” his history, this would be the best one and serve as a great lesson in how to write a great rockin’ blues song!

Norman would spend the 1980’s releasing two albums a year, though most would be poorly recorded live albums, anthologies and rehashed “favorites” with different arrangements and differing results in quality. There are a couple albums of note though.

“Letter of the Law” and “Labor of Love” would both be pretty decent pop rock records and probably deserved some national distribution. These were studio projects that contained several quality Norman tracks. I was able to obtain “test pressings” of those two albums and convince KYMS to play a few of the songs. they became pretty good hits and I contacted Larry to carry them at my store. Eventually a few independent distribution companies picked up the albums. Several of those songs would eventually be released on the album “Quiet Night” under the name Larry Norman and the Young Lions. One stand out is a cover of the late Tom Howard’s “Shine Your Light.”

Two last albums I wanted to point out are “Home at Last” and “Stranded in Babylon.” The first album was originally released by Norman as double album, but the Benson Company worked out a deal to create of single album release of what was felt were the best songs. This would mark the first time in a decade that Norman’s music would receive national distribution from a major Christian Record company. It would also mark the first album of primarily all new material during that same time period. It was also one of the first albums to be released on CD.

The album would be uneven, but it was hoped that it would bring Norman back into the public’s mind. It really never accomplished it as Christian radio was lukewarm and the buyers of Christian music were a whole new generation of people primarily unfamiliar with Norman.

“Stranded” was probably Norman’s best work after “Something New” and is worth picking up. Produced by his brother Charly, it marked a return to both social commentary as well as spiritual themes. Most importantly it showed Norman could still write new music that was powerful and compelling and that he could still rock. “God Part 3″ is worth the price of admission! Lacking any real quality distribution it too went mostly unnoticed.

Norman’s music and ministry would influence probably the widest variety of musicians of any other Christian artists. Fans include the previously mentioned Paul McCartney, Cliff Richard, Van Morrison, John Mellancamp, Pete Townsend, U2, the Pixies and Sarah Brendel. There have been over 300 covers of Norman’s songs recorded included even by the likes of Sammy Davis Jr.

LARRY NORMAN AND CLIFF RICHARD (RARE)

In Christian Music the list of artists who are fans would be too long to mention. He influenced everyone from Geoff Moore to DC Talk. There have been two tribute albums to Norman, including a “dance remix” compilation called “Remix This Planet.”

1978 Prolife Pamphlet from Keith Green’s ministry has saved the lives of many babies!!!!

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Tribute to Keith Green who died 32 years ago today!!!

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Current Events | Edit | Comments (0)

“Music Monday” My favorite Christian music artist of all time is Keith Green.

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story, and the song that sums up his life (Part 10)

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story (Part 9)

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story, includes my favorite song (Part 8)

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 4)

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 3)

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story (Part 7)

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 2)

September 29, 2021 – 1:06 am

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MUSIC MONDAY Christian Rock Pioneer Larry Norman’s Songs Part 7

Christian Rock Pioneer Larry Norman’s Songs Part 11

Larry Norman and ‘Christian art,’ Part II

Terry Mattingly

USA TODAY NETWORK ARCHIVES

TERRY MATTINGLY | COLUMNIST | 9:00 am EDT April 28, 2018

This is the second of two columns about Larry Norman and “Christian” rock.

When Larry Norman died in 2008, there was one thing the critics — secular and religious — agreed on: The controversial singer and music maven helped create the “Contemporary Christian Music” industry.

For Norman, that was not good news.

“In China, if you become a Christian, you may be imprisoned,” said Norman, offering a cynical aside during his last concert, in New York City. “In India, your parents may disown you. In the Middle East, they might execute you. But in America, if you become a Christian, you just have a broader selection of Christian CDs to choose from.”

Seven months later, his fragile heart failed one last time.

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Norman lived to see the fiery folk-rock style he pioneered in the early 1970s — part “Jesus Movement” evangelism, part social-justice sermons — evolve into a suburb-friendly genre in which “Christian” was attached to safe versions of old fads in mainstream music.

The album Norman considered his bravest — “So Long Ago the Garden” — infuriated many “CCM” consumers because of its symbolic, mysterious language. Then there was the semi-nude, Edenic cover image of the singer.

While writing his Norman biography, “Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music?” philosopher Gregory Alan Thornbury dug into the singer’s papers and found an impassioned defense of that album, in a letter to angry fans.

