R.I.P. Dana Key
Somewhere about 1980 I went to see Amy Grant in concert at I think Louisville Gardens. She was the hottest thing in Contemporary Christian Music at the time. She was on the tour where “Amy Grant, In Concert, Vol . 1 (Live)” was recorded. While that concert was amazing it was there that I was exposed to DeGarmo & Key. They were her backup band for the tour and the recording. And that exposure to Christian Rock Music and particularly that band changed this guy forever.
Other than scripture, and at time I am ashamed to admit even more so, nothing else had a greater effective on my spiritual formation than the music of DeGarmo & Key. The great lyrics in a musical style that was mine. I went out immediately and bought the LP “This Ain’t Hollywood”, and I was hooked for life.
Their double album “No Turning Back Live” I wore the groves out of listening to over and over and over. Songs like "Long Distance Runner” and “Jericho” rocked out and then when Dana spoke the truth of scripture as it related to the story of Peter walking on the water with Jesus it hit home. That story lead up to their rendition of “I have decided to follow Jesus”. That song became for me that go to song I had to listen to when this Christian walk got to tough. I would go back, pop the needle onto that track and listen over and over. I still do when I can get the record player to actually play.
I counted it an honor to be a part of the followers of a Christian Band that was refused airplay on MTV because their content was too controversial. (The song 666 was band from MTV).
So when I read the news today that Dana Key passed away last night, I was taken aback. Part of my childhood is gone, no hope for a reunion tour, no chance for any new music.
R.I.P. Dana Key you influenced and entire generation with great lyrics and music that spoke the language of our hearts.
0 Comments
posted by: Joe Ball on June 7th, 2010
