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Larry Norman, 'Father of Christian Rock,' Dies at 60 Larry Norman, 'Father of Christian Rock,' Dies at 60

Musician left a large footprint before he became estranged from the Christian music industry.

Sarah Pulliam | posted 2/26/2008 10:32AM

Christian music legend Larry Norman died Sunday of heart failure, according to his brother Charles Norman. He was 60.

Norman, a blonde, long-haired rocker who is often called the father of Christian rock ...

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G Collins

Posted: March 11, 2008 2:54 AM

Larry norman will be missed world wide I saw him play in Edmonton in the mid 80's I was thrilled . When I was a young child My brother let me listen to his records and I was hooked. so sad that he is gone I wanted to see him again so badly !!!! my only peace is knowing that he is with the Lord One thing that really chaffed my pants was none of the Chrisyian radio stations would play his music .... now they play it because he is dead .... way to support the Good christian players now its too late Go with God Larry

John	Posted: March 09, 2008 6:37 AM


Love Larry's music, loved his performances too. He truly was a great and wonderful Christian musician.

Anonymous

Posted: March 07, 2008 4:43 PM


disabatinos comments really breaks our hearts / whatsoever things are good / believe me his heart was good mr disabatino thing about what your doing

Larry's Friend

Posted: March 06, 2008 4:57 AM

Larry's song says it Best! 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. They say I'm sinful, backslidden That I have left to follow fame. But here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus just the same. You wanna talk about my life, hey listen to me You got your facts all backwards, one two three Spreading rumors and gossip is a real bad game The only name to spread is Jesus' name I've been knocked down, kicked around But like a moth drawn to the flame, Here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus brother Here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus sister Here I am, talkin' 'bout Jesus just the same.

3Dsound

Posted: March 05, 2008 6:52 PM


Even in death, the Christians can do nothing but heap insult upon Larry Norman. I imagine the author of this obituary is well pleased with herself. "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not (1 Timothy 5:13)."

Allan Jackson

Posted: March 04, 2008 11:50 AM


"Lay my body in the ground, but let my spirit touch the sky"

Jon Trott / Chicago / Jesus People USA

Posted: March 03, 2008 2:24 PM

The first, maybe second, "Jesus music" album I owned was Larry Norman's worst one ever, "Bootleg." I was sixteen, a brand new believer, and loved that terribly done (recorded at his house) album. Five years later, I moved in with the Jesus People USA folks in Chicago. Writing for Cornerstone, I found things out whether I wanted to or not. One of those things was that Larry Norman's personal world was very disordered, even chaotic. Another of those things was that my own life often left much to be desired (though perhaps I was less spectacular about it than Larry). I grew, slowly. Larry seemed -- from my limited human viewpoint -- to get stuck. He had no one to answer to, to become vulnerable to. I mourn his death, and celebrate his art, and perhaps feel saddest of all that his life never seemed as grounded as I'd have hoped for him. Randy Stonehill's gracious comments articulate my own feelings. By the way... his best song ever? "Six O'Clock News." Just had to add that. Jon Trott

HAD Enough!!!!!!!Part 2

Posted: March 03, 2008 11:17 AM

We Need a whole lot more of Jesus and lot less Larry worship!!!!!! Larry used people abused people and in case you are wondering (matters not to me) he tried to corner my wife after she gave him a ride to his hotel after a show in Dallas ..gave her some line about his back being hurt and could not carry his bags..he got to his room that way but all he got was a slapped face...so go on and worship Larry if you like but you have been fooled by a con man.. I understand a book is being written call "We need a whole lot more of Truth" be watching for it!!!

Had Enough!!!!!!!!

Posted: March 03, 2008 9:13 AM

OK I have had enough of this!!!!The writter of this article need to be commended not put down. She is the only person who seems to have even touched on the truth but then wounded ego got it right as well. Lets get some things clear..he was not bipolar...he bumped his head getting up from his seat on the overhead luggage container no major damage. Somebody asked why Randy Stonehill declined to answer any questions well how would you feel if you had to talk about the man who stole your first wife!!!! who become Larrys second wife who he got rid of after he has used up all her money!!!!wonder why there are not comments from anybody in the Christian Music Business?? because they would all be like this one. Larry used people, hurt people ..hurt way more people than ever hurt him.. Ask his son in Australia how Larry can treat people.. poor kid was barley acknowlegde by Larry..but then havein a child out of wedlock would go agains Larrys songs...continued

rockman7

Posted: March 03, 2008 8:03 AM


The Moses of Christian Rock has gone on to his promised land. Rock on my brother.

