Lennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus: The Spiritual Biography of Rock and Roll

by Greg Laurie

A nationally best-selling author and pastor draws lessons of hope and transformation in the perils of excess, the agonies of repentance, and the wonder of redemption found in the life stories of several icons of pop music and rock and roll.

From the author of Johnny The Redemption of an American Icon and Steve McQueen : The Salvation of an American Icon comes Lennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus , which traces the journeys, rise, fall, and sometimes the redemption of famous entertainers who were brought to their knees—a great place to look up and finally meet their Maker.

Lennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus examines wretched excess, self-absorption and miraculous redemption; the book is a raw, sensitive, and unforgettable journey of sex, drugs, rock and roll, and sweet salvation. Author Greg Laurie traces the lives of rock stars and entertainment figures and legends who wallowed in the decadence of both the high life and low life, as they alternately experienced Heaven and Hell on Earth. He travels with them into their demonic abysses and joyfully chronicles their ultimate ascension to their prodigal moments.

Lennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus chronicles the birth of rock and roll in the mid-1950s to today, giving the book an all-encompassing study of pop music history. Through his personal memories, coupled with his carefully crafted observational research, Greg Laurie not only looks deeply into the hearts and souls of these unusual people but bids the reader to join him on a spiritual journey down the secluded halls of the music industry with the individuals who crafted modern-day masterpieces.

Readers will enjoy never-before-published accounts of the biggest recording artists of our time and hear testimonies from rockers of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, and beyond. More importantly, every reader will find a deeper sense of God’s presence, even in times of loneliness and desolation.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Music, Faith, Christian, Christianity

256 pages, Hardcover

Published May 17, 2022

About the author

Greg Laurie is an American author and pastor who serves as the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, California, Harvest Corona in Corona, California Harvest Woodcrest in Riverside, California, Harvest at Kumulani in Kapalua, Hawaii, and Harvest Orange County in Irvine, California.

Reviews

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

"A big bang . . . Like the idea of a solar system forming around a star over time, 'rock and roll' slowly became a heavenly body unto itself. I use the term 'heavenly' because the church is where many of rock's earliest stars got their inspiration and their start . . . " -- on pages 1 and 2

Author Laurie's Lennon, Dylan, Alice and Jesus: The Spiritual Biography of Rock and Roll was a well-written and -intentioned book, but ultimately was not quite what I was expecting or had hoped for with its mixture of subject matter. (Also, that cover art - it was an odd editorial choice that Jesus was represented by actor Ted Neeley from the film version of Jesus Christ Superstar, as the author was briefly but openly critical of the flick, calling it "entirely misleading . . . [it] offered great music but got the story all wrong.") Anyway, stories about the faith of performers like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bob Dylan, and Alice Cooper will likely be familiar to those who already have an interest in the history of rock music and its personalities. The chapter on John Lennon too often felt like kindhearted conjecture. Some of the more personal stories very late in the narrative - from Rudy Sarzo of Quiet Riot and C.C. DeVille of Poison - were pretty interesting and less well known. Then things oddly conclude with segments on MC Hammer and American Idol winners Carrie Underwood and Jordin Sparks, and I declare 'shenanigans!' because that's driving too far away from the genre explicitly mentioned in the title. Jesus take the wheel, indeed, and steer it back to rock and roll.

[Rudy · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a massive fan of popular music from the 1950's to present day, I was excited to read this book and learn more about many of my favorite artists and their individual faith journeys. Pastor and author Greg Laurie enthusiastically writes about the history of rock and roll as an avid fan of music himself—his joy and appreciation for the art form on full display. But unfortunately, I found this 'Spiritual Biography of Rock and Roll' to lean heavily on already well documented events. In essence, it reads as a CliffsNotes style compilation of articles and interviews that have been in the public eye for years and even decades. So, for someone like me who already follows the happenings of faith in music, there was little in this book I didn't already know. The upside to Lennon, Dylan, Alice and Jesus, is that it compiles years of information into a single easy to read format for those who don't want or need to research on their own.

