Y2K came and went without the apocalyptic catastrophes many predicted.
For gospel singer Larry Craig of Independence Township, the turn of the century brought about the deaths of his wife of 27 years, twin brother and record producer in a four-year span.
While those personal trials would force many to wither, Craig rebounded and used those tough times as inspiration for the songs on an album released last year. The album marks an attempt to minister to people of all backgrounds whether they are churchgoers or not.
‘Life’s experience drives those songs. The trials and tribulations I’ve gone through,? said Craig.
About a year and half ago, Craig started Larry Craig Ministries to use his musical talents to spread messages he felt important.
‘I saw the need for it after I started working on the CD. People who heard it thought I needed to create a full-fledged ministry,? said Craig. ‘I’m effective with ministry in church, so I believe I can reach outside the walls of the church.?
Tracks from ‘Simply Larry? are currently broadcast on radio stations in Ohio and Connecticut. A Canadian distribution group put his CD in stores and on some radio stations in Canada. He also appeared on television in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Through the internet, people in Poland, Indonesia and the United Kingdom can also hear some of Craig’s tracks.
‘Without having a major label you almost have to have access to the internet’The internet was the vehicle to push this product. I’ve been able to reach people in Canada, Indonesia and other places,? said Craig.
While Craig’s ministry was well received, the reception has not translated into large sales.
‘I haven’t sold a lot of CD’s, but I get a lot of letters. The ministry aspect is more important than selling CD’s,? he said.
With a new album in the works, Craig savors his stature as an independent artist, ‘I’ve pursued (a major distribution label) before, but I kind of enjoy being an independent artist. I have all the music rights and that’s pretty important to me.
‘I want to remain independent so I have control over my songs,? he added.
The new album is what Craig calls a ‘total worship album,? which he believes will attract the masses from all walks of life. The album represents his mission of trying to bridge the gap between the secular and religious world through music.
An example of his ministry was when he visited a youth detention center in Virginia, distributing free CDs after his performance.
‘It has helped some of the youth change some things they are doing. It gives me a way to reach people who don’t know the Lord in a tangible way. Music is a universal language? Some of my songs have a secular feel so you can reach them and teach them. You don’t want to preach right away, it will turn them off,? said Craig.
Drawing parallels between his music and the Bible, Craig believes like his music, the Bible must take on a new feel so people can understand the message as applied to today’s world, not the past.
Craig also believes the 21st century church should provide leadership and guidance while demonstrating spiritual life is accessible outside church. He points to many churches opening coffee house venues as a symbol of needed catering to modern needs.
‘They allow people to be relaxed. This isn’t your mother’s Christianity. People don’t want to be stuck in tradition’They want to know what’s going on today and have a contemporary feel,? said Craig.
Born into a musically inclined family in Toledo, Ohio, Craig’s musical days started when he sang as a young child with his mother serving as a choir director.
‘I started singing in clubs at 16. My mother didn’t know’I didn’t realize the (negative) influences in the club at the time. All I wanted to do was sing and make people happy. I got in and out of the club, performing about twice a month so they wouldn’t find out my age,? said Craig.
From the musically gifted family, Craig’s twin brother Barry emerged as a reputable pianist on the West Coast. Larry would often bounce ideas of Barry about his songs.
The nearby Motown sound influenced Larry as he pursued music, joining a gospel quartet at 18 and singing with a contemporary group, Proverbs Ministry, in the 1980’s and 1990’s.
From the early 1990’s to 2000, Craig was an ordained minister in the Straight Gate Church in Detroit and sang in the choir for many years.
Craig found his way to Independence Township after his wife’s death. Laverne Craig’s passing after an extended medical condition in 2000, caused Craig to become unsettled.
‘I started to listen to Pastor Covarrubias of Mt. Zion on the radio and thought I’d come out to check out the church. I never could leave or get away because of the great message he gave,? said Craig.
Warming up to the radio broadcasts started a commute for Craig from Detroit to Mt. Zion in Independence Township. Fellow members of the church noticed Craig’s voice during service and encouraged him to take a more active role in the church.
In 2001, Craig was introduced to Katherine Staten with whom he shared a fateful common ground.
‘I found out her husband had also died in 2000. A week after my wife died at the same exact time,? said Craig.
The couple started dating in 2002 and were married in 2003. Craig sold his house in Detroit and moved to Independence Township.
‘It was difficult because I had been in Detroit since 1971. I believe it was the will of God for me to come to Mt. Zion. It allowed me to get away from memories and start a new life and ministry,? said Craig.
Craig says moving from the city took some adjusting to, but was well worth it.
‘I love the small town atmosphere. When I first got here I couldn’t sleep at night because it was too quiet,? laughed Craig, who feels he has been well received. ‘Now I don’t think I would go back to the city. People have been great here and I have been able to become very community-minded.?
The Craigs live in Independence Township with one of Larry’s daughters.