“All of the songs I write are Christian songs, because I am a Christian,” wrote Norman. “Is a man any less a Christian because he is a car mechanic instead of an evangelist? … Some people are so conditioned that if a song doesn’t have some religious clues like ‘blood of the lamb’ or ‘the cross,’ they are unsure of its spiritual qualification.”

Part of the problem, said Thornbury, is that Norman had “a glorious way of speaking out of both sides of his mouth. He never wavered from his desire to write Jesus songs. … Yet at the same time, he was constantly blasting Christian music people about making music that was propaganda — with no art, or poetry, or mystery at all. …

“Larry thought you could be very, very clear on Jesus and the Gospel and, at the same time, go way out there on the edge in terms of art.”

Alas, it was hard to be a commercial, secular success while doing both those things. The same thing was true in CCM circles.

This is a topic — battles to define “Christian” art, film and literature — that I have been writing about since the late 1970s. In my own book, “Pop Goes Religion: Faith in Popular Culture,” I concluded that gatekeepers and consumers in the marketplace use six definitions. Thus, “Christian” music is:

1. Hymns — period.

2. Any style of music appropriate for use in worship services.

3. Openly Christian music in all genres — except rock ‘n’ roll.

4. Any music — even hip-hop or heavy metal — built on evangelistic lyrics.

5. Music with sufficient “God-talk” (CCM’s “Jesus-per-minute rule”).

6. Music made by Christians that expresses their Christian worldview.

Norman fit in several camps. He wrote folk music that people sang in church, as well as raging guitar-rock that bashed trends in modern church life, said Thornbury. He attacked some of the niches his own art helped create.

Early in his career, Norman sang in a mainstream band called People! that shared concert bills with major rock acts, including Janis Joplin. Watching the haunted blues singer from off-stage, Norman wrote a song that was openly evangelistic, yet too blunt to perform in any church — unless the pews contained doomed rockers.

Some key lines: “Sipping whiskey from a paper cup, you drown your sorrows ’til you can’t stand up. Take a look at what you’ve done to yourself, why don’t you put the bottle back on the shelf. … Shooting junk ’til you’re half insane, broken needle in your purple vein. … Why don’t you look into Jesus? He’s got the answer.”

This was not a singalong song for youth group campfires.

“There’s no way around Jesus in that song and that’s how Larry Norman wanted it,” said Thornbury. “But that’s a song he wrote to Janis Joplin. He’s the only person who could have said that to her, because he was the only Christian there. That shaped his music.”

Terry Mattingly is the editor of GetReligion.org and Senior Fellow for Media and Religion at The King’s College in New York City. He lives in Oak Ridge.

1. Only Visiting This Planet – Larry Norman

Posted March 4, 2010 by low5point in ccm, christian, christian alternative, christian cd, christian music, christian rock, jesus music, music, Uncategorized. 51 Comments

ONLY VISITING THIS PLANET

Larry Norman

Prophet…scoundrel…poet…thief…comedian…clown…rock star…fallen star…

* * * *

UFO, The Sun Began to Rain, Six Sixty Six, One Way and Hymn to the Last generation would continue Norman’s popular “Second Coming” theme complete with Beast, Antichrist and Rapture.The reworked “Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus” edits out the references to sex and sexually transmitted diseases the original included in 1972. “Righteous Rocker #3″ is a very short (chorus only) a capella reworking of the song from “Only Visiting This Planet.” I heard once that a second version was supposedly removed from “So Long Ago the Garden.”

Larry Norman – 1983 – UFO

Six Sixty-Six – Larry Norman

“Shot Down” would prove to be his defense against detractor who believed he had forsaken the Gospel message on the previous album.

I’ve been shot down, talked about
Some people scandalize my name,
But here I am, talkin’ ’bout Jesus just the same.

I’ve been knocked down, kicked around
But like a moth drawn to the flame,
Here I am, talkin’ ’bout Jesus just the same.

I’ve been rebuked for the things I’ve said,
For the songs I’ve written and the life I’ve led.
They say they don’t understand me, well I’m not surprised,
Because you can’t see nothing when you close your eyes.

The album does credit Dudley on piano and John Michael Talbot on Banjo. But I wanted to note here that much of Norman and even Stonehill’s early work was greatly enhanced by guitarist Jon Linn. His work is much unheralded and he deserved much more respect. I know little about Jon but did read that he had passed away in the late 80’s or early 90’s.

One last song point out is “Song For a Small Circle of Friends.” The song is a list of artists the Norman counted as acquaintances and friends. It served as an evangelical call to these musicians.

