A Tribute to Keith

"The greatest tragedy of contemporary Christian music is its failure to honor its history.  A "classic" song on Christian "hit" radio rarely grays around the temples.  There are no "classic" Jesus music shows.  Or "oldies" tours.  Or VH-1 Behind The Music specials.  And yet the roots of today's Christian music cry to be celebrated.  Over thirty years of this genre's history has passed with little, if any, fondness.  We have forgotten so many.

Enter Keith Green.

A radical preacher.  A former child television star.  A confused spiritual seeker.  A passionate prophet.  A musical minstrel.  And arguably one of the single most important artists in the history of contemporary Christian music.  His music remains a staple for the spiritually aware and his power to influence two decades after his tragic death (July 1982) only proves Keith Green's lasting charisma.  Elvis has nothing on him.

Keith Green is an enigma.

His passions produced problems and possibilities.  His fiery sermons and pointed proclamations fostered both fan and foe alike.  In the mid-70s, his growing faith in Jesus caused friction in his quest for secular fame and fortune.  In 1980, he upset an entire industry by giving away his records…for whatever a person could afford.  He remains one of the few original cuts who walked the talk.  He housed dozens of homeless and helpless people.  He waged a jihad within his heart in the eternal balance between law and grace.  He was a noted Bible teacher.  A loving father.  A doting husband.  A fierce friend.

Keith Green is a legend.

Such a background is essential to understanding this troubadour.  And this sampling of his songs (billed as the "ultimate collection") is an understatement.  I cut my teeth on Keith Green tunes.  From my initial taste of For Him Who Has Ears To Hear (1977) until the final recording of Songs for the Shepherd (1982), few artists in Christian music mastered the magic of Keith Green for me.  He was an Elton John, pounding on the piano with unbridled passion.  He was an Elijah, willing to war against idols both within and without the Christian community.  He was a John the Baptist, a voice in the wilderness of a fledgling music industry desperately seeking to build a kingdom without losing its soul.  And at 28 years of age, God took him far too soon.

Keith Green is a keeper.

Keith Green represents the soul of this genre.  The message is loud and clear that what made "Jesus music" in the '70s so special has been tragically tainted by over-priced concerts, merchandising and profiteering in today's Christian music industry.

Keith Green is unforgettable.

He represents a simpler time and a more honest approach.  He wasn't afraid to say the "J" word nor was he interested in crossing over, compromise, comforts and complacency.  He was politically incorrect and eternally loved.  Keith Green wanted to change the world.  

If you're tired of trite Christian cliché-ridden lyrics and formula music, Keith Green is as fresh as he was in 1977.  Maybe more so.  But only for those who still have ears to hear.

written by Rick Chromey when reviewing "The Ultimate Keith Green Collection"