David Hansen

Posted: March 03, 2008 1:06 AM


Mr Di Sabatino has a right to his opinions, that is not offensive to me. But Christianity Today shows itself to be without common human decency let alone christian character for printing such a callous personal attack against Larry in his obituary.

Keith

Posted: March 03, 2008 12:13 AM


Your source, "The Encyclopedia Of Christian Music" is not a very good source, I bought the book and as I read it I felt (read "my opinion") the author had a few axes to grind, most notably the church's reaction to the gay and lesbian movement in our country.

John in Florida

Posted: March 02, 2008 5:50 PM

I really don't know much about Larry's problems but we all "fall short" and make mistakes. When I was in the Air Force in the 70's, I used to listen to Larry Norman's music. I wasn't a big fan of the style of music, but I really was inspired by his words. He wrote lyrics that were not "sugary-coated" like most CCM. Regarding Dave DiSabatino, I don't know him that well either. I met him in Toronto once ( I used to travel to Peter Dunn's Vinyl Museum to check out records). It is weird though that Dave said that Larry's death could be a ruse. How can he say that when hundreds of people were at Larry's funeral the other day ? I believe Larry, the father of Christian rock, is now with Jesus and the fathers of early Christianity - Polykarp, Clement, etc. I hope the guys from Daniel Amos can forgive Larry for any pain he caused. I really like the Daniel Amos music of the 70's. If you want to email me, write tinmancafe@aol.com

Bim Ingersoll

Posted: March 02, 2008 4:59 PM

What a disgusting article to publish on the death of a man who did far more for fullfilling the Great Commission than "Christianity Today" ever dreamed of doing. Further ... why contact someone for commentary on Larry Norman's life who has such little respect for the man. DiSabatino has issues with Norman as well as others ... he has his own unique view of events. After reporting like this, I'd suggest "Christianity Today" might consider changing its' name to "The Christian Enquirer". Again ... Disgusting journalism to publish 2 days after his death.

rwl	Posted: March 01, 2008 8:57 PM

I can't believe the nuts with blinders on. Here's the truth-Larry did a lot of amazing work, brought a lot of people to the Lord or to a place where they were receptive (like me). He also could be amazingly inconsistent in terms of behaviour in his other relationships, whether with artists or friends. He was a difficult, very complex guy who was used greatly by God. Larry is not a saint. Few of us are. Attempts to make him into one cheapens him. The bible is full of servants who are flawed in some way but still get used as God intends..why is LN any different? I know first hand of the pain he managed to inflict on certain people's lives, and yet aware of countless hours spent with people preaching Jesus and reaching out in tangible ways. Honest discussion of these contridictions are not slander; in fact I celebrate them because it provides a realistic insight into the spiritual and human sides we all carry around. It's who we are. I'm not any different. God is still working in us.

Stephen S.

Posted: March 01, 2008 7:14 PM

I have a friend who as a first rate guitarist hasn't really gotten noteriety all these years. Most people who know him would classify him as strange, a pragmatist, difficult to get along with, but, many of these same people are simply jealous. Over the years he tried entering praise bands or teams at a number of churches, but because of his gift, they want nothing to do with him. I can picture Larry Norman as much like that. CT did a great disservice to him by misclassifying his "strange" behavior. After all, doesn't Christ expect that from His followers? It amazes me how all through these years, such a gifted one can be so maligned. I heard them all - from the pulpits who demonized his music to the current Christian music industry moguls and "stars" having dissed him before, only to offer their patronistic honors now. I know some are genuine, but beware those who are jealous of his work. As much as I admired and followed Randy Stonehill, he was NEVER as good as when he was with Larry.

Steve

Posted: March 01, 2008 1:09 PM

Today I am 51. Today Larry Norman is dead, his spirit now residing at his true address--heaven. His was the non-conformist song-smith of my youth. Earth was merely his post office box. I visited his web site last year and felt like I was sitting with an old friend in the dark corner of a '70s style youth group coffee shop. I never went to one of his concerts or bought one of his albums. But I was mesmerized by his music. As one who is living successfully with an illness that interferes with moods and relationships (bipolar disorder), I guess it should not be a surprise that he suffered from this storm in the brain. The disease has de-railed many a career. Like Keith Green, Larry will be remembered for his gutsy lyrics, musical talent and prophetic voice. Rock on Larry, rock on.

