Keith Gordon Green (October 21, 1953 – July 28, 1982) was an American contemporary Christian music pianist, singer and songwriter originally from Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, New York.
Beyond his music, Green is best known for his strong devotion to Christian evangelism and challenging others to the same. Often considered controversial for his frequently confrontational lyrics and spoken messages, he wrote some notable songs alone and with his wife, Melody Green, including “Your Love Broke Through”, “You Put This Love in My Heart”, and “Asleep in the Light”. Green is also known for numerous popular modern hymns, including “O Lord, You’re Beautiful” and “There Is a Redeemer”, written by his wife, Melody.
Green was signed to Contemporary Christian music label Sparrow Records in 1976 and worked on the album Firewind (1976) with Christian artists 2nd Chapter of Acts, Terry and John Michael Talbot, and Barry McGuire. Prior to Keith’s signing with Sparrow Records, and two years before the release of No Compromise, Tommy James, of Tommy James and the Shondells, released “Don’t Wanna Fall Away from You” on his 1976 Fantasy album titled “In Touch”.
His first solo project, For Him Who Has Ears to Hear, was released in 1977 and his second solo release, No Compromise, followed in 1978. In 1979, after negotiating a release from his contract with Sparrow, Green initiated a new policy of refusing to charge money for concerts or albums. Keith and Melody mortgaged their home to privately finance Green’s next album, So You Wanna Go Back to Egypt. The album, which featured a guest appearance by Bob Dylan, was offered through mail-order and at concerts for a price determined by the purchaser.
By May 1982, Green had shipped out more than 200,000 units of his album – 61,000 for free. Subsequent albums included The Keith Green Collection (1981) and Songs for the Shepherd (1982).
Selected Discography
The Prodigal Son
Pretty Good Records 1983
Tracks: Can't Wait To Get To Heaven, Lord I'm Gonna Love You, The Prodigal Son Suite, Keep All That Junk To Yourself, Open Your Eyes, Love With Me (Melody's Song), Only By Following Jesus & Song For Josiah.
Musicians on the Prodigal Son album: Keith Green, Hadley Hockensmith, Abraham Laboriel, Harlan Rogers, Bill Maxwell, London National Philharmonic Orchestra, Maxi Anderson, Keith Green, Linda McCrary, Alfie Silas & Howard Smith.
I Only Want To See You There
Sparrow Records 1983
Tracks: Introduction, My Eyes Are Dry, Trials Turned To Gold, O Lord You're Beautiful, You Are The One, Introduction By Keith To..., Song To My Parents (I Only Want To See You There), Until That Final Day, If You Lord The Lord, Pledge My Head To Heaven, Keith Comments On The Responsibility Of The Church, Draw Me, Stained Glass, Keith Shares... & Altar Call.
Musicians on the I Only Want To See You There album: Keith Green and others.
Songs For The Shepherd
Pretty Good Records 1982
Tracks: The Lord Is My Shepherd, You Are The One!, How Majestic Is Thy Name, Draw Me, Glory Lord Jesus, There Is A Redeemer, The Promise Song, Until That Final Day, Jesus Is Lord Of All, O God Our Lord, I Will Give Thanks To The Lord & Holy Holy Holy.
Musicians on the Songs For The Shepherd album: Keith Green, Hadley Hockensmith, Abraham Laboriel, Tom Keane, Harlan Rogers, Alex Acuna, Bill Maxwell, Steve Tavaglione, Linda McCrary, Alfie Silas & Howard Smith.
The Keith Green Collection
Sparrow Records 1981
Tracks: Rushing Wind, You Put This Love In My Heart, Grace By Which I Stand, You, Your Love Broke Through, He´ll Take Care Of The Rest, Lies, The Sheep And The Goats, Asleep In The Light, Soften Your Heart, How Can They Live Without Jesus? & Scripture Song Medley: This Is The Day/This Is My Commandment/Rejoice In The Lord Always/Clap Your Hands/Spring Up O Well.
Musicians on the Keith Green Collection album: Keith Green and others.
So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt...
Pretty Good Records 1980
Tracks: So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt..., Pledge My Head To Heaven, If You Love The Lord, Romans VII, Lies, I Want To Be More Like Jesus, Unless The Lord Builds The House, Oh Lord You're Beautiful, You Love The World & Grace By Which I Stand.
Musicians on the So You Wanna Go Back To Egypt... album: Keith Green, Hadley Hockensmith, Harlan Rogers, Bill Maxwell, Alex Acuna, Bob Dylan, Charity McCrary, Howard McCrary, Linda McCrary, Matthew Ward & Kelly Willard.
No Compromise
Sparrow Records 1978
Tracks: Soften Your Heart, Make My Life A Prayer To You, Dear John Letter (To The Devil), How Can They Live Without Jesus ?, Asleep In The Light, My Eyes Are Dry, You !, I Don't Wanna Fall Away From You, Stained Glass , To Obey Is Better Than Sacrifice, Victor & Altar Call.
Musicians on the No Compromise album: Keith Green, Mike Deasy Sr., Hadley Hockensmith, Jay Leach, Abraham Laboriel, Harlan Rogers, Bill Maxwell, Lee Pastora, Lennart Sjöholm, Chris Beatty, James Felix, Tommy Funderburk, Nelly Greisen, Annie Herring & Matthew Ward.
For Him Who Has Ears To Hear
Sparrow Records 1977
Tracks: You Put This Love In My Heart, I Can't Believe It !, Because Of You, When I Hear The Praises Start, He'll Take Care Of The Rest, Your Love Broke Throught, No One Believes In Me Anymore, Song To My Parents (I Only Want To See You There), Trials Turned To Gold & Easter Song.
Musicians on the For Him Who Has Ears To Hear album: Keith Green, Mike Deasy, Gary Denton, Dean Parks, Todd Fishkind, Harlan Rogers, Bill Maxwell, Kenny Kotwitz & James Felix.
Previous