With Clapton on guitar, and Charlie on the drums.
McCartney on the Hoffner bass with blisters on his thumbs.

Dear Bobby watch your fears all hide
And disappear while love inside starts growing,
You’re older but less colder
Than the jokes and folks you spent your childhood snowing.

And someone died for all your friends
But even better yet, he lives again.
And if this song does not make sense to you,
I hope His spirit slips on through, He loves you.

One stinging verse in hindsight is in regards to then good friend Randy Stonehill.

And love to you sir Stonehill,
Armed with your axe full gallop on your amp.
You’re crazy and you know it,
But I love you as we both crawl toward the lamp

1978 Prolife Pamphlet from Keith Green’s ministry has saved the lives of many babies!!!!

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Tribute to Keith Green who died 32 years ago today!!!

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Current Events | Edit | Comments (0)

“Music Monday” My favorite Christian music artist of all time is Keith Green.

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story, and the song that sums up his life (Part 10)

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story (Part 9)

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story, includes my favorite song (Part 8)

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 4)

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 3)

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story (Part 7)

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 2)

September 29, 2021 – 12:53 am

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MUSIC MONDAY Christian Rock Pioneer Larry Norman’s Songs Part 6 (Larry’s friend Steve Turner tells about John Lennon’s spiritual search)

Christian Rock Pioneer Larry Norman’s Songs Part 6 (Larry’s friend Steve Turner tells about John Lennon’s spiritual search)

My Top 50 Larry Norman Songs

45.Larry Norman

Home at Last (1989)

My Feet Are On The Rock

44.Larry Norman

In Another Land (1976)

Song For A Small Circle of Friends

43.Larry Norman

Upon This Rock (1969)

Forget Your Hexagram

42.Larry Norman

Something New Under the Son(1981)

Put Your Life Into His Hands

41.Larry Norman

Upon This Rock (1969)

Larry Norman – 14 – Song for A Small Circle Of Friends – In Another Land (1976)

Larry Norman on John Lennon, Paul McCartney and the Beatles

Steve Turner: The Author Talks About His Books on Johnny Cash and The Beatles

Friday 1st December 2006

British author and Christian Steve Turner was quizzed by Tony Cummings about A Man Called Cash and The Gospel According To The Beatles.

Steve Turner

As well as his many other gifts (poet, speaker and best selling children’s author) London-based Steve Turner is one of the finest ever chroniclers of popular music. Down the years he’s penned excellent works on Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, Marvin Gaye, Cliff Richard, not to mention the definitive work on the hymn “Amazing Grace”. Now two more top rate Turner books are on sale in all good book shops, A Man Called Cash – by far the best work ever penned about the country music icon – and The Gospel According To The Beatles – a brilliantly researched investigation into the myriad belief systems adopted by the most famous pop group of them all. Here are Steve’s answers to my questions.

Tony: Both the Cash and Beatles books are available through UK Christian retail though clearly are aimed primarily at the general non-church going reader. What do you think Christians can learn from the stories of Johnny Cash and the Beatles?

Steve: The story of Johnny Cash is a great story of a self-destructive, damaged man who God wouldn’t let go. The story of the Beatles can teach us a lot about where our culture has come from and how spirituality became an acceptable subject to be dealt with in pop.

Tony: What were the circumstances that led to you writing The Man Called Cash? There have been two Cash autobiographies. What made you think there was still plenty of new material to cover?

Steve: I was approached by the publisher; Cash wanted to do it, he wanted to do it with me and then he died! It was planned as a spiritual autobiography but became a biography when Johnny left us. People often think that if someone has written their own life story there is nothing left to say about them but this isn’t true. Cash’s books about himself can’t have the perspective that an outsider can have and also can’t have the observations of all those who’ve known you and have worked with you.

Tony: One of the many ‘sub plots’ touched on in the Cash book is the strange spiritual state of Kris Kristofferson. Isn’t it bizarre that a man who wrote lines like “one day at a time sweet Jesus” should not in fact be a Christian?

Steve: Kris also wrote “Why Me Lord?” I first met him in 1972 in Los Angeles on my very first trip to America. He played me the tapes of the then unreleased ‘Jesus Was A Capricorn’ album. Some country singers have a sentimental attachment to Jesus.

Tony: The film I Walk The Line disappointingly failed to show the extraordinary events in the Nickajack Caves when Johnny, according to his testimony, having gone there to die, had an encounter with God and then was miraculously guided by God through miles of tunnels back to the opening. Do you believe this event actually occurred and why do you think the filmmakers ignored such an obviously dramatic and important
incident in Cash’s life?

