I was just taking a stroll down 80’s music memory lane. No, I don’t do that very often. Yes, Kim was a DJ at a roller skating rink in high school. Anyway...
I just found out that Larry Norman passed away on February 24. He was only 60. I had heard that his health was failing in recent years. I think that he had trouble getting the necessary medication needed and suffered from financial hardship.
“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 . . . I’d like to push back the darkness with my bravest effort. There will be a funeral posted here on the Web site, 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.”
When I became a Christian in 1986, Larry quickly became a staple in my walkman. By that time he was already a folk rocker throwback from the 60’s. But this guy loved Jesus, and it came through loud and clear. He epitomized the power of the Jesus Movement–Jesus was coming back at any moment, so let’s hurry up and get as many people saved as possible.
It was kind of odd to be a teenager that liked Larry Norman when everyone else was listening to Iron Maiden and Van Halen. If you had strict Christian parents maybe you could sneek in a little Stryper (who oddly enough covered one of Norman’s songs). I don’t know; I was just really gripped by his lyrics and soulful melodies. I loved the way he communicated the love of God at a street level. Who else could sing about getting gonorrhea on Valentine’s Day?
Farewell Larry. Thank you for helping me love God and man. Can’t wait to meet you in person.
Personal favorites:
These are some of Larry’s final words before he left this world.
