APPLAUSE FOR
Rebel for God
“Wow, what a fascinating journey! I read this book front to back nonstop. Amazed at what it takes to pioneer; amazed about all the pieces of this puzzle; amazed at God. I owe so much to the early Christian music pioneers. This book has heart, humor, and seeps with wisdom.”
—JOHN COOPER, Skillet
“Eddie DeGarmo has been a pioneer in translating the unchanging message of Christ in the ever-changing musical genres of contemporary music. Had it not been for guys like DeGarmo and Key being willing to risk the scorn of some pastors and churches to share the Gospel in a musical language that people like me understood, I’m not sure where my own Christian life would have gone. In addition to award-winning and life-changing music he wrote and performed, Eddie DeGarmo has successfully spent the second half of his adult life opening the doors for some of the top Christian artists in the world. His own music would have been enough for most people, but he has unselfishly invested himself in others and multiplied the reach of music as a medium for reaching the masses. You have loved his music. You will love the story behind the music and the many people he helped you to love in Rebel for God.”
—MIKE HUCKABEE, former governor of Arkansas, host of Huckabee on TBN
“Pioneer. Trailblazer. Legend. Visionary. Artist. Executive. Mentor. Friend. Follower of Christ. These are just some of the words I use to describe Eddie DeGarmo. I am so happy he has written down his incredible life story and journey. This book is a joyride to read. The Scripture says in Proverbs, ‘We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.’ This is most certainly true of Eddie, and you will read it all in Rebel for God.”
—CHRIS TOMLIN, artist, songwriter, author
“I knew he could rock out, write songs, look a little on the wild side, and love people. I didn’t know he could craft his own story in such a compelling way. And he does it with honesty, humility, and humor. Spruced up faith can be boring because it misses the struggle that makes us who we are. None of that in Rebel for God. Eddie DeGarmo opens the front door of his remarkable journey and invites us into his tiny apartments, bad road vans, and music friendships. I like Eddie for a lot of reasons but the top one is that he kept his promise to his mother. When he left college as a young man for the music road, he promised he’d finish his degree. And decades later, after D&K, EMI, and semi-retirement, he came back to college. It was my privilege to hand him his college diploma. A man with more music business experience than any doctoral program could ever grant, walked the stage with college kids—because a promise is a promise. The success he knows has never ruined the simple man he has become. Read slowly, my friends. This feels a lot like holy ground to me.”
—DAN BOONE, president, Trevecca Nazarene University
“In Eddie DeGarmo’s book Rebel for God, you will read the story of one man’s walk with Jesus in the highly competitive music industry. You will also come to know the roots and mission behind what we know today as Contemporary Christian Music. He was one of the pioneers of it. Though Eddie and I have never had the pleasure of working together directly, I consider it an honor to be a co-laborer with him and know him. I urge you to get this book and reserve time to read it, because once you start, it will be very difficult to lay it down.”
—BART MILLARD, lead singer for MercyMe and writer of “I Can Only Imagine”
“Eddie DeGarmo and Dana Key didn’t invent rock and roll—but they sure introduced it to Christian music and I became a fan. In the years following my first meeting D&K I was fortunate to become friends with Eddie. I don’t know that I have ever known a person that was equally comfortable in the control room and in the boardroom. Eddie is an incredible artist in his own right and, at the same time, has keen business acumen. He is an amazingly well-rounded individual and a great friend.”
—MICHAEL W. SMITH, multi-platinum artist, bestselling author, and acclaimed actor
“The compelling story in Rebel for God should inspire us all toward faithfulness. As Eddie DeGarmo was faithful in his calling as a musician, songwriter, and family man, God continued to bless his work and expand his influence by providing him even greater levels of opportunity. This successful pioneer and visionary of Christian music has impacted countless lives with his music, his message, and his earnest devotion to love God with his heart, soul, and mind and to love his neighbor as himself.”
—PETER YORK, chairman/CEO Capitol Christian Music Group
“Eddie DeGarmo is considered a creative giant in our industry. His bold musical journey is a road map of where vision and innovation can lead if only we dare to walk out the Master’s plan. The experience, wisdom, honesty, and heart Eddie reveals in Rebel for God is not only valuable but truly inspiring.”