There were a few "ah-ha!" moments that I would truly love to read more about, but fitting the entire history of faith in popular music can't be done in under 200 pages. Even so, I thoroughly recommended this as an enjoyable and even inspiring collection of stories with universal truths of which we all can benefit. Just don't expect to learn a lot if you're an avid audiophile.

[Grace Highland · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO INTERESTING!! You never fully realize how awful these incredible musicians lives were. From being utterly consumed by drugs and alcohol to the point where they can’t play or sing songs to being ridiculed by fans while performing. Not to mention the often neglected or abusive childhoods they had. And in the end they found God and their lives changed immediately from being high all the time to finding real joy and living for the Lord. This was an incredible book of testimonies and really shows that God can save anyone. I encourage anyone to read this as it really provides insight into these musicians experiences and reveals the incredible nature of God without being “preachy”. And also, Jesus loves you and can heal you too, no prerequisites needed❤️!

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read, and not only does it cover some history of rock & roll etc, but also maintains a great message! Definitely check it out!

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really don't have much to say about the book. It was okay. No real revelations. Interesting stories about various musicians at times. The info about Alice Cooper was good but nothing that I haven't heard before. Maybe 2.5 stars, not 3.

[Melinda Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot put this book down. I am constantly reading lines to my husband. We are intrigued and thoroughly enjoying the never heard before information about some of our favorites musicians .

My friends won’t want to see me coming. I predict that I will be speaking non-stop about this book.😂 As I consider that, I pledge now to not bombast folks with all that I am learning, but it might be hard!

[robin vanleer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely interesting, as well as, educational.
Another exceptional read by Pastor Greg Laurie.

Pastor Greg has given truth and hope through the pages of this book, detailing sad events of great musicians, unfortunately, for some of these great musicians, the mental state of their being, after many drugs and alcohol lead to their tragic deaths.
Also, between the pages of this book are beautiful stories of great musicians turning back to their christian roots; and some that gave their hearts to Christ for the first time. Pastor Greg definitely did his research and wrote many accounts through decades of history on top musician artists and their personal experiences.

We all have a need for God Himself. We all have the knowledge of something bigger than us within us, yet we simply ignore its existence. Some of us search within our self to find personal glory and power, which stems from insecurities of not being enough; continuing on toward personal fame and fortune, and never being satisfied with its final results, emptiness. Emptiness leads to despair, frustration and depression; a loss of hope. It is when we have reached this destination, that we turn from ourselves and look to the One who has always been there to fulfill our hearts desires.

Mat 11:28-30 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.

[Sandra L Moreno · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book, even though it took me all summer to read it. It didn't take all summer because it was hard to read or did not capture my attention. The opposite was true. I loved reading about the spiritual journeys and insights of the rock icons I grew up listening to. Some stories had happy endings, others, as far as we know, did not.

The reason I took all summer to finish this book is that I paused at the end of each chapter to reflect on the status of my own spiritual journey. It gave me a lot to think about. I'm a believer, so my salvation is not in question. But this summer, life goals I set for myself left me feeling frustrated and angry. How often in life do we think, "If I can only get that promotion, or that new house, or a new car, or get my kids into the right college, I'll be happy." Or in my case, get my manuscript published. It seems as if life is a never-ending quest to attain more.

I'm all for having dreams and goals, but the question is, then what? What are we going to do with it? And I think that's why the book resonated with me. Particularly John Lennon's story. I found his story the saddest. Here was a guy who was one of the most famous people in the world, and yet he knew there was more. Not more money or material things, but more to life. There had to be, otherwise, what was the point? Like Solomon, Lennon had attained great riches, and the world was at his feet, but he knew it was all vanity.

For me, this paragraph in the last chapter perfectly sums up the theme of the book:

"Deep down inside, every one of us is thirsty for something more in life - things this world simply cannot give us. It won't come through a relationship. It won't come through our possessions. It won't come through our accomplishments or fame. It won't come through some exhilarating experience. All these things will leave us empty. That's because we are thirsting for God Himself."

