Keith Green

Keith Green (1953–1982) was an American singer-songwriter and pianist who became one of the most influential figures in the Jesus movement and contemporary Christian music of the late 1970s. Born near Brooklyn, New York, into a musical family, he showed prodigious talent early, reportedly writing songs from age six and signing a record deal as a child performer before turning toward the raw, confessional Christian music for which he is remembered.

His mature work, recorded largely for his own label Last Day Ministries/Sparrow Records-associated releases, is marked by urgent, piano-driven arrangements and unflinchingly direct lyrics about faith, repentance, and devotion, delivered with an emotional intensity that set him apart from more polished contemporaries. Songs such as «Oh Lord You're Beautiful», «There Is a Redeemer» (written with his wife Melody), «The Lord Is My Shepherd», and «My Eyes Are Dry» remain staples of Christian worship repertoire decades after their release.

Green was known for giving his music away for free or by donation, reflecting his uncompromising views on faith and generosity, and for a preaching, evangelistic intensity in his concerts and writings. He died in a plane crash in 1982 at age 28, cutting short a career that nonetheless left a lasting imprint on contemporary Christian music, with his songs still performed and recorded by worship artists today.