—JACKIE PATILLO, president and executive director, Gospel Music Association
“Eddie DeGarmo is one of those rare characters in the field of Christian music who has had a great career as an artist, writer, producer, businessman, and entrepreneur. Doing anything for fifty years is quite an accomplishment, but my friend Eddie did it with class and a whole lot of fun. For anyone who would like to know the history of ‘Christian Rock,’ Rebel for God is a must read.”
—BILL GAITHER, Bill Gaither Trio, Gaither Vocal Band, Homecoming Concert Series
“Typically, fans become enchanted by mystical perceptions of their idol’s splendor. But, in this book, Rebel for God, Eddie DeGarmo catapults the readers past the glitz and glamor of the stage, and infuses them into the ‘bloodline’ of the real journey. Through the rhythm of his experience and the wit of his writing, you will feel the pain, the strain, and the elation of Eddie’s passion for his calling in Christ. Definitely, a ‘must-read!!!’ ”
—HOWARD RACHINSKI, chairman/founder, Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI)
“If it weren’t for Eddie DeGarmo, I’m not sure that my music ministry would have ever taken flight! In the pages of Rebel for God you will discover the fascinating story of a leader and musical innovator, someone who is wise, visionary, and passionate about God. For this man I am profoundly grateful!”
—REBECCA ST. JAMES, singer and author
“Eddie DeGarmo is a unique combination: incomparably visionary with a clear grasp on the moment, insatiably creative, and able to work inside realistic business boundaries; a corporate force and yet compassionate and genuine. He is a lover of art and a lover of people, a sincere believer and a really good hang. Eddie and Susan have been good friends to me and Kristyn, and we always look forward to the next time we’re able to get together. We’re honored to commend Rebel for God to you.”
—KEITH AND KRISTYN GETTY, modern hymn writers
“I have had the great privilege of watching as Eddie DeGarmo navigated almost all of the remarkable changes, transitions, and developments described in Rebel for God. Across all the years and all the miles, he learned a host of invaluable life lessons. I am so grateful that in these pages he has gathered them, distilled them, and shared them. This is a treasure trove of wisdom disguised as the wild ride of a rebel soul. In other words, it is quintessentially Eddie!”
—GEORGE GRANT, pastor of Parish Presbyterian Church, director of the King’s Meadow Study Center
“Eddie DeGarmo is a Christian music entrepreneur. His humble character and practical work ethic is inspirational in both music and business. Rebel for God is an eye-opening story of God using one man to influence so many in a powerful and positive way. It’s a must read.”
—JOHN SCHLITT, Petra
“Rebel for God takes us on a journey of God’s love, grace, mercy, and provision as He helped Eddie DeGarmo and the many people Eddie worked with see His plan and purpose unfold over a fifty-year journey. There are many stories that will
make you laugh, think, and for those entering into music as a profession, sage wisdom. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn about modern Christian music, worship, or anyone who wants to be inspired by another person’s profound journey following Christ.”
—MALCOLM J. HAWKER, president/CEO, Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI)
“If you listen to Christian music or sing along in worship, much of what you hear has been influenced or made possible by the work of Eddie DeGarmo. From his beginnings blazing a trail for Christian Rock with D&K, to his work with bringing so many artists and their music to the world, he then was a big part of bringing modern worship music to masses around the world. Rebel for God gives us a behind-the-scenes view of a truly blessed life. Buying and reading this book will inform, entertain, and most importantly, encourage you.”
—SCOTT BRICKELL, BrickHouse Entertainment
“As one who attempts a radical life of Christianity while also performing rock music on tours, records, training, and marketing, I applaud this deeply personal story of Eddie DeGarmo’s groundbreaking life. What a pleasure to also read of my beloved Memphis music scene from the years of Eddie’s career start, the Jesus movements large and small, and the future of ministry and commerce. Eddie’s singular style, story, and directives are thought provoking, giving fans of Christians making music a personal revelation. Readers will resonate with the childhood dreams, rock and roll romp, stories of the hit or miss business of music and ministry, and depth of spiritual formation. I recommend to everyone who loves music, ministry, Memphis, and making it no matter what, to read Rebel for God and try to accomplish a fraction of what Eddie has in his story!”
