Fwd: Larry Norman, 1947 - 2008
Posted by: rxdca <rxdca@...>
without meaning to.
>From Wikipedia:
Larry David Norman (April 8, 1947 ? February 24, 2008) was an American
musician, singer, songwriter and producer. Norman's recordings are noted
for their Christian and social subject matter, and he is often described as
the "father of Christian rock music". Norman has also been described as
having had a significant influence on many artists, secular and religious.
His impact on rock, Christian music, (and me!) is hard to estimate. Time
Magazine reported that Eric Clapton, Peter Paul & Mary, and Fleetwood Mac
were influenced by his work. Bob Dylan released three albums said to be
similar in style to the Larry Norman albums of that time. Others, including
Van Morrison, John Mellencamp, and U2 have said they were fans.
There's even a Simpsons parody comic featuring Larry and his song "Why
should the devil have all the good music?"
His impact on me is even harder to estimate. As a long-time fan of rock and
a new believer, I was pretty sure I was a lone ranger out there, until I
became aware of Larry Norman's music. Suddenly, I could be who I was, and
be in Christ, at the same time, and use it for Him. Well, not in church,
but I could use it.
Could contemporary Christian music exist today the way we recognize it
without Larry Norman, and the many that followed the path he broke? Maybe.
Maybe not.
Rest in peace, man.
--
Douglas
rxdca@usa.net
Well, there's people been talking
Say they're worried about my soul
But I'm here to tell you I'll keep rocking
'til I'm sure it's my time to roll
-Rich Mullins "Elijah"
Phil 4:13