Contemporary Christian Music Pioneer, Larry Norman, Goes Home to Jesus

by Aimee Herd

"Goodbye, farewell, we'll meet again… Somewhere beyond the sky. I pray that you will stay with God… Goodbye, my friends, goodbye."

(Oregon, USA)—It was bittersweet news that I turned on my computer to this morning, as I learned of the passing of Larry Norman. A vital part of the "Jesus Music" era and the Jesus Movement during the ‘60's and ‘70's, Larry probably did more to bring the Church outside its four walls, to the people—and to bring young people inside the Church's four walls—than anyone else.

Although his music was often misunderstood at first, and even banned in some Bible bookstores, acceptance grew for his style of Christian lyrics set to contemporary music, and Larry eventually became known as the "father of Christian rock." In the 1970's, Billboard magazine dubbed him the "most important writer since Paul Simon." (Photo: LarryNorman.com)

In later years, Larry suffered from physical ailments, but continued to write, perform, and produce music while residing in Salem, Oregon. In 2001, he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.

Once, while working at a radio station in Albany, Oregon, I was greatly privileged to interview Larry Norman, live on the air. He was extremely gracious and very humble as he described various experiences he'd had during his long music career and ministry. Toward the end of the interview, I asked him if he had a favorite song out of all of those he'd written. He responded that it was I Wish We'd All Been Ready, and promptly began to play it on his guitar, which he had in tow. Even after the many times I'd heard that remarkable song, to have Larry—with his one-of-a-kind voice—sing it that day, with all the meaning it's always carried, was one of the most moving experiences I've ever had.

May we all be ready as Larry was.

Below is a statement written by Larry's brother, Charles, on Larry's website:

Hello everybody.

Our friend and my wonderful brother Larry passed away at 2:45 Sunday morning. Kristin and I were with him, holding his hands and sitting in bed with him when his heart finally slowed to a stop. We spent this past week laughing, singing, and praying with him, and all the while he had us taking notes on new song ideas and instructions on how to continue his ministry and art.

Several of his friends got to come and visit with him in the last couple of weeks and were a great source of help and friendship to Larry… Larry appreciated your visits very much. And he greatly appreciated the thoughts, wishes, support and prayers that came from all of you Solid Rock friends on a daily basis. Thank you for being part of his small circle of friends over the years. Yesterday afternoon he knew he was going to go home to God very soon and he dictated the following message to you while his friend Allen Fleming typed these words into Larry's computer:

"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."
- Larry

Thank you to all of you who were so nice to my brother over the years. Kristin and I will post funeral information in the next day or two. Right now we're not able to function very well, but the whole family is here...

We miss him beyond words. Thank you for everything.

Peace to you all in Christ,

- Charles Norman

CG