—KEN STEORTS, president, Visible Music College
“I’ve known Eddie DeGarmo for many years, during which time he has been a positive influence for a number of leaders within the Christian music industry. In his new book, Rebel for God, you’ll enjoy hearing his story and be surprised by how relatable his journey has been. Eddie has been very impactful on my life and I hope that when you read this book he will leave a similar impact on yours.”
—DAVID PIERCE, chief of ministry partnerships, K-LOVE and Air1 Radio
“Rebel for God is a fun ride through Eddie DeGarmo’s forty-plus years of ministry and Christian music biz: morphing and transitioning from artist-writer to record producer to label head to publishing guru. Such great stories—some in which I played a part—that are insightful, inspiring, humorous, challenging, instructional; and they bear out what I’ve experienced in our decades of friendship and as co-workers in the fields of the Lord: Eddie gets ideas, seeks God’s voice, then follows his gut and leaves results up to the heavenly Father. Sage wisdom for all of us.”
—BOB FARRELL, artist, songwriter
“An enjoyable, surprising, and honest look into the life of a legend in Christian music, Rebel for God is filled with so many great stories. Whether it’s as an artist, a producer, label owner, or a music publisher, Eddie DeGarmo’s passion to impact culture and see people find salvation has stayed with him the whole time. If you love Christian music and have watched or experienced any of Eddie’s incredible fifty years in music, then this book is an unmissable read.”
—STEVE McPHERSON, director, Hillsong Music Publishing
“Eddie DeGarmo’s brilliantly written book Rebel For God: Faith, Business, and Rock ‘n’ Roll is limitless in its honesty about life and love. It is one of the best life stories I have ever read that will put your faith back into why the only constant in life is change well lived.”
—EVAN LAMBERG, president, North America Universal Music Publishing
“With style and wit, Eddie DeGarmo tells the story of his life in music—a life that just happens to run the entire spectrum from young musician struggling to keep his band on the road and food on the table, to certified rock star; from co-founding and running his own record label, to top exec in the largest commercial music company on the planet. Rebel for God is a memoir well worth reading.”
—STEPHEN R. LAWHEAD, novelist and (first) manager of DeGarmo and Key
“Eddie DeGarmo is definitely my brother from a very different mother, so much so . . . I’ve often thought and even said, that Eddie DeGarmo is an African-American man trapped inside a Caucasian-American male’s body . . . LOL . . . He is full of Memphis soul, full of vision, and obvious passion to top it off! It’s been pretty mind-boggling watching my friend ascend over the years since our first acquaintance—when TobyMac, Kevin Max, and myself came to Nashville, Tennessee green as leaves in the spring of ‘89 chasing after a similar dream . . . Literally among the ‘first’ few Christian rock bands to exist . . . [from] DeGarmo & Key to Eddie’s rocking solo career, to the grand-slam idea of our industry’s first super successful rock opera called !HERO—in which he so graciously allowed me to star, and expand my own career territory—to his tenure in groundbreaking ideas and leadership at Capitol CMG Publishing, he has pretty much led a ‘renaissance man’ kind of life! Needless to say, as a mentor to myself and many of my contemporaries, Eddie remains the Southern gentleman, soft-spoken, uber kind . . . and always a man of his word, world-class example! All said, I am proud of my big brother and more proud for EVERYONE to hear HIS story, from HIS mouth, about HIS great adventure . . . This dude is truly A Rebel (with a cause) for God! BOOM!”
—MICHAEL TAIT, Grammy award-winning artist and songwriter/dcTalk and Newboys
“Eddie DeGarmo, a pioneer of Christian Rock, was instrumental in helping us find our true voice. Rebel for God provides great insight on where Eddie’s wisdom, creativity, and passion to share the love story of Jesus through undeniable songs come from. I’m honored to be a small part of his legendary impact on the music industry.”
