Not all rock bios
are equal.
Rebel for God:
Faith, Business, and Rock ‘n’ Roll
Author: Eddie
DeGarmo
Publisher: Salem
Books (www.salembooks.com)
Pages: 352
Not all rock bios
are created equal. They are shaped by the perspective of the author.
They choose what to include. It somewhat reflects their viewpoint and
values.
The debauchery in
some accounts leaves me crestfallen. I prefer stories like Rebel
for God by Eddie DeGarmo that have more of an element of
redemption. The focus is more on what is good, right and acceptable
(See Philippians 4:8). I have witnessed more than enough of the
sordid. Give me a godly perspective, which is typically absent from
the rock biography.
I recognize, too,
that not everyone is a reader. Some just care about the music. They
don’t want their concert videos interrupted by talking heads. They
are not interested as much in the life or the context as the songs.
If they wanted a reason why they should care, I suggest that it could
lead to a richer experience. A song, an album, might become more
meaningful. I recommend this for the skeptical. It’s easy to read,
fun and informative.
The author
chronicles the entire history of DeGarmo and Key (D&K later on,
but used hereafter to represent both time periods), including the
making of each album. You don’t have to be a fan but you might
become one after reading an account that becomes more captivating as
it progresses.
It is also an
insider’s guide to the music industry but more than that it’s
about living life well. This is not something typically found in the
average rock star book.
It was surprising to
learn of the early connection with Stephen Lawhead, the celebrated
author, whose Celtic works have inspired Jeff Johnson and Brian
Dunning to create music that serves as a soundtrack.
Lawhead helped to launch the band’s career and was their first manager.
Lawhead helped to launch the band’s career and was their first manager.
Another fascinating
contact early on was Pat Boone, who signed them to their first
recording contract on his Lamb and Lion label. Boone identifies
himself as the lamb; partner Mike Curb is the lion.
Scattered throughout
the narratives are principles that DeGarmo learned through the ups
and downs of his career. The “four-year commitment principle” is
especially notable, “I told countless young artists they should
make a commitment to their dream for a period of years. When we
started we chose to commit for four years; I told them they could
choose how long they would give it, but it needed to be at least
three years. During that period of time they should give it
everything they had … At the end of the time period, if they still
couldn’t support themselves and their families if they had them,
they should give it up” (90). Wise counsel like this makes the book
especially helpful for anyone in the industry. DeGarmo was not only a
recording artist but became a music publisher, producer, promoter and
eventually the president of the largest gospel and Christian music
publisher in the world.
Readers might also
enjoy DeGarmo’s sense of playfulness and humor. The commitment
principle chapter includes the author’s own Elvis sighting where he
exchanges knowing glances with the king.
Sadly, one of the
challenges for the band was a steady stream of criticism from other
Christians. Often it had to do with opposition to the music styles
associated with rock music. Is it compatible with a Christian
message? What would Jesus think?
Fortunately, the
band learned to respond graciously to attacks, “We knew better than
to get into a public rock ‘n’ roll justification debate with
these folks. We politely asked them to pray for us and then reminded
them ‘God loves you’” … (116).
It didn’t make
sense to play any other type of music. They grew up listening to
rock. God used the controversy and subsequent publicity to get their
music out there. It gave them greater prominence.
One of the most
poignant moments came after agreeing to tour with Amy Grant. At the
time it was a stretch for both artists and their fans. DeGarmo
writes, “Sure, there was a certain amount of culture blending and
boundary pushing, but no one expected the kind of outrageous and
vocal criticism Amy received from some of her fans. It was downright
mean-spirited at times” (181).
The culmination came
at the Christian Music Seminar in Estes Park, Colorado, the last show
of their tour. D&K had never been invited previously as they were
perceived as being too extreme and on the fringe. They rocked
“Beautiful Music,” the first song. “At the end (of it), though,
there was absolutely no applause,” DeGarmo writes. “You could
hear a pin drop. All I could see was a large room full of people with
their arms crossed … Amy began to cry” (182).
She poured out her
heart explaining that she wanted to make a difference in the lives of
young people. Energetic music was a language they understood.
This story reminds
me of what one musician conveyed when I asked about something I did
not understand. He encouraged me to trust the artist when something
is questionable but not clearly wrong.
When I was young in
the faith I recall writing a letter to a prominent Jesus music
artist, questioning the content on one of their albums. I recognize
now that because his choices didn’t make sense to me, I assumed
that they were wrong. I was the one in error. If I had given the
benefit of the doubt I might have been able to enjoy that record at
the time. If we only realized how little we know, it might make us
more hesitant to criticize.
Some of the most
meaningful words were the hardest to write for the author. It wasn’t
the specifics but the reminder that difficulties with others
sometimes have no explanation. In such times one comfort is knowing
that Christ himself went through similar perplexity and even
betrayal. What pain compares to having a friend turn against us?
Barbara Bush said,
“Never lose sight of the fact that the most important yardstick of
your success will be how you treat other people—your
family, friends, and coworkers, and even strangers you meet along the
way.” What I like about the author is that he writes charitably
about conflicts and disagreements. I appreciate his honesty and
humility. His treatment of others is one of his greatest successes.
Let
me add in closing that
D&K’s commitment to evangelism throughout their career is
admirable. They were uncompromising even when
it cost them personally.
Many thousands of people
came to Christ through their ministry. Well
done!