[Michelle Ule · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened on audio.

Straightforward, interesting, but I could have read it in about a quarter of the time I had to listen to it on audio.

Laurie found some surprising information about rock stars and their spiritual beliefs, but I didn't know many of the "lesser" names. Still, it's interesting to learn that for some of these mostly men, their childhood Christian experiences eventually came back to them.

Laurie is right. We'll be surprised in heaven by both those who are there and those who are not.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book, very well written and some interesting items about the names that shaped rock music

[Rodney Ridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! The scope of Laurie and how he looks at his music fandom and doesn’t allow it to secularize him but uses it as an understanding to reach people!

[Juliette · Rating 4 out of 5]

pretty good book very interesting

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t recall why I picked this book to read but am very glad I did. The author did a wonderful job of reminding the reader of how human musical celebrities can be and the humbling experiences that brought them closer to God.

[Jeff McLain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a review of Lennon, Dylan, Alice, & Jesus by Greg Laurie and Marshall Terrill. Released in 2022, by Salem Books, Lennon, Dylan, Alice, & Jesus is an exhaustive spiritual biography on rock and roll. Authors Greg Laurie and Marshall Terrill tell the tales of many popular musicians who find Jesus on their spiritual search, and when they reach the end of themselves.

Music, especially that which emerged through the rock and roll scene, has long been an influence on our societal ethos; it has been the companion for many individuals on their spiritual journey, and it at times has influenced others spiritually. It should not surprise us then that many musicians have taken spiritual sojourns in their private lives, and in the public squares, which has often influenced their songs and musical endeavors. For generations, musicians have been taking their fans on pilgrimage with them. Some of our biggest music celebrities have not only searched for spiritual meaning in very public ways, but they have also inspired whole generations to do the same. From the 1950s through the 1980s, music especially played a part in the spiritual sojourn of many. Many of those sojourners turned to Jesus, and others to other answers, like Eastern philosophy.

Greg Laurie and Marshall Terrill, throughout Lennon, Dylan, Alice, & Jesus, explore the faith journeys of notable musicians of today and yesterday, many of which affected and/or reflected the cultural spiritual awakening that was also emerging. In the 60s and 70s, we witnessed many truth seekers find Jesus in some dramatic ways. In the introduction of Lennon, Dylan, Alice, & Jesus, Greg Laurie remarks that “though some see rock and roll as the antithesis of true faith, the truth is that many rock stars have become believers because they’ve lived at the pinnacle of an empty world and know that ultimately, it’s not satisfying. There must be something to this, because leaving fame, fortune, and the easy lie to take up the cross is no small choice.” This book follows the spiritual journeys of some of the most notable musicians as they enter a faith journey, many of them turning to Jesus after having everything they could have dreamed of.

In Lennon, Dylan, Alice, & Jesus, authors Greg Laurie and Marshall Terrill explore what ultimately turned these musicians to Jesus, unpacking common denominators, reflecting on their confessions of their faith, and giving the reader the important realization that “no one is beyond the reach of God.” This book explores the spiritual searches of Elvis, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Alice Cooper, Carrie Underwood, and dozens more. Some of these spiritual journeys end well, and others still wanting. The book flap reads, “From Elvis to the Beatles, Donna Summer to Sheila E., and Brian Welch to Justin Bieber,” we find “a host of deeply emotional voices that have shaped our culture and effectively discipled our kids” - either for the good or the bad. Fans and individuals will know a little of many of these stories, but these two authors also exhaustively cite, document, and interview the lesser-known facts of the spiritual sojourns taken by some of our foremost influential cultural icons and voices. This is certainly the most comprehensive look in which I have read that reflects on the spiritual journeys of these musicians. The authors point out that at the end of our journey through this life, there might be some “surprises when we get to Heaven. Some of the people we thought would be there won’t be. Some of the people we never thought would be there will be.” I am convinced we will see some faces we never believed we would.

