I received the sad news today that Larry Norman, the “father of Christian contemporary music” passed away yesterday at the age of 60. He had been in fading health for quite some time. Norman wrote many great Christian rock songs like “Why Should The Devil Have All The Good Music?” and “I Wish We’d All Been Ready.” What’s funny about Larry being considered a “father” of Christian contemporary music is that Larry spent much of his life separated from the institutional church because he felt (as I do) that the church isn’t fulfilling it’s calling by not reaching out to the most needy in our community and it’s exclusion of those not seen as “part of the Christian community.”
As Larry once said: “”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.” While I can’t say I’ve never looked like a “street person” as Larry is speaking I’ve experienced a little of what he felt because I go to church as I am. I’m a jeans and T-shirts person and that’s what I wear to church. If you can’t accept someone by what they wear to a church then there is no way you can accept what is inside that person if it doesn’t fit your preconceived mold for a Christian. There have been times in my life when I’ve had pastors tell me I couldn’t minister on a worship team if I wore a T-shirt and jeans. I’ve had churches where I was told openly that they had an “expectation for attire” at their church. Jesus never did any of that. Larry knew that and wasn’t shy about sharing that. We need more people like Larry Norman.
Anyway, sorry to preach a bit on that but it’s a hot-button issue with me and many churches. I shudder to think of the high number of churches that if a homeless person walked into their offices and said they were hungry that church would call a shelter to pick the person up instead of giving that person their lunch as Jesus would command you because you know there’s a meal waiting for you when you get home that night in your home with heat and running water. (And before I get the inevitable “you’re making assumptions” comeback from someone offended by my comment I’ll admit I can’t prove it. I’m just basing that opinion on the many things I saw over a decade of working in Christian radio at various places. There are good and bad in everything but I’ve seen a lot of bad. If someone took the time to really research that you’ll likely find if I’m not right I’m not too far off.)
As Larry lay dying, he composed a final message to his fans and supporters that was posted on his website today:
I feel like a prize in a box of cracker jacks with God’s hand reaching down to pick me up. I have been under medical care for months. My wounds are getting bigger. I have trouble breathing. I am ready to fly home.
My brother Charles is right, I won’t be here much longer. I can’t do anything about it. My heart is too weak. I want to say goodbye to everyone. In the past you have generously supported me with prayer and finance and we will probably still need financial help.
My plan is to be buried in a simple pine box with some flowers inside. But still it will be costly because of funeral arrangement, transportation to the gravesite, entombment, coordination, legal papers etc. However money is not really what I need, I want to say I love you.
I’d like to push back the darkness with my bravest effort. There will be a funeral posted here on the website, in case some of you want to attend. We are not sure of the date when I will die. Goodbye, farewell, we will meet again.
Goodbye, farewell, we’ll meet again
Somewhere beyond the sky.
I pray that you will stay with God
Goodbye, my friends, goodbye.
LarryRest in peace, Larry.
Larry’s music and message was refreshing for Christians and non-Christians alike. He definitely made you think.
He had a profound influence on both Christian and non-Christian artists…I’ll cite Bob Dylan’s album “Saved” as an example.
Sounds like an interesting guy. I know that sometimes people in my Church are less than welcomeing to those who don’t dress nice. We believe and teach that we dress in our best to show respect for the Lord and his house, but we should never condemn another for what they are wearing. Attire really is not that important (as long as it covers the essentials!)
It is merely out of respect that I wear my suit and tie to Church on Sunday. If someone chooses to wear something else, they are always welcome to.
That’s cool, James. That’s what it’s all about…that’s how you feel you need to come to church to be in front of Christ. The way I feel, it’s about bringing the real me to him with all my flaws and failures…basically, my ragamuffin self…and accepting the gift of His grace and mercy because he knows that the guy in jeans and T-shirts is His son.
Everyone’s different and that’s what makes God’s family so great.
Hi brotha’ Jason, Man, thanks for the article about Larry - I just found out today that Larry had passed. I also read how he had had an impact on Eric Clapton and Bob Dylan , and thought how phenomenal it would be to impact Justin Timberlake and say … 50 cent or Lebron James! I do not know their personal spiritual beliefs, but to have an impact or be encouraging to another person is a phenomenal gift. Larry had a gift like that, I believe. I really wasn’t going to write anything …. but really enjoyed the article. I wish you the greatest journey in your search. And never let anyone judge you (lest they be judged), my friend. It is certainly hard to stick to such values in this world the way it is, but with God in our heart’s we can hopefully “spread a little love”. God bless, man.