Posted on 12/01/2023 10:45:02 AM PST by Morgana
The Christian community is mourning the loss of Christian music trailblazer, Jimmy Owens, who passed away peacefully Sunday, Nov. 26. His wife, Carol, preceded him to heaven in March of this year. They were married 68 years.
A prominent figure in the Christian music scene, Jimmy, along with Carol, etched a lasting legacy with their iconic musicals, “Come Together,” “The Witness” and “If My People,” which gained nationwide acclaim during the early 1970s.
Jimmy’s journey of faith led him to serve as Music Director at Melodyland Christian Center in Anaheim, California, before dedicating his full-time efforts to musicals, children’s music, writing and teaching. The couple co-founded the School of Music Ministries International.
Their hymns, including Carol’s “Freely, Freely (God Forgave My Sin),” became cherished expressions of devotion. In 1981, they received a Grammy nomination for their classic children’s album, “Ants’hillvania.” Carol chronicled their spiritual journey in her memoir, “Chasing Fireflies in the Twilight.”
Beyond their musical contributions, Jimmy and Carol collaborated with influential Christian artists and ministries, leaving an enduring impact on the early ministry of the Second Chapter of Acts.
The Owens family legacy continues through their children, Buddy Owens, a teaching pastor at Saddleback Church, and Jamie Owens-Collins, a contemporary Christian recording artist and writer. Jamie’s renowned composition, “The Battle Belongs to the Lord,” stands as a testament to the family’s enduring faith.
Buddy posted a heartwarming tribute to his father on Facebook.
Jimmy Owens’ life, echoing the melody of devotion and service, left an indelible mark on the Christian music community.
Mylon died this year too. They said over 250K young people came to Christ at the Mylon and Broken Heart concerts, all while singing bluntly Christian songs like Love God Hate Sin.
They wrote many of my favorite songs: “Freely, Freely.” “If My People,” and “How Should a King Come” to name a few.
I don’t know who either are I just posted because I figured a lot here might and would tell stories like what you just did.
Sad to see him go home. His music was sun, moon, and stars better than the mindless, often heretical, and repetitive dreck that is called ‘Contemporary Christian Music’.
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