As a follower of Jesus, and as someone who took a similar spiritual sojourn, I was encouraged by the confessions of faith from many in this book. I reflected on where I found similar ideas and thoughts that I journeyed through years before. Even more, I enjoyed reflecting on the mysterious way God works when we are at the end of ourselves, and I found myself hopeful for some of my friends and favorite musicians. Though I think God chooses to work in small, humble ways and does not need celebrities and power brokers to transform or influence a nation, I do think that when God is doing something in small, humble ways, it is not only reflected in the streets but also in the cultural power brokering expressions of society, like our music and the arts - his renewal reaches all spheres of life and influence. My favorite aspects of this book dealt with how Greg Laurie unpacked the music of the 60s and 70s, and the Jesus Revolution. Greg Laurie experienced this era himself, and it was certainly his sweet spot and passion. I think he grotesquely oversimplified Generation X, and the music it produced, and which I experienced the spiritual sojourn and expressions of the most in my sojourn.

To glimpse behind the pages of Lennon, Dylan, Alice, & Jesus, the book explores the story of Bob Dylan, and how “throughout his career, fans and critics alike have struggled to figure out the enigmatic singer-songwriter,” and this includes his journey of faith. Dylan was a songwriter who “believed in subverting everything the previous generation had embraced as truth,” and he did so with songs that were “intelligent, poetic, and powerful,” leaving his fans to “pore over his lyrics, trying to figure out what he was really saying.” Dylan had two notable shifts in his career, his switch to electric, which upset his fanbase, and his conversion to Jesus, which disturbed his highly anxious fanbase. Dylan has always had a spiritual curiosity, which led him to talk to rabbis, watch the Billy Graham Crusades, reflect biblical themes in his songs, and explore various expressions of faith. Bob Dylan remarked that he saw Billy Graham as “the greatest preacher and evangelist in my time…He brought the storm down. Clouds parted. Souls got saved.” Dylan’s spiritual journey climaxed when he entered the Vineyard Christian Fellowship, founded in 1974 by Kenn Gulliksen, “who was part of the Jesus Movement at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa.” It was there that Dylan accepted Christ, in what Bob Dylan recalled as “a knee-buckling experience.” In gratitude for this experience, Bob shared “A lot of people have died along the way - the Janises and the Jimis…but God has chosen to revive me.” He said “Jesus put his hand on me…it was a physical thing. I felt it. I felt it all over me. I felt my whole body tremble. The glory of the Lord knocked me down and picked me up.” At the Vineyard Christian Fellowship, Dylan went through an intense discipleship school that was four hours a day, five days a week, for five months. Bob Dylan’s three Jesus-inspired albums followed this experience. For a while, after his Damascus experience, Dylan would only perform his new songs which upset his fanbase and even had him treated like a “traitor.” Over the years, many people have tried to guess where Dylan is at in his faith, and he is notably a man of contradictions and mystery. Through, in an interview in 2009, Dylan was questioned about his cover of “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” to which he replied, “I am a true believer.” Even Dylan’s former wife is quoted saying that Bob Dylan told her “I believe the whole Bible.” Though he is quieter these days, there are still many clues in his newer songs such as “I’ve Made Up My Mind to Give Myself to You;” clues that suggest Dylan is still pursuing Jesus.

Greg Laurie is a well-known pastor, evangelist, author, and more. Currently, he is the senior pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside California, and the founder of Harvest Crusades, a nationwide evangelistic event that has drawn more than 8.8 million people since 1990. Laurie was involved in the Jesus Revolution movie that awed audiences last year, which follows his story and the Jesus Movement that emerged out of the Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa (California. Greg and has been married to his wife for more than forty-five years.

As a read, Lennon, Dylan, Alice, & Jesus is an engaging, light and easy read. This book is just eleven chapters and just under 200 pages. I finished this book in about a day and a half, but I was enthralled with it from start to finish. Some books convince us of a theological conviction, others of the mystery of God, but this is the type of book that encourages us to remember the supernaturally transformative nature of the good news of the Kingdom of God, the miraculous apologetic work of the Holy Spirit, and Jesus’ endless pursuit of all. I would recommend this book for those who are curious about some of the special moments that emerged in the Jesus People Movements, and other expressions of spiritual sojourning that we have experienced in the music scenes throughout history, but I recommend it also for those who like to hear stories on how God reaches across imaginary boundaries we’ve set.

