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Rock Gets Religion (ebook)

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by Mark Joseph

WND Digital Edition

Available in Paperback HERE

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Product Description

Rock music, once largely the domain of hedonism and debauchery of every kind, is now populated by a surprising case of upstanding and in many cases devout citizens who create all different kinds of music and oftentimes are animated by religious ideas that would have been completely alien to rock stars of yesteryear. The religious and religiously influenced are now commonplace in rock n roll (Kendrick Lamar, Chance the Rapper, Katy Perry, 21 Pilots). But is that good for either rock or the faith?

In "Rock Gets Religion" producer and author Mark Joseph explores the tensions caused when religious youth are thrown into the world of rock n roll . He weaves thoughtful commentary amidst the stories of devout and not-so-devout rockers - along with a warning about the inherent dangers of sanctifying rock.

Four major trends caused this big-tent takeover: (1) Dozens of rookie artists are bypassing the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) scene altogether going directly to mainstream labels; (2) established CCM artists are switching to mainstream recording companies; (3) Those artists who experience religious conversions are staying in mainstream music instead of leaving for the church circuit; and (4) the American Idol phenomenon resulted in pop stars being picked by the American people instead of music industry gatekeepers who selected the stars of yesteryear. As a result, while CCM sales of Christian music as a genre may have been in a steady decline, the religious influence on rock has never been greater.

Rock Gets Religion lays out the case for people of faith to continue to make their music in the middle of popular culture, and updates the scene with dozens of success (and not so successful) stories of Christians who have done just that. "Mark Joseph has been a key voice in the transformation of American popular music," says former Van Halen singer Gary Cherone. "In this book, his final in a three-part series, he shows us how the transformation happened and outlines a vision for the future of the unlikely alliance of rock music and serious faith."

Endorsements

"Rock has always had religion. After all, it started as gospel music. Elvis Presley knew every gospel song ever made. I'm not an alarmist or nihilist, but the world gets more dangerous every day. I think our natural survival instinct makes us question where we stand with God even if some claim atheism. Mark Joseph's Rock Gets Religion is a great read and may answer some of your deep dark questions. Enjoy Mark's book. Read on and Rock on!"

-Alice Cooper, from the foreword

"Mark Joseph has been a key voice in the transformation of American popular music; in this book, his final in a three-part series, he shows us how the transformation happened and outlines a vision for the future of the unlikely alliance of rock music and serious faith."

- Gary Cherone, lead singer of Extreme & Van Halen

"Mark Joseph is someone whom I gladly call my friend, and although I don't like outwardly promoting this personal side of my life, I feel that Mark gets it, and at the very least, he certainly gets me."

- Dave Mustaine, lead singer of Megadeth

"Rock Gets Religion is a long overdue and brilliantly written book about art that expresses relationships not just with a higher power but in many cases with Jesus Christ. . . . Mark Joseph has written a must-read book that brings to light the kind of music that has been etched forever in time."

-Ì´å John Elefante, lead singer of Kansas

"From someone who's been in the mines, Rock Gets Religion is a very engaging and accurate depiction of the history and state of the union between faith and rock music."

-Ì´å Leigh Nash, lead singer of Sixpence None the Richer

About the Author
 
Mark Joseph is a multi-media media producer who has worked as a music and film producer, columnist, music producer, talk show host, and author. Having produced the official soundtrack for "The Passion of the Christ" and anchored the "Entertainment Report" for Group W and CNN, Joseph is well connected and well versed in rock n roll and the ways religion has impacted its many stars.