The opportunities for young Christian musicians were interminable if you were willing .
Psalm 150 was a very different band . They were from Southern California ’ s Inland Empire , not from the greater Los Angeles area or the fashionable , white collar Orange County . They didn ’ t sound like anyone else playing in churches or coffee houses . Rather than music influences held by other early Christian groups , their roots came from music by Tower of Power , Donny Hathaway , Sly and the Family Stone , and Earth , Wind , and Fire . This band was comprised of legitimate , hard core , club players . They wore platform shoes , polyester shirts , flair pants , and stylized layered hair . I was visiting with my old friend John Wickham ( Phil and Evan ’ s Dad ) the other day . We were recalling the time Psalm 150 came to play at our church and they blew the roof off the place with their evangelistic preaching and funky music . But they got the plug pulled on them . They were too radical . To this day we both clearly remember drummer Greg Eckler ’ s preaching to the hippies and young people , using James 1:15 as text : “ Lust . Sin . Death . L . S . D .” Revolutionary is the word that comes to mind when I think about that time . I loved it and still do . This band was like no other .
They were different stylistically , referencing R & B , Soul , Funk , and Jazz leanings . They were always excellent in their music giftings . Some of the greatest Christian artists and players came from this band . Bob Carlisle ( also his brother-in-law ), James Felix , Randy Thomas , Jack Blades ( Night Ranger ), Jimmy Erickson ,
and my brother Beau are just a few of Psalm 150 ’ s extensive talented alumni . They always had a message that was deeply evangelistic in its intent and were relentless in their outreach to men in prison .
But perhaps the greatest legacy of this band is the sense of family birthed by founder and band mentor , Greg Eckler . After almost 50 years and despite the lack of commercial success , Psalm 150 remains a family and brotherhood . A true leader , Greg was a gifted musician , also playing with the Darrell Mansfield Band , Rubicon , and the iconic Rick Nelson . He was also an accomplished songwriter , writing for both Andraé Crouch and the great Dannibelle
Hall . Not satisfied with music alone , Greg went on to study at Calvary Chapel Bible College and serve as a pastor / teacher at Applegate Christian Fellowship for many years . This , in addition to extended missionary work in Europe and a love for leading in worship . Just before Thanksgiving , Greg passed from this world into the greater Kingdom . He leaves his beloved wife Terran of almost 50 years , his son Jeremiah and wife Jamee , grandchildren Silas and Gracie , and countless family and friends . He has gone home to be with the Lord , leaving Christian musicians an extensive legacy . Rest in Peace , Greg . Rest in Joy ! You have been a good and faithful servant !