Hope these comments serve to encourage Bob Bennett to
keep on keeping on!
Since this page is for the
encouragement of Bob Bennett and to introduce others like me who may not have
known of his work.. thought I would include this entry made by Bob himself.. I
appreciate his taking the time to come by and sign one of my guestbooks.. Here
is his entry..I hope there are many fans who have found this site by then and
also written something to encourage Bob .
Bob
Bennett- Buena Park, CA- 5/8/99
Comments:Well, where in the world have _I_ been?!? I didn't know
Jay Rinkel had a Links page up on his site ... or just wasn't paying
attention (which is so like me). Thank you, Annie for such a nice
endorsement of me and my work and for taking the time to make a place
for me in your Net House! I have viewed a little of the Guest Book and
also thank previous correspondents for saying such nice things as well.
If _everyone_ felt this way, I'd be living at the beach by now! :-) God
bless you. Best regards, Bob. ---- Secondary E-Mail: rbenn0321@aol.com
---- ("To be held in the heart of a friend is to be a king."
... Bruce :-) burn) ---- Also check out Tom Loredo's Bright Avenue at:
http://www.museweb.com/bennett/
Fan's Comments
Julie
Comments:
I just wanted to drop a quick "Hi" to other Bob Bennett
fans, He is so under played I wish more people could hear in his music
what I do. Maybe the DO and it's too difficult for them to admit
it!! Thanks to Bob for being so vulnerable.
Steve Christy
4 / 18/ 2001
Comments:
Very pleased to see this site (thanks Annie) and to see your songs getting
more 'airplay' so to speak. First time I heard "Man of the
Tombs" it was like a blast of cold air in the face ... so powerful
and loaded with meaning. I still can't read the lyric to "1951"
without leaning back from the keyboard (gotta keep the tears from
dripping). Thanks, Bob, for sharing your gifts.. please keep it up!
Ed Dowdy
Danville, IL
3/19/2001
I
first heard Bob in concert at our church in 1994. His music had
touched me so deeply, when I asked for his autograph I could barely
speak. The Lord has so blessed us through you, Bob. You are truly
a gift from He who saves us!
Matt Binz
1/4/2001
The most meaningful song of Bob's for me is "A song about
baseball". It speaks volumes on parenting and (also) coaching. I
have lost both CD's, Matters of the Heart and Non-fiction. I still haven't
recovered from the loss. I saw Bob once in concert and will never
forget it. A truly wonderful talent.
Mark Moseley
1-2-2001
I AM OF THE SAME REALIZATION THAT I HEARD MICHAEL CARD SAY TO A
PACKED AUDITORIUM AT TEXAS HALL IN 1989 OR 1990, "BOB BENNETT IS THE
GREATEST SONGWRITER OF OUR TIME!"
Andrew
New Zealand
12/25/00
I'm
another person whose life has been impacted through the music of Bob Bennett.
God has poured a lot of love and healing into my life through his music.
He's a real gift to the body of Christ. Although he's not as well known as
some other artists ( I wish he was), I believe the Lord gets his music to those
who need it like me) keep going Bob. God bless
Sandy
Lynwood, IL
9/9/2000
I have been a fan of Bob's music it seems like forever. I have always
liked the "folk" sound and Bob fits the bill. He also has a
great singing voice. There are two songs that I love to listen to,
"My Secret Heart" & "You're Always Welcome Here".
They just say it all for me. I thank God that the local Christian radio
station played Bob's songs. They are true inspiration. Can't wait for a
new CD. Hope it's real soon.
Marcia Simmons
Readfield, Maine
8-30-2000
Hey, It occurred to me in my search
for more Bob Bennett that there had to be others not getting enough. I
decided in what I thought was a brilliant inspired moment to try music
stores online which led me step by clumsy step to different websites, with
only a few thousand people ahead of me ( as usual). I am not surprised by
the following just at my lack of joining it sooner. I have since ordered
Small Graces and a new copy of both Bright Avenue and Lord of the Past
(mine are sad looking but still bringing me to my knees in tears.). Bob's
kind, understanding, gentle but commanding voice from Lord of the Past was
playing while Lord Of All was ministering to my brokenness and softening
my heart. I use his music in ministering to other broken women.
I am a poet and am overwhelmed and humbled by Bob's gifting. Man of the
Tombs is the most intense song I have ever heard, still, ten years or so
since I've first heard it. Please come back to Maine Bob, and let me know
when you do. I have a lot of people that want to thank you for bringing
them closer to their Savior.
Thanks again, and may God bless you as you take on your new living
situation with Paul. We'll continue to pray for you. Marcia Simmons
Erik
Chandler
Costa Mesa, California 6/13/00
Hi Bob, My name is Erik Chandler. I just wanted to say hello
and thank you for sharing your gift and struggles with all of us. I know you
have spoken to the hearts of many. My wife and I often call you our "anthem
singer". We recognize the way the Lord speaks to you and call that a
blessing in our lives to know that someone else hears in that fashion. Blessings
to you and your family. May the Lord grant you health and well-being. Erik
I wrote the following on the BB list at OneList...thought I'd share here, too!
Hello friends of Bob ;-) I realized I just started posting on this list
without introducing myself and why I love Bob's music. I found out about Bob
Bennett when I was nosing around on the Michael Card web site. In reading an