Story of Rhythm and Grace, A: What the Church Can Learn from Rock and Roll about Healing the Racial Divide [Paperback]

Jimi Calhoun (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2009

Mick Jagger, meet Jack Hayford. These are the worlds spanned by musician and pastor Jimi Calhoun, who uses his experiences in both arenas to help readers dissect racial relation issues. Before becoming a pastor, Calhoun played bass for major recording acts and performed on stage with prominent artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Etta James, Hank Williams Jr., John Lennon, and Elton John. He combines colorful illustrations from the rock-and-roll world with stories from his life as a pastor to show how he has succeeded as a bridge builder between cultures. As he interweaves personal stories with reflections on race, Calhoun challenges Christians to reach out for racial healing and reconciliation and offers hope for racial harmony in the church and in the broader culture. EXCERPT I've lived my life in two cities. One city, popular culture, has made racial tolerance as a very high priority in recent times. The other city, the primarily white evangelical community, has emphasized loving God and loving people as a core value and an indication of authentic faith. Therefore my worldview has been shaped by an ethos that says that loving relationships between human beings is not simply an altruistic dream or slogan, but an imperative. Sadly this was not always the case in both "cities," though it seems my skin color caused more disquiet within the evangelical community than in the world of popular culture. . . . That said, my experience as a pastor did also include some very positive experiences and so these words are but a gentle reminder to the church that I love and respect and have devoted my life to serve.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Some religious people are skeptical about rock music due to its association with what they view as morally unacceptable behavior. It is refreshing that Calhoun, an evangelical Christian minister and former professional musician, can see beyond these dated stereotypes and unapologetically highlight the good that rock has to offer. As an African-American growing up in the 1950s and 60s, Calhoun knows firsthand about the effects of racism. His personal anecdotes about this period are eye-opening, heart-wrenching and exciting. The author enjoyed unique opportunities, hanging out and playing bass with such famous musicians as Dr. John, the Allman Brothers and Mick Jagger. His historical and sociological insights about racism and the civil rights movement are fascinating and make this project worthwhile. Unfortunately, Calhoun doesnt succeed in building a bridge between rock and racial harmony. His argument is overly simplistic, never achieving the sophistication found in his personal stories and historical analysis. Still, those looking for an unusual perspective on one of the most turbulent times in recent U.S. history will be intrigued. (Feb.)
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From the Back Cover

From Saturday Night Rockin' to Sunday Morning Reconciliation

Before becoming a pastor, Jimi Calhoun performed alongside many world-famous musicians, including:

Jimi Hendrix
Etta James
Hank Williams Jr.
John Lennon
Elton John
Mick Jagger
The Four Tops
Martha and the Vandellas
Rare Earth

In A Story of Rhythm and Grace, Calhoun weaves together engrossing stories about racial differences and reconciliation from his life in the music world and his life in the church. Reflecting on how he has often found more racial harmony on the stage and in the recording studio than in the pews, Jimi shows what religion might learn from rock and roll.

"As an African-American growing up in the 1950s and '60s, Calhoun knows firsthand about the effects of racism. His personal anecdotes about this period are eye-opening, heart-wrenching and exciting. . . . His historical and sociological insights about racism and the civil rights movement are fascinating. . . . Those looking for an unusual perspective on one of the most turbulent times in recent U.S. history will be intrigued."--Publishers Weekly

"I love Jimi's heart. He's written the right book at the right time. This book is a great read!"--Dr. John, musician

"Musician and pastor Jimi Calhoun has accomplished that all too rare achievement--he wrote an absolutely unique book that fills a true need. Artists, especially musicians, have always led when it comes to bringing racially divided people together. May God use this book to open our arms and hearts to the rhythm and grace of the whole of humanity."--Charlie Peacock, recording artist, producer, and author of A New Way to Be Human

"Jimi Calhoun is a rare combination of storyteller, sage, artist, and pastor. Reading this warm-hearted, encouraging, and challenging book is like sitting down with Jimi for a dozen leisurely lunches and talking about what it means to be human beings with different skin tones and different histories. I hope and pray that this book will infuse hundreds of thousands of pastors, small group leaders, neighbors, and coworkers with new rhythm and grace."--Brian McLaren, author of A New Kind of Christian

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Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Brazos Press (February 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158743220X
• ISBN-13: 978-1587432200
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,774,072 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Rock Star or Pastor?? What's the difference..., June 26, 2009

By 

Rita Brohman (California, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Story of Rhythm and Grace, A: What the Church Can Learn from Rock and Roll about Healing the Racial Divide (Paperback)

"The Story of Rhythm and Grace" is a well written book that discusses racial differences by interweaving great historical and cultural truths. Most importantly, Jimi discusses openly, the "nasty little secret" that has been kept for centurys in the modern church and the Bible Belt where the Civil War still rages in the hearts of many...even in the church. Remembering that without truth, we cannot heal the differences, Mr. Calhoun open discusses secret prejudices that still reside against anyone of a different color.

We, the church, have been guilty of lieing to ourselves about prejudice because it seems like such a nasty and unacceptable word... After all, how can we say we really love Jesus if our love is limited by color? Good question - one we must all answer with the same candor and grace that Mr. Calhoun does.

A great read... if you're willing to confront the truth. Thanks Jimi!

Rita Duggins-Brohman,
California

5.0 out of 5 stars Eye Opening, June 23, 2009

By 

Michele Santom "Michele Santom" (Boca Raton, FL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Story of Rhythm and Grace, A: What the Church Can Learn from Rock and Roll about Healing the Racial Divide (Paperback)

I wanted to wrap my arms around this author and say I'm sorry. The unbelievable stories told made me even more aware of how our words and actions effect others. Being white, I was never exposed to such circumstances and never really looked from the other side. The connection he made to music, religion and racism was enlightening. This well written book was easy to read and I did not want to put it down. I feel this book should be in the pews of every church.

5.0 out of 5 stars Until you've walked a mile in their shoes, May 29, 2009

By 

Dennis Marcellino "ConclusiveProofOfGod.com" (Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Story of Rhythm and Grace, A: What the Church Can Learn from Rock and Roll about Healing the Racial Divide (Paperback)

Overall, because of the content and style, a very enjoyable read. I found myself frequently using the highlight marker and highlighting many wisdom nuggets I wanted to remember. And that's before I even got out of the Prologue :-) Jimi is a great story teller, and therefore I found this book to be ... I almost used the word "entertaining", but the better word would be "engaging." Both of those keep you enrapt and wanting to read on, but the second one is deeper and more intellectually and spiritually stimulating (as well as emotionally). Chapter 2 stories were at times painful, but need to be heard. That is, as you read the many experiences of the author, there will be a secondary benefit ... you will end up seeing all the thoughts and feelings you have (or don't have) about the issue of race. Therefore, this could be a great book for classrooms, the media and church groups to kick off conversations about race relations ... their history, and how they can be improved. The author makes the point that the job of racial harmony is not over. In fact, we are just at a crossroads, and therefore these discussions are needed. Hopefully this book will be a tool to make them happen.