Jon Lin, long-standing friend of Larry Norman, killed in road accident
LONG TERM musical associate of Larry Norman, Jon Linn has been killed in a road accident. The musician was killed after being struck by a car near his Californian home. Jon, who played guitar on such seminal Norman albums as 'In Another Land' and 'Something New Under The Sun', was a key figure in the early Jesus music scene. Norman's company, Solid Rock Records, have announced plans to put CD selections with Jon Linn performing with Larry and Charly Norman on the soon to be released albums 'Sticks And Stones' and 'Kiss The Blarney Stone'. Solid Rock announced," Both CDs are dedicated to Jon Linn and his brother Jimmy who died the previous week from cancer. Jon always said that Jimmy was twice as good a guitar player as he was. They will both be missed terribly. They are irreplaceable. Jon is survived by his mother, Dorothy, his six year old daughter, Juliana, and six older children."
Another SR newsletter says both CDs will have a free additional CD of Jon's Solid Rock work. "It is a way of saying to Jon that we love him and will not forget him." 'Kiss The Blarney Stone' CD is described by the newsletter as "a compendium of live and studio recordings gathered over the years, which somewhat surpass the usual standard of Larry's music. When Jon was playing guitar, Larry was inspired to take great chances with his music, knowing that Jon was right there with just the right licks and phrases. This is a memorial collection, dedicated to the memory of Jon Linn, probably the pioneer of fiery Christian rock guitar."
The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.
I'm met John back in 1969 and through another friend Larry we both knew we started a band. We used to practice at my house and I remember those days so so fondly. We actually only played one gig and it was a blast. John was the most amazing guitar player I had ever seen at the young age of just 16 or 17 he was playing things that the best guitar players on the radio we're playing. And as a person I don't think I've ever met anybody more humble or selfless then John. Years later I ran into one of the guys we used to play with Steve Kara up in Frazier Park where we both lived and we talked about John and I wondered how he was doing. When I found out what had happened to him I was shocked and so sad he was just too good of a person to have this happen to him and this world was such a better place with him in it. I miss you John. We had so many coincidences between us. Such as finding out that we both were living just blocks from each other in Tucson Arizona when we were going to elementary school but didn't know each other. Then when you and I had stopped seeing each other I met Laura who later on I find out used to live in back of you and you and her grew up together as kids after you move to California as I move to California as well. Years later all of us got together and shared all of this crazy coincidence. I still have an 8 millimeter movie of you and I and Steve and that girl friend of yours who I can't remember her name but she had a cool Mustang and we had a picnic out by Newhall and I have movies of you playing guitar sitting on a picnic table. I could go on and on but I'll stop I miss you God bless you wherever you are may you be as happy as the happiness you gave so many.