[Kathleen Meacham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is about many more artists than just Lennon, Dylan and Alice Cooper. I found it to be quite interesting and enjoyed it much more than I had anticipated.

[Robert Sohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is well written with detailed research and documentation that authenticates the real life journey of John Lennon, Bob Dylan and Alice Cooper. The book accurately depicts the real life struggles, addictions and excesses that brought these men to their senses and to their knees to question the afterlife, the Bible, Jesus and the truism of heaven. Greg Laurie authenticates the lives of these men and how these talented superstars were heavily influenced by the Rock and Roll music industry of the 1960s from childhood and how each rose to superstar status to ultimately find no satisfaction and an empty lifestyle. Greg Laurie digs deep into their real life journey and how each step of the way, whether through family, friends, church or others, each person came to question the meaning of life and where it all ultimately leads, steering them all back to their spiritual center in Jesus Christ, the Bible and the Gospel message of salvation and eternal hope in Christ. Great insights from Pastor Greg Laurie, who has done an excellent job researching these talented musicians and their real life journey, struggles, addictions, excesses and spiritual search for truth. Highly recommended reading to any student of Rock and Roll music seeking to gain great insights into the Spiritual biography of Rock and Roll. All the best to future readers seeking truth.

[Jesse Ludema · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disclaimer- I did not finish this book. I made it through four chapters. I was not impressed. Yes, it was interesting, revealing facts about people I would otherwise not know, but for me, that is the extent of this book’s appeal. I will hand it to the author, writing dozens of short stories across an entire book is not an easy thing to do. Each chapter highlights a different person, or multiple people, and the lack of depth became frustrating for me. There were so many times when the author wrote something like this: “the night Jimi Hendricks played at Woodstock was the best moment of the entire 60’s” WOW. What a claim! I wanted to hear more about this amazing moment! What made it so special? What song did he play and in what way did he play it? What was the crowd like? What did it look like? Smell like? Feel like? What was this once in a decade moment like?!Nothing. No story. No description. Nada. If you like facts about popular music in America, this is a nice read, but there is no narrative. It is absent of tension, detail, plot, engagement of the imagination or any specific message. I think the author is trying to say that Jesus is present in lives of people we would never expect, but the message is delivered in a non-compelling manner. Do I believe this message is true? Yes! But the lack of depth of this book left me wanting. Interesting content, poor writing.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Greg Laurie, pastor of Harvest Christian Fellowship in California, has written several books I have found interesting: his biography on Johnny Cash, The Jesus Revolution of the 60s and 70s, and now this book. This one reads like a giant magazine article on the subject of several famous rock-and-roll musicians and how they wrestled with the question of their own faith. Laurie takes a deep dive on the musicians named in the title and then sprinkles the rest of the book with shorter snippets of other less notable stories of famous musicians coming to faith in Christ. The most compelling stories being the ones of Lennon and Dylan in my opinion. It is important to note that Laurie is not advocating that every musician mentioned in the book comes to a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. He simply gives a researched account of those who outspokenly did know Christ and those who outspokenly shared that they didn't want or feel the need to know Christ personally....and those whose spiritual journeys were difficult to define. Laurie cares about his reader's own salvation too, and offers a salvation prayer and a Bible at the end of the book for anyone who would like to dig deeper into having a saving relationship with Christ. Well worth reading if you have any interest in key musicians...especially from the 60s and 70s.

[Jeffrey Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isn't rock music the devil's domain? Aren't all rockers rebellious and ungodly? And what is a good minister of the Gospel like Greg Laurie doing on the back cover sitting with Alice Cooper?