—MARK STUART, Audio Adrenaline and the Hands and Feet Project
“Rebel for God by Eddie DeGarmo is just the right book at just the right time. The stories in this book will keep you turning the pages and the message of God’s love for His creation will make you want to share it with everyone you know.”
—JOSH McDOWELL, founder of Josh McDowell Ministry (a Cru ministry), and author of More Than a Carpenter
CONTENTS
FOREWORD BY LOUIE GIGLIO
FOREWORD BY TOBYMAC
PROLOGUE Key Changes
ONE When You’re Not Looking
TWO In the Days of Thy Youth
THREE Chase the Wind
FOUR Too Far Too Long
FIVE Livin’ on the Edge of Dyin’
SIX Go Tell Them
SEVEN Emmanuel
EIGHT This Ain't Hollywood
NINE Love Is All You Need
TEN One Step Closer
ELEVEN Wayfaring Stranger
TWELVE Matter of Time
THIRTEEN Ready Or Not
FOURTEEN All the Losers Win
FIFTEEN Are You Ready?
SIXTEEN You Can’t Run From Thunder
SEVENTEEN Every Day a Celebration
EIGHTEEN Activate
NINETEEN Long Distance Runner
TWENTY Special Kind of Love
TWENTY-ONE Preacher, I’ll Need A Friend
TWENTY-TWO Rise Up
TWENTY-THREE Jesus Is Coming
TWENTY-FOUR Nobody Loves Me Like You Do
TWENTY-FIVE Temporary Things
TWENTY-SIX She Believes
TWENTY-SEVEN I Have Decided
TWENTY-EIGHT Let the Whole World Sing
TWENTY-NINE Don’t Stop the Music
THIRTY Holy Hustle
THIRTY-ONE Six, Six, Six
THIRTY-TWO Destined to Win
THIRTY-THREE Every Moment
THIRTY-FOUR Soldier of Fortune
THIRTY-FIVE Rock Solid
THIRTY-SIX Feels Good to Be Forgiven
THIRTY-SEVEN The Pledge
THIRTY-EIGHT Let’s Get Upset
THIRTY-NINE Against the Night
FORTY If God Is For Us
FORTY-ONE Heat It Up
&nbs
p; FORTY-TWO It’s My Business
FORTY-THREE Dare to Be Different
FORTY-FOUR Stressed
FORTY-FIVE Competition
FORTY-SIX Ultimate Ruler
FORTY-SEVEN Blessed Messiah / !Hero
FORTY-EIGHT Rebel for God
FORTY-NINE Out of the Danger Zone
FIFTY Soldiers of the Cross
FIFTY-ONE Divine Embrace
FIFTY-TWO I Use the “J” Word—To Extremes
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
To my lovely wife:
I dedicate this book to Susan. Without her standing beside me, this phenomenal journey would not have happened. I love you dearly.
To my daughters Breckon and Shannon and their husbands, Marcelo and Michael:
You guys are marvelous people and have made our family story grow so much stronger. You make me proud. Thank you, my daughters, for your love to me, especially as I traveled so much while you grew up.
To my mom and dad:
Your belief and support in me was undying. You were always there with me while I chased my dreams.
To my brother Larry:
Thank you for following Jesus and showing him to me.
To my grandkids Paisley, Oscar, Edison, Stella, and Louie:
If God could do these things with a guy like me, it’s unimaginable the great and wonderful things he has in store for you. Follow him.
Thank you, Jesus, for allowing me to travel with you through this journey. It’s been quite a ride.
FOREWORD
Louie Giglio, Pastor of Passion City Church and founder of Passion Conferences and sixsteprecords
Memphis in the 1960s. A Hammond B3. A Marshall amp. Elvis in a blue suit. A nation-wide controversy. Selling out venues, standing on stages, and traversing the world of the music business.
Sounds like the makings of great movie, right? Well, you’re holding the screenplay in your hands!
Eddie DeGarmo’s life would make an epic film, but it makes an even better book, and I’m so glad he’s written so much of it down here.
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