Larry Kimpel never saw it coming. The Chicago native’s successful
touring and recording career as a musician in L.A. was going well, his
employers were happy, and their concerts tickets and CD’s continued
selling by the thousands. But this 25 year veteran of the music industry
was totally stunned when he received a calling from a power much higher
than himself or his employers.
“Sure, I had grown up in the church and had
many a gospel song to touch my heart through the years – I just never
knew that I would be the one who was writing, producing and singing them
in the hope of touching others hearts too.” “This thing has taken me
totally by surprise, but that’s the way God works.”
Last year, Larry Kimpel released his first
Christian Praise CD entitled “Be still and know” on his own label, GVR
Records and Entertainment. According to Larry, “It is a collection of
original material taken from real-life experiences from boyhood to
manhood.” “After I received and excepted God’s musical call on my life, I
really had no other choice but to write the songs that I was led by Him
to write, and that’s what you will hear on the CD,” says Larry. “I
sincerely hope that all those that get a chance to hear the recording
will be inspired by it and that they can then take that same inspiration
and pass it on others by displaying the love of Jesus Christ on a daily
basis, not just on Sundays.”
Two prominent artists in the Christian music
community such as Grammy award winners Fred Hammond and Kevin Bond seem
to have already caught the vision of “Be still and know”. Kevin Bond has
been quoted as saying, “Today I’m proud to say that on his CD entitled
“Be Still And Know” Larry Kimpel fuses a positive message with a blend
of Gospel Jazz.” “I’m delighted that God has placed Larry within the
secular domain to be a light to all he comes in contact with.” “Larry is
also unique in that with this musical offering, he is telling the world
to “Be Still And Know” that God is in control of both his life, and his
gifts as well.”
While it maybe true that the name Larry Kimpel will always be synonymous
with secular styles of music, the fact remains that he feels strongly
that he has been called into the musical service of his Lord and Savior.
Larry says, “Very soon, I will be ministering the gospel through music
in Christian churches and gatherings all around the world – I just know
it.” As I sit at a desk across from him I can see the resolve in his
eyes and I sense the commitment of his words. Well this reporter won’t
argue with him, because from what I’ve witnessed, Larry Kimpel just may
be right.
