The 1960s was a remarkable time for music.
The British invasion brought to the United States enduring bands like The Beatles, The Animals, The Rolling Stones, and The Who.
Then the California sound emerged with The Beach Boys. You also had The Doors, Janis Joplin, and a host of other bands breaking new ground.
Other artists quickly emerged. The Yardbirds, Cream, Led Zeppelin, and the inimitable Jimi Hendrix.
You also had Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell who inspired many of these aforementioned artists and vice versa.
What’s incredible to me about this time period is that virtually all of the musicians I named met each other, hung out together when they could, and listened to one another with adoration and respect. (Photos of some of them together in casual settings still exist).
They would also play informally with one another at certain times. And even more encouraging, they inspired each other.
What is more, they commended one another, even giving each other opportunities.
In 1967, Jimi Hendrix took the world by storm with his mind-blowing performance at the Monterey Pop Festival. How did he get there?
The Monterey hosts originally invited The Beatles to appear. But Paul McCartney declined because The Beatles were busy creating their next album. McCartney, however, told the hosts that they should invite Jimi Hendrix because of his amazing talent.
And they did, changing the course of rock history.
How often does this kind of thing happen with the leading Christian leaders of our time?
Rarely.
I’ve watched numerous interviews with many of these artists and marveled at how each of them would praise the others. Not just from afar, but because they took the time to get to know one another and watch each other perform.
Each time I’ve observed these things, I’ve had two reactions.
One was awe. How incredible it was that these musicians, all playing for different bands and all enormously talented in their own right, respected each other and spoke well of each other in public.
Sure, some probably struggled with hidden jealousy from time to time, but these artists paid attention to what their peers were doing. They gleaned from each other and they had a great deal of class to speak well of one another.
Some of them were even inspired by the others.
George Harrison once asked Led Zeppelin why they didn’t write “love ballads.” Jimmy Page wrote “The Rain Song” in response.
Bob Dylan inspired John Lennon to write “Norwegian Wood” and “Nowhere Man” and many other songs.
Dylan moved to an electric sound in response to what the other musicians of the mid-60s were doing.
“Pet Sounds” by The Beach Boys inspired “Sgt. Pepper” by The Beatles.
And on and on.
They all pushed one another to create better work.
And their networking relationships created better music for the entire world.
My second reaction to all of this is a troubling question: “Why can’t those whom God is using on the Christian landscape today have such relationships?”
Why can’t speakers and authors who are turning the sod in the Christian world have places to hang out, dialogue, and inspire each other?
Think of your top 5 favorite authors and ask yourself, why aren’t they spending time together socially?
Why aren’t they learning from each other?
Why aren’t they recommending each other for speaking gigs?
(By the way, I’m not talking about those cliques where everyone from the same movement or denomination pats one another on the back and shares conferences. That’s like John Lennon commending Ringo Star! I’m speaking about something much wider. I’m speaking of evangelical Christian authors who don’t know one another, relating to each other in ministry despite their disagreements on peripheral doctrines. Goodness, just look at how George Whitefield commended John Wesley despite their grave disagreements in theology.)
I’m keenly aware that I’m voicing a dream here.
As most of you know, I’ve collaborated with several authors on different projects over the years.
But I’m talking about something wider, more focused, more intentional, and more substantial.
Something like what we saw happen among the greatest music artists of the 1960s. And those people weren’t even Jesus followers!
Perhaps this will always stay a dream. But I suppose it can’t hurt to articulate it.
Maybe one of you will be motivated by this post and make something like this happen, somewhere, someday. Or perhaps you’ll put it in the right hands, and they will make something happen.
If it ever does, no matter how raw or foundational, count me in.
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This is a great word! I think it says more about the individuals than it does about the time period. Individualism has always been one of the toughest nuts to crack but when it splits open marvelous beauty comes out.
There is so much competition and comparative analysis between Christian leaders today. I was just at a conference and it seemed like every cog in the wheel took every opportunity to make themselves known. We need to restore or create for the first time a culture of honor. Lift others up instead of squeezing every bit of limelight out that we can.
