Larry Norman: This is somebody who invented it
Posted by 3Dsound at Monday, February 25, 2008 12:09 PM and is filed under 3D Sound,popular music,Rip,Christianity,Rock,Larry Norman 
RIP (updated below)
In the spotlight for taking us there: News (24-Feb-08), LARRY NORMAN:
Larry Norman passed away on Sunday, finally succumbing to the infirmaries and illnesses that his website had updated his fans about for many years. For details about his passing see his website (linked above) and the comment submitted to Tales From The Microbial Laboratory.
Simply put, Norman's legacy is the reality that Christian Rock exists, as a variety of popular music that is unlike black or white gospel (in musical affiliations, themes and audience) and which was unheard of, before Norman came along.
Which is not to suggest that Norman's innovation came easily to his Christian audience. It did not. Following an early period of acceptance, Norman's audience turned against him in the early 70s and vehemently disputed his credentials as a spokesman for the Christian point-of-view. You can read about this unfortunate circumstance in my blog article, Larry Norman's snakeskin boots.
Still, in appreciating Norman's accomplishment, it's helpful to keep in mind Bill Cosby's recent comments at the Grammy MusiCares "Person of the Year" Tribute honoring Aretha Franklin:
Bill Cosby told the crowd they were honoring "the real deal. This is not fakery, this is not somebody who almost made it. This is somebody who invented it ... Aretha Franklin is responsible for more female singers working someplace else because they tried to copy her."
And that's Larry Norman: The man responsible for more Christian singers working someplace else because they tried to copy him.
UPDATE, Monday, March 3, 2008: For information on Norman's funeral and for personal reflections on his influence, along with access to the impact of his music, see Pastor Ray Fowler's blog articles at rayfowler.org. Start with his article, Larry Norman's Funeral/Memorial Service (published March 1, 2008).
Good thoughts on Larry and Christian rock in general. Thanks for the link. And thanks for drawing attention to Larry at the time of his passing. I like the Bill Cosby/Aretha Franklin analogy.
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I think I've been surprised that Norman's passing hasn't generated more interest in the media. I mean, this a time of evangelical ferver, not to mention political influence. I thought that that would translate into greater notice of Norman's influence. But it doesn't seem to have.
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Well, there was some coverage. Christianity Today published a (somewhat controversial) obituary. Steve Turner wrote an obituary in the U.K. Guardian. The Salem Mercury (Larry's home town) had a nice write up. And even NPR gave a full two-minute spot, complete with song clips and a brief phone interview with Larry's brother. But all in all, I agree, it was a very quiet passing for a remarkable man.
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The Christianity Today obituary is certainly an odd one. Out of respect for Larry Norman, I won't link to it, although it's easy enough to find.
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Yeah, it's strange that the secular media gave him more respectful treatment at his death than a major evangelical publication like Christianity Today.
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With all respect, Pastor, it's what happens when casting judgments upon others is how you shore up your own clay feet. Thus, Christianity Today doesn't know the difference between dirt and dish and that neither is appropriate for an obituary.
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