on these projects and later , on each-others ’ albums and tours as our own various music ministries took off . Most of those friends are still like family to us all these years later .
Jamie Owens Collins at Jesus People Reunion 2015
who look back on those times in our home as foundational to their life-long walks with Jesus .
I don ’ t think Buddy and I ever saw a distinction between “ famous ” people and “ regular ” people in our home . Our family had loads of musician friends , most of whom were not well known when we first met them ( though a few were ). Many of them were brand new Christians . Some of them even lived with us at different times . Mom and Dad encouraged and mentored lots of folks fresh in their faith who went on to have a wonderful impact on the world . I don ’ t think any of them were particularly expecting or seeking fame since there wasn ’ t even a CCM industry at all back then . I think we were all drawn to each other by our love for Jesus and a sense of comradery and shared purpose . Music was the language of our generation and we all felt called to share God ’ s love through our music whether it was playing guitar on the front lawn or singing in a tiny coffee house or setting up a funky sound system at the park . I remember some of the most precious times ever were just sitting around the piano with Andraé Crouch or Annie , Nelly , and Matt ( later known as the 2nd Chapter of Acts ,) Barry McGuire or Keith and Melody Green harmonizing and worshiping at the top of our lungs . Since Dad and Mom were writing a lot of songs and musicals for church choirs and congregations , they needed lots of great singers for their recording sessions . It was so much fun to get to sing with all our friends
The legacy Mom and Dad gave Buddy and me of an open home , sowing into people ’ s lives , and always including the kids is every bit as powerful to me as writing deep and important music for the Kingdom . Real-life community leads to real-life ministry . The doors will open . The songs will follow .
[ Buddy ] Sometimes the windows will open too . If I can bring a little levity into the conversation . One morning as I was getting ready for school — it must have been winter because it was still dark outside — I was the only one up in the house . As I walked down the hall toward our dining room , I saw a man climbing into the house through a window . It was Barry McGuire . He and Mari had driven unannounced into town in the middle of the night and were sleeping in their van in our driveway . They were just coming off tour . Barry had to pee , but our doors were locked , so he came in through an unlocked window . I guess the lesson I would leave my kids from that episode is don ’ t take yourself too seriously . Even famous people must pee every now and then !
We always tried to keep things down to earth . I remember Mom and Andraé dancing a tango in our front yard ; Cherry Boone helping me paint my room ; washing the dishes with Annie Herring . Our house was a place where people could just be people . No pretense . Mom kept a sign in our kitchen that said , “ Don ’ t be famous around here ”. People would come for dinner and stay for two days . I lost count of the times I gave up my bed and slept in a sleeping bag on the living room floor so an overnight guest could have my room . And I loved every minute of it .
( left to right ) Nelly Herring , Melody Green and daughter , and Annie Herring with Carol
Andraé Crouch with Carol
a lot of them will bring encouragement and blessing . Maybe one of the last lines in the book about the importance and joy of leaving a legacy that transcends mortality . What is more important than that ? It ’ s what every believer should aim for . Music makers have a better chance of achieving that with their melodic , lyrical songs than most people have , so , I echo the old excellent advice : Make your songs
biblically correct , easy to learn , and hard to forget .
I hope the book will be an encouragement to God ’ s music makers ; especially to those whose beginnings may not have been auspicious , as they see what God can make of people who
hang on to Him through the hard places . Thanks to you and [ WM ] for helping make that happen !
[ WM ] Thank you all so very much for this visit . Happy New Year !
[ All ] Thank you !
[ WM ] Carol , what singular firefly would you
like to leave us with today ?
Carol Owens
The Way of a Worshiper Pastor Buddy Owens
[ Carol ] A singular firefly is hard to find ; I think find on Amazon