Perhaps this is because most ministries / ministers don’t view themselves as creators. Maybe we should … but it seems to me that ministries are much more personal, something more intimate to who we are and thus not easily subject to improvement and advise from others we don’t trust deeply.
Perhaps (in error) we think Books, speeches, sermons are not something we “do” unlike the musicians of the 60s. But they are ministry gifts from God and less subject to review.
Also 60s music was brand new and didn’t have thousands of years of tradition affecting its behavior.
I agree, Adam. This is part of it. The other part of it is that many people in ministry live in echo-chambers. They only surround themselves with people who follow their particular doctrinal party lines. They’ll steal from other authors and speakers before they will invest in having a relationship with them. I’m speaking of many, not all, of course.
Perhaps some of them will be sent this post by others, and they’ll start a dialogue. Not holding my breathe on that, but who knows.
The nice thing about a blog is that it’s public and can be shared with others. The Lord will use it as He sees fit.
If you encounter a tree that has a sign hanging on it that says “Apple Tree”, but all you find on it are lemons, do you go around asking everyone “why is this apple tree growing lemons?” Or do you take down the sign and put up a new sign that says “Lemon Tree”?
Led Zeppelin’s “Lemon Song” has a killer riff, but I’m not fond of the lyrics. 😉
What I really want to say is, they need Jesus. I don’t think you can talk a Christian into being humble and loving others. You only can give them a greater revelation of Jesus and let it flow naturally after they are in him. Learned that from Frank by the way. Getting them to read Frank’s books that reveal the fullness of Jesus is probably going to work better than showing them that musicians have more love and respect. Got to fix the root of the issue.
Great thoughts and dreams Frank!!!…On a similar note, I often dream of all the Christian churches coming together in a local community, like on Easter, and celebrating together in one place for HIM and the JOY of our common resurrection life in Christ…It would be like a Christian Easter Woodstock if you will, with lots of worship, teaching, eating, communion, celebrating, dynamic…all day or from sunrise ’til ????…maybe just a dream too!
I actually think someone can pull off what I’ve described, if they are captured by the vision and have the passion for it.
… the Inklings spent much time together in a Pub in England and read their writings to one another, critiqued one another and “borrowed” ideas from one another. We are making movies from their writings. Amen
The Inklings were amazing. Thank you for the insight.
I love this article for several reasons, one of which is reminiscing through the music of the artists you mention. (I wasn’t alive during this time, but still love the music. It’s timeless in my opinion.)
Second, I love to refer someone to an expert for help. I love being able to make that connection and see a problem solved or someone helped in some way. I know what I know, and I know what I don’t know. When someone else can help someone better than I can, I try to get them connected, and I love to hear when the results are positive.
I don’t know why Christians with more visible ministries don’t seem to do this more often. Perhaps it is the system itself that drives people to build “their ministry” rather than Christ’s kingdom in the earth today, and discourages Christians from endorsing someone from another “tribe”.
I’d love to see some kind of network like this that could set an example for others to follow.
Frank, you left out one other major music force in the 60s: Motown, which had a particular impact on the Beatles (they wanted to hear Marvin Gaye instead of their own music when they came to America in 1964, and George Harrison, in an interview, specifically mentioned Gaye and the Miracles as one of the group’s favorites). Great points you made in your article, about an era we will probably never see repeated in music.
Hi Frank,
An interesting article of which I agree throughout. In the ’60s, the musicians “lived” music, it fully consumed them and therefore all they talked about was music, all they did was music, it was a lifestyle – and they made a living out of it. It was their music that made them famous.
Living for Christ is a lifestyle, but somehow in this world, I think some find it difficult to live a “live for Christ” lifestyle and make a living! Is it the “Living for Christ” or the books/ conference talks/ preaching that brings them to the publics attention?
