Larry Norman

Larry Norman has gone to be with Jesus. It may surprise you to know that this was a guy I greatly admired. In the midst of the Jesus Movement, Larry Norman was making music about Jesus but not music for those already convinced. His songs were like prophetic sermons addressing the culture and beckoning them to come to Jesus. When I first began listening to Christian music, I had a hard time finding any that I could tolerate. I was a recovering Deadhead, and owned every great classic rock album ever made. I couldn't get into the Christian music that sounded like second-rate lounge singers. Someone suggested that I give Larry a listen. Not only did I find his style comparable to the classic rock I loved, I thought he did it with excellence, and his lyrics were poignant pointers to Jesus. He was no theological giant, but he was the singing poet of a generation of Christians trying to find their way out of a lost culture.

Larry had heart problems for many years, and his death comes as no surprise to those who have followed his health struggles. Yet, as we rejoice that his battle is over and he is victorious, we are saddened by his loss. It reminds us that we have not seen many who could do what he did as well or as effectively, and we are likely to not see it anytime soon.

I guess it was around 1996 that I went to see Larry live at Gardner-Webb college. I had heard so much about his failing health, that I assumed they would wheel him out in a wheelchair with an IV bag or something. Instead, I saw an energetic, passionate, and tireless performance (and it was LONG too!). I am grateful that I had the opportunity.

Come to reason, face the
day,

Now's the season, old
things pass away

Stand beside us, take
His hand,

He will guide us, in
another land.

Larry Norman, "Hymn to the Last Generation"