The Birth of Christian Rock

By Joe Markko, Published by Home Before Midnight, LLC.

Winner of 10 Book awards including

  • Best Christian Book: NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Awards, 2023.
  • Best Spiritual/Religious Book: Hollywood Book Festival, 2023.
  • Runner-up for the Best Biography: Paris Book Festival, 2023.
  • Best Book – Music:  (1) International Impact Book Awards, 2023; (2) Outstanding Creator Awards, 2023.
  • Silver Medalist – Music: Literary Titan Book Awards, 2023.
  • Part of the BeneTech Bookshare Library providing free books to people with dyslexia, blindness, cerebral Palsy and other reading challenges.
     
  • “….a profound exposition of the genesis of contemporary Christian rock music in America. This is a deeply stirring read …..a relevant and timely read.” – Feathered Quill Reviews

  • “Agape’s story is one of faith-filled creativity and a powerful wave of spiritual awakening.” – Authors Reading Reviews

  • “Markko recounts the band’s journey with the tenor of a storyteller spinning a yarn about the old days. A reader interested in the history of Contemporary Christian Rock, or the Jesus People movement, will appreciate this lively retelling.” – BookLife Reviews

  • “……his narrative is often captivating. A warm and informal history of a movement and its music.” – Kirkus Reviews

  • “….. more than just a foray into a musical genre; it’s an exploration of friendship, spiritual growth and the profound propagation of divine love. A must-read for those seeking a heartwarming narrative on faith, music and unity.” – Literary Titan Reviews

October 31, 1969: Hollywood, California. Contemporary Christian Music is still four years away from being “a thing.” Larry Norman, one of the progenitors of the emerging genre, has just released his first Christian album, “Upon This Rock.” Amy Grant is 9 years old. Matthew Ward, of the 2nd Chapter of Acts, is eleven.

At the Salt Company Coffee House in Hollywood, Larry Norman shared the platform with a Southern California “power-trio” who called themselves, Agăpē. Intrigued by the gritty and unapologetically loud “blues-edge” to their music, Larry Norman “came out of his seat,” excited by the possibilities. No one else in his experience had yet married such hard-driving, high-energy rock music to the Gospel message.

Playing out against the backdrop of the Jesus Movement – the “Fourth Great Awakening in American Evangelical history” – 20,000 people were reported to have responded to Agăpē’s audacious, Gospel message. And then, at their peak, they simply disappeared. A prequel to Contemporary Christian Music, the obscure story of Agăpē is a story of beginnings. It’s a tale about “the days of old” and The Birth of Christian Rock, when minstrels became messengers and the Word became flesh once again.

AVAILABLE ONLINE — or by order/request from local Bookstores and Libraries.

Home Before Midnight LLC  |  Publishing
Cleveland, Ohio
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Team@HomeBeforeMidnight.com