Pastor Greg Laurie of Harvest Church Riverside (part of the Calvary Chapel movement) gives an excellent look at the spiritual lives of several musicians involved in rock music. He has one chapter focused on each of the three musicians mentioned in the title (Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and Alice Cooper). He has another on the Beatles and on the 27 club (artists who all died at age 27, like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison). Other chapters look at several artists of a particular decade.

Laurie starts with pointing out we'll have three surprises when we get to heaven:
1) We'll be surprised with people who we don't expect to be there who are.
2) We'll be surprised with people who we expect to be there who aren't.
3) We'll be surprised we're there.

In this book, he does mention several musicians who have turned to Christ. He deals with some who haven't, and calls others a work in progress.

I found this an interesting book, and I recommend it.

[Carol Ghattas · Rating 5 out of 5]

After watching "Jesus Revolution" at the theater, I was inspired to go back and read up on some of the main characters of the historic film. Greg Laurie has obviously been prolific in his ministry, which includes a long list of books. I picked up a couple at the library, including "Lennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus," and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Though not a pop-music fanatic, I knew most of the names and some of their music, as Laurie shared stories of artists who have been famous over the decades since the 60s. Since I haven't followed their lives, I am included with those Laurie writes about who will be surprised in Heaven: "Some of the people we thought would be there won't be. Some of the people we never thought would be there will. Because of God's faithful promises, you and I will also be there."

This book is all about God shining through cracked pots...or folks who smoke it. It's also a story of how he seeks out the one lost sheep and waits for the prodigal to return. No place is too dark for God to shine his light. It's a fun and encouraging read, but above all a reminder of God's grace through Christ.

A recommended read.

[Rob Armbruster · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been a major fan of rock ‘n’ roll ever since seeing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show when I was young, and the book “Dylan, Lennon, Alice and Jesus” written by Greg Laurie checks all the boxes for me. This book is not just about the lives, music, and spiritual journeys of Bob Dylan, John Lennon, and Alice Cooper. It also discusses the struggles of members in other amazing rock groups over the years, including Buffalo Springfield, Grand Funk Railroad, Foreigner, Kansas and many others! I also enjoyed the summaries of musicians and music over the decades from the 1950s to current time.

After achieving great wealth and fame, many of these stars discovered an emptiness in their hearts that was not satisfied by their lavish lifestyles. It was only filled by inviting Jesus into their lives and trusting Him. Their newfound faith enabled them to enjoy the peace and tranquility of life with God.

I hope other readers will enjoy this intimate view of the spiritual journeys of these musical geniuses as much as I did!

[Mark Bannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! In his latest book, Lennon, Dylan, Alice, and Jesus, Greg Laurie does an amazing job of capturing the history and evolution of rock and roll while tying-in the larger questions of faith that we all ponder. For those of us who grew up in the 60's and 70's, it is a nostalgic walk down memory lane but adding fascinating research into the background of major rock stars and the history of the industry itself. For those who did not grow up in the era, it is a must read! Offering a rare and accurate perspective on a musical and spiritual movement of the time. This book entertains while bringing home the larger questions of faith and purpose in our lives. Revealing how even these huge rock stars struggled with these age old questions, helps put it all in perspective. Reading this book will inspire, entertain and educate but, most importantly, it helps us break through the noise of the world and tap into our higher purpose and calling.

[Kevin Carr · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Lennon,Dylan, Alice and Jesus. I learned things I had either forgotten or didn't know. Pastor Laurie's book brought me back to my teen years in the late 60's. I so enjoyed the music of the 50's-70's. Heck, I never smoked weed but enjoyed Elvis, Dylan, and Alice C., Chicago (my favorite), Doors, Steely Dan,... I glad that "seeds" were planted (Jesus Christ Superstar) and others. I lived through Vietnam, Woodstock, and so much more and still I got saved in '75. I attended a Southern Baptist College (thankfully not The University of Saigon)and got to see Ricky Nelson in person (Who?) The book is a good read for anyone my age interested in learning facts and remembering these artists of the past. Thank you Pastor Laurie for reminding me of those days. I still love listening to the Oldies. I do listen to Christian music as well! LOL
Kevin Carr