I also think what you are suggesting – which I like the sound of – is a form of disciple-ing, mentoring and encouragement like the “Paul, Timothy, Barnabas” relationship.
Be blessed
Thanks. What I’m speaking of is more networking, friendship, and mutual respect, encouragement, and inspiring.
Those who live for Christ and have ministries produce content, whether via books, speaking, courses, etc.
The same as those who lived for music produced content, whether live performances, albums, etc.
The one is a byproduct of the other.
What’s sad is that many of those who are giving the best and most value to the body of Christ via their ministries don’t know one another and don’t pay attention to what each other is doing. In that respect, we can learn a lot from the example of the musicians from the 1960s. They knew what the best talent was and they appreciated it in one another. Today, Christianity is so tribal and individualistic that this element is rarely seen.
Great post and observation Frank.
I’d suggest that in the ’60 the musicians lived and breathed music, it was their life. Is this true of most Christian authors/ speakers/ bloggers? I have only come across a few who live and breath Christ and have time for anyone to chat “Christ” with them – sadly.
Isn’t what you are suggesting a form of disciple-ing? (Mentor and encourager to each other)
Be blessed
Great point, James. I do think this is part of the problem. I wonder if this is also reflected in the fact that one particular well-known author on Taylor’s list has been greatly inspired by another author on his list, but he has never given credit to that author nor has he ever reach out to him. Even when others have encouraged it. This speaks volumes, I think.
On your other question, I’m not talking about discipling. I’m speaking about networking and mutual inspiring.
It seems to me that this does happen in a way. There are a few big Christian conferences out there where you see a lot of the more popular authors, pastors and Christian leaders. I’m thinking of groups like The Gospel Coalition or Together For the Gospel.
Caleb, I don’t believe this is what Frank is talking about. You’re describing conferences that are mostly tribal. GC only invites people who are part of their tribe. They wouldn’t invite most of the people on my list and they don’t invite most of the most influential Christian speakers right now.
The list I gave is diverse like the musicians Frank mentioned. Plus speakers have little time to talk to each other at the best of conferences.
Bingo!
DITTO, BINGO!
Amen
I don’t think Frank is really talking about conferences. Those are mostly attended by large congregations. I think Frank is talking about these people hanging out, socializing, sharing, uplifting each other, etc., aside from the public view.
Frank this is an excellent comparison, too bad the world at times seems to get it more,that we!
Mary B
Wonderful comments! I can see how it could be difficult to “hang out” literally. In the case of Ann, she is a homeschool mom. I find it very encouraging as I read other blogs, to get an answer now and then and people are very caring and encouraging.
And yes! Soon I will be hanging out with a group at the Wilderness Workshop in AK with Leslie Leyland Fields!
Frank, this sings to my heart!!! I want to see this. My wife and I are in our 30s and we’d like to see these people hanging out and doing stuff together.
Ann Voskamp
Frank Viola
Francis Chan
DerWin Gray
Greg Boyd
Leonard Sweet
Mary Demuth
N.T. Wright
If I knew of a place to make this happen I’d do it.
Thx. Taylor. This is an excellent list.
Wow. Yeah, I’d be humbled to hang out with these folks! Thanks for the kind mention.
Someone needs to create the modern equivalent of the Whiskey a Go-Go today. It was the favorite hang out place for these musicians to meet, talk, and inspire each other. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whisky_a_Go_Go
Frank, wow I love your comparison here. And yeah, wouldn’t that be amazing to see Christians hanging out together, sharing ideas and resources. It seems too many want their name to be on the marque rather than sharing an idea that someone else may develop. It would be great to have an occasion where Christians “hung out together from time to time, listened to one another with adoration, and respected each other.” Sounds like heaven to me.
That’s a good point Dan! It does sound like heaven! I’m pretty sure that in heaven we won’t be worried about trying to get our name on the marque and that will make the fellowship all the more sweet!
Cool! Thank you for pointing this out. I’ve wondered about this as well from time to time. Would love to see more of this.