I Wish We'd All Been Ready

Larry Norman, the Father of Christian Rock, passed away yesterday.

Though most did not know him and many have never of him, those whom have lived in the Christian sub-culture during the 70′s-90′s have surely heard his music.

“Why Should the Devil Have All the Good Music” and “I Wish We’d All Been Ready” were two of his most memorable works.

Larry said, the day before he passed, “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.”

Larry Norman’s relationship with the wider Christian church, and with the Contemporary Christian music industry, had been contentious for a number of years. Norman’s early social positions caused a stir among many conservative Christians. His views against racism and poverty caused him to receive multiple death threats in the 1970s. A widespread ban on Norman’s music, which is still in effect in some places today, existed in Christian stores. This ban was due not only to Norman’s social positions, but his preferred company as well.

Said Norman in a separate interview: “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.”

When asked if his 1969 album “Upon This Rock” was a Christian album, Norman responded: “No, it was not a Christian album for those believers who wanted everything spelled out. It was more like a street fight. I was saying [to Christians]…This album is not for you.” Commenting on Christian music in 1984, Norman said: “I’m pleased with what’s happening in England and Europe…but I’m not totally thrilled about the commercialization of Christian music in America.” Two years prior to the 1984 interview, he had complained that Christian music generally meant “sloppy thinking, dishonest metaphors, and bad poetry” and stated that “I’ve never been able to get over the shock of how bad the lyrics are.”

In recent years, however, many CCM artists have credited Norman as an influence on their music, particularly in the subgenre of Christian rock. He is often cited as influencing both Keith Green and Randy Stonehill in their conversions to Christianity. (In turn, both eventually became Christian music artists.) When asked about the relationship between CCM and his own music, Norman has replied “I’m happy if I’ve been an encouragement to other artists.”

Welcome Home, Larry.