Steve: I think it happened although his telling of the story does raise some questions. I think the film makers decided to go for the love theme at the expense of the spiritual theme. There is a guide to screenwriting which actually talks about the major crisis in a protagonist’s life as ‘The Inner Cave’ and, like you, I thought that this was the perfect dramatic crisis. A friend of mine in California said to me, “Johnny Cash had four major loves in his life – drugs, music, Jesus and June. This film only dealt with three of them.” That’s a pretty good summary.

Tony: You offer pretty incontrovertible proof that Johnny embellished his testimony and made himself out to be considerably more violent and unpleasant in his Air Force years than he actually was. Why do you think he did this?

Steve: I think he had a tendency to over dramatise. However, he didn’t need to make himself seem more of a Prodigal Son because in subsequent years he really did slide down hill.

Tony: I was speaking to a hard core country fan who felt that until the ‘American Recordings’ and subsequent releases the rock world didn’t really give a toss about Cash. Isn’t it true that without those recordings much of the iconography surrounding Johnny wouldn’t have developed?

Steve: I think he was still a huge star and an American icon but it helped that he finished the race well. When I met him in the late 1980s he was still touring and recording but he wasn’t setting the world alight. I think the records produced by Rick Rubin confirmed his stature. Rick just gave him the opportunity to be himself.

Tony: Hasn’t there been an absolutely absurd number of Cash reissues and compilations since his death?

Steve: Yes.

Tony: How did you come to write The Gospel According To The Beatles?

Steve: I had the idea of doing John Lennon’s life as a “spiritual” journey some time ago and was later approached by WJK to do a gospel according to rock’n’roll. I felt that I had already done that with Hungry For Heaven so I suggested The Gospel According To The Beatles.

Tony: Do you think it possible that if Lennon had encountered a vibrant evangelical/charismatic fellowship in his teenage years rather than the staid broad COE church he joined he might have gone in a very different spiritual direction?

Steve: I would frequently think with each of them – if only they had met such and such a person or such and such a community. George said such great things about the importance of searching for God. His disenchantment with the Catholicism of his childhood was that he saw it was only a Sunday morning thing. It didn’t affect the lives of the people the rest of the week.

Tony: Your book clearly and helpfully codifies the myriad of beliefs subscribed to at some time or other by the Beatles and particularly John Lennon. My conviction, and that of many charismatic and evangelical Christians, is that such beliefs aren’t inert philosophies but are in some cases “doctrines of demons” and that real and tangible spiritual forces can ensnare those who enter into their disciplines and rituals. Do you agree with such a viewpoint?

Steve: I have to say “I don’t know” simply because I don’t think there is enough Biblical evidence to suggest so. Ultimately all ideas that take people away from Jesus are Devilish in that they are deceptions – I just don’t know that there are designated spiritual forces. I was fortunate to be able to travel to Rishikesh, India, a few weeks ago to see the ashram (now closed and decaying) that the Beatles studied in with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Tony: Isn’t there a danger that your book overemphasises the youth impact of the Beatles? I grew up in a sizeable tribe – the soul music scene of the ’60s – which had tens of thousands of devotees for whom the Beatles were perceived as merely irritating white boys who made inferior cover versions of the Isley Brothers, Cookies, et al and later made boring albums which pretentious Times critics hailed as popular culture masterpieces while ignoring our favoured masterpieces (‘James Brown Live At The Apollo’, ‘Otis Blue’, etc). Shouldn’t we be talking about youth cultures (plural rather than singular)?

Steve: Maybe. I know that soul and Tamla had a great effect but I don’t think they transmitted as many ideas, particularly ideas about spirituality, as did the songs of the Beatles and Dylan. And, although your tribe was big, it was still a subculture in comparison with the mainstream culture that was absorbing the Beatles. My memory is that in a class of 31 you might get one or two kids who were real soul converts and of course part of the appeal was in being an elite. You didn’t need a sophisticated taste to like the Beatles. But you’re right to emphasise that some people thought the Beatles were naff and of course some others thought they were too loud, untidy and impolite!!

Tony: Do you know whether Paul McCartney or Ringo Starr have read your book?

Steve: I sent one to Ringo. Paul knows me and I gave one to his personal assistant and know that it was handed to him. Neither of them have called to comment! Geoge’s sister, Louise, has told me that she likes it though.

Tony: Like you, I echo Rookmaaker’s observation “art needs no justification” but I also believe that it is unwise and unbiblical to expose ourselves to art given over to “foreign gods.” Don’t you think it unwise for Christians to listen to George Harrison’s paeans to Krishna?

Steve: I think that we have to be discriminate but I don’t think that the sounds contain a spiritual poison that can enter our spirits without us noticing. I think that he who is within us is far greater than any anti-Christian idea. I wouldn’t on the one hand avoid this music for fear of contamination nor would I immerse myself in it.

About Tony Cummings

Tony Cummings is the music editor for Cross Rhythms website and attends Grace Church in Stoke-on-Trent.

» Buy Steve Turner products from Cross Rhythms Direct

1978 Prolife Pamphlet from Keith Green’s ministry has saved the lives of many babies!!!!

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Prolife | Edit | Comments (0)

Tribute to Keith Green who died 32 years ago today!!!

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Current Events | Edit | Comments (0)

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By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Current Events | Edit | Comments (0)

MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story, and the song that sums up his life (Part 10)

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Current Events | Edit | Comments (0)

MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story (Part 9)

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story, includes my favorite song (Part 8)

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Current Events | Edit | Comments (0)

Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 4)

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 3)

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story (Part 7)

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 2)

September 29, 2021 – 12:51 am

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MUSIC MONDAY Christian Rock Pioneer Larry Norman’s Songs Part 5

Christian Rock Pioneer Larry Norman’s Songs Part 5

My Top 50 Larry Norman Songs

A list by helix2119

[List400552] |

Larry Norman’s style of music is very similar to Bob Dylan; and is actually the reason why I started to listen to Dylan. Norman wrote about politics, his dreams, history, and its figures using both comedy and tragedy, and of course God. He has been called the father of christian rock and roll and I feel that that is a very fair title considering how his music is one of the few in christian music that holds up against some of the best in the business, and doing so without neglecting his calling for God. His best tracks were during the were on his 1969 debut, Upon this Rock, and the 70s trilogy Only Visiting this Planet, So Long Ago the Garden and In Another Land as each of those albums are held with esteem for their quality. There are a number of albums beyond the 70s that are very good, 3 in particular that were all decades apart in 1981, 1991 and 2001. Normans discography is extremely comprehensive like Dylan’s with countless Bootlegs, Live Albums and compilations featuring alternate versions and unreleased gems and rarities. But still Only Visiting this Planet has 3 of his best Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus, Righteous Rocker and I Wish We’d All Been Ready.

Larry Norman – 13 – One Way – In Another Land (1976)

Words and Music by: Larry Norman

One way One way to Heaven,Hold up high your hand,One way Free and forgiven Children of the Lamb.Two roads diverged in the middle of my lifeI heard a wise man sayAnd I took the one less traveled byAnd that’s made the differenceEvery night and every daySo I say…One way One way to Heaven Hold your heads up high FollowFree and forgiven Children of the sky Children of the sky Children of the sky

Larry Norman – 14 – Song for A Small Circle Of Friends – In Another Land (1976)

Larry Norman – 15 – Hymn To The Last Generation – In Another Land (1976)

Track List1 The Rock That Doesn’t Roll2 I Love You3 U.F.O.4 I’ve Searched All Around5 Righteous Rocker #36 Déjà Vu (If God Is My Father)7 Why Don’t You Look Into Jesus8 I Am A Servant9 The Sun Began To Rain10 Shot Down11 Six, Sixty, Six12 Diamonds13 One Way14 Song For A Small Circle Of Friends15 Hymn To The Last GenerationExtra tracks on CD releases16 Looking For The Footprints17 Strong Love, Strange Peace18 Dreams On A Grey Afternoon – (Instrumental)19 Let That Tape Keep Rolling (Live from Greenbelt 1979)

1978 Prolife Pamphlet from Keith Green’s ministry has saved the lives of many babies!!!!

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Prolife | Edit | Comments (0)

Tribute to Keith Green who died 32 years ago today!!!

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Current Events | Edit | Comments (0)

“Music Monday” My favorite Christian music artist of all time is Keith Green.

By Everette Hatcher III | Posted in Current Events | Edit | Comments (0)

MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story, and the song that sums up his life (Part 10)

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story (Part 9)

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story, includes my favorite song (Part 8)

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 4)

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 3)

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MUSIC MONDAY:Keith Green Story (Part 7)

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Keith Green’s article “Grumbling and Complaining–So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt?” (Part 2)