Died On This Date (February 24, 2008) Larry Norman / The Father of Christian Rock
themusicsover Larry Norman
April 8, 1947 – February 24, 2008
Larry Norman has been called “The Father of Christian Rock.” Before jumping into the Christian music arena, Norman was part of the Bay Area scene where he was afforded the opportunity to open for both Jimi Hendrix and the Doors. In 1969, his first Capitol Records release, Upon This Rock, became what many consider the first Christian rock album. Not without controversy, Norman would live on the fringes of Christian music due in part to his long hair and outspoken political beliefs. Larry Norman passed away from heart failure on February 24, 2008.
What You Should Own
Ian Wallace was an accomplished session rock drummer who is most often remembered for his short stint in King Crimson during the early ’70s. He can be heard playing on Islands and their live album, Earthbound. Throughout the years, Wallace played with a who’s who of rock music. He played on such albums as Bob Dylan’s Street Legal and At Budokon, Bonnie Raitt’s Nine Lives, Don Henley’s Building A Perfect Beast, Rodney Crowell’s Houston Kid, Stevie Nicks’ Wild Heart, and many more. He released just one album, 2003’s Happiness With Minimal Side Effects. Ian Wallace was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in August of 2006, and subsequently died of it on February 22, 2007. He was 60.
Ty Longley was born in northwest Pennsylvania. In 2001, he joined metal band, Great White, one of the top rock acts of the ’80s, as they were beginning to mount a comeback for the new millennium. Unfortunately, their return to the national headlines was caused by a tragic event that claimed Longley’s life. While on stage at The Station club in West Warwick, Rhode Island, on February 20, 2003, the band’s pyrotechnics accidentally set off a fire that quickly consumed the venue. In all, 100 people perished in the fire, including 31-year-old Ty Longley.
