LARRY NORMAN (4/8/47 - 2/24/08)

[Martha]

I had lunch with Larry back in the early 1990's. I was at a Cornerstone festival in Bushnell IL. It was in July and extremely hot. Everything was open air, no enclosed buildings. Food vendors were set up and I bought my lunch and saw a table with only one man setting there eating. I walked over and ask if I could share his table. He graciously welcomed me and we sat and talked for quite a while. He talked about the ministry he was involved in and how much he enjoyed being able to mingle with all the youth at the festival. He had a belt with a large assortment of harmonicas in pockets on it. I ask about it and he said he enjoyed jaming with people at the festival. I kept thinking he looked familiar but I thought there was no way anyone I knew would be there. After a while he said he was sorry, he hadn't even introduced himself. When he said "My name is Larry Norman" I wasn't sure I heard him correctly. I ask "are you THE Larry Norman who wrote" and I named a few songs. He smiled and said "yes, I am." I told him what an honor it was to be able to meet him and how much I loved his music. It was a lunch I'll never forget! He was such an humble, down to earth man. He will truly be missed.

[DeWayneTN]

That's a great memory, Martha. How cool.

He did for christian rock what Bill Gaither has done for southern gospel.

Who's Bill Gaither?

[DeWayneTN]

Interesting article on Larry Norman at the Christianity Today website:

http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliv ... .html#more