[Sandie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I failed my test because of you, Greg Laurie! I joke. Yes, I failed my test. I didn't study well enough because I wasn't interested in the subject. Instead, I read this book and couldn't put it down! It was well written and researched, with amazing stories. I was even telling my husband about it at dinner.
The actual start of Elvis' career was my mom's birth date! Wow!
This book can be summed up with what most of us commoner's already know. When you have all the money, fame, cars, mansions, and everything you can dream of, why would it feel like something is missing? Because Jesus! It is sad that these people had to take such a hard path to learn that.
I love stores about the origins of people that lead them down the path where they made an impact. These stories have definitely impacted me!

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Greg Laurie is a well known multi-media preacher who came of age during the Jesus Movement and the rise of Contemporary Christian Music. As such he has a fondness for rock music in general and the music of the 1960s and 1970s in particular. This is an engaging look at the spiritual arcs of a number of well known musicians, some that ended well, and many that did not. Some of them died early while still spiritually seeking, some of them survived drink, drugs and debauchery to find Jesus, and a few had their heads on straight the entire time. Some of the people I had barely heard of, which made the omission of people like Prince and Bono a bit puzzling. It’s a quick breezy read that doubles as an overview of popular music trends from the 1950s to end of the century.

[Art · Rating 4 out of 5]

Approximately seventy years ago, the mixing of gospel music and the blues gave birth to a new music genre, rock and roll. Love or hate the genre, it broke new ground in the world of music. Pastor Greg Laurie has loved rock and roll since the sixties. He has also known and met many of the big performers. In this book, Pastor Laurie covers a large number of famous rock and roll performers, the ups and downs of their lives and their search for something beyond fame, fortune, and excess. George Harrison found the Krishnas, Bob Dylan and Alice Cooper found Jesus, and others unfortunately joined the 27 club (rock stars who died at the young age of twenty-seven, often the result of drug and alcohol abuse). A fascinating read.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book for John Lennon and stayed for the incredible stories of so many music legends. Greg Laurie digs into the spiritual experiences of the titular artists, but also examines the history of rock and roll through the lens of how specific artists came back to or came to know Jesus. This book was not only inspiring, but extremely informative (who knew that MC Hammer became a Christian and is now doing prison ministry!) I found myself continually touched as I read each story of someone who "had it all" but still felt so unfulfilled and tried to find contentment in everything else before finally finding it in Jesus Christ. If you are a fan of music, any of the titular artists, or of redemption stories, I would highly recommend this book.

[JR Boutwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good friend gave me this book, and said it was really good, both of us being big lovers. That being said, I really enjoy the music that I’ve listened to for years, from all different genres and artist, But I’m not one who gets into knowing everything about them and their lives I found the book very interesting and for me eye-opening because of all the things that Greg shares about their lives. There were some things I knew, but there was more probably that I found to be new information. I knew some of the artist in the book had testimonies of Christianity, but Greg had some more stories of their lives that made it more interesting to read. I would definitely recommend reading it, especially because of the main point which she gets to in the last chapter.

[Sergey Shyndriayev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great reading. Very informative. Even for me. I was born in 1957, and as all my generation was listening all these groups, have hair as Beatles, went to disco to hear their records. And book is great, a lot of memories during reading. Never in my life think about them as Christians, I knew them as lovers of girls, drug users, preaching "free love", no authorities... Now I look at their lyrics different, I am looking for Christian context, deep meaning. Especially about Beatles we thought as satanic group. Some played their songs backward and hear words, glorifying satan.
Now I understand this differently. Thank you Pastor Greg for this book.

[Maureen Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a big fan of rock and roll along with biographies I did enjoy the history of the artists that the author covered. I learned much and appreciated their stories. It’s no surprise that often this path leads to destruction. We all know that story and the tragedy. I find it remarkable that many who fall rise and heal when they find their spirit and faith. The author is a Christian minister and clearly sees his way as the only way. This was bothersome as their are many spiritual paths to healing. I would recommend keeping an open mind when reading and considering where the author is coming from.