Tim Aukee, Estes Park, Co.

Posted: March 01, 2008 12:26 AM

I saw Larry in Mpls. in the mid 70's. He followed a bar band that was somehow on the bill and totally quenched the Holy Spirit. Larry stepped up and in grace (and God's anointing) amazingly turned it back around. His "in another land" album is truly classic, rich in lyric as well as music. My wife, Lisa, recently passed away as well. In my sadness and loss, I'm blessed to know that Larry's joining her in the choir in worship............Holy Worship........Larry never had a host of angels as backup singers........but he does now.....in another land.

KPS	Posted: February 29, 2008 5:44 PM

"Christianity Today" - yeah, right... hang your head in shame! what is your beef? How could you allow this lying depiction and distortion of a true hero of the faith? This crooked UNAUTHORIZED "biographer" (David DiSabatino) is evil print. DiSabatino is an absoltue long term opportunist & disgrace and a snake in the garden - and more to the point of this discussion holds an unfounded grudge against Larry - after Larry rightfully called him on using his music without permission for a DiSabatino movie. I am one of thousands who saw who the real Larry Norman was throughout the years... you know, just one you'll find described of MANY MANY others who interacted with him and were blessed. Yes there were some relationships and people got hurt... that's LIFE folks... Larry was hurt ALOT MORE than he hurt anyone The man GAVE of himself. Go to the memorial page at larrynorman.com to get the truth. DiSabbatino, be careful: you will have to answer to God Almighty for your slander

Jack Bibo

Posted: February 29, 2008 12:56 PM

In 2006, driving from the Netherlands to Croatia (Europe) for a holiday, we listened in the car to Larry Norman. My teenage-kids, who never had heard him before, got really thrilled. For hundreds of kilometers we listened, enjoyed and discussed his songs. They got caught by Larry's authenticity, honesty, radiance and, most of all, his faith. It was exactly the same reaction which their father had 23 years before, listening in 1979 to Larry on a open-air concert in the Netherlands. Goodbye Larry.

Steve P

Posted: February 29, 2008 8:38 AM

In the early 70s, when I was in my late teens, Norman did a concert at our church, then another at our county fairgrounds. 30 plus years later I live in sight of the hall at the fairgrounds where he played. I remember that night well - the hall packed with kids, Larry's blonde head clearly visible in a spotlight in the distance, and the sound of his voice as he sang. Since then I've seen the impact his music had and the way he paved, and have been aware of his troubles and the people he alienated. But I had not thought of him in a long time. Then, yesterday morning, I was standing at a window in our house, sipping my coffee and gazing out absently at the dark landscape. My eye stopped for a moment on the distant fairground and the hall, and I remembered that concert of long ago. And the thought came to me, when Larry Norman dies, it will be the passing of an era. Today I read that he has passed.

Steve

Posted: February 28, 2008 9:45 PM

This comment is aimed at Mike M and the others that are putting this article down..this article is not an outright lie or a distortion of the truth but it is the most honest article on the subject. Larry had a way of alienating himself from people, had away of exaggerating stories..... but as I stated before I worked with him on numerous occasions and saw how God was able to use him in spite of himself....lets not put Larry on too high a pedestal that is not fair to Larry... He was a flawed human like the rest of use and made plenty of mistakes but that is over and I will miss him and I pray that a new generation will be blessed by his music. Rest In Peace Larry you have earned it!!!!

Mark Wulf

Posted: February 28, 2008 5:19 PM


Around 1975, I started listining to Larry Norman and in 1978, my dad took me to see him perform twice in central pennsylvania, it was quite refreshing, just with him, guitar and piano. Also, Petra opened up for him in Hamburg, Pa 1978 In 2001, I was able to see him again in Lancaster, back to back, 2nd show was the best of all. I'll miss him.

Mike M.

Posted: February 28, 2008 1:19 PM

It’s really unfortunate when people intentionally distort and outright lie in an article written on a website call “Christianity Today.” I truly don’t believe that Christ was glorified by lying and trashing the reputation and character of a great man of God like Larry Norman. The editors of Christianity Today should print and apology and get there facts straight before they go printing slanderous lies about people.

Danny O

Posted: February 28, 2008 10:56 AM


Larry was one of the biggest influences in my life growing up in the 70s. His music moved me to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. I'll miss him. FLY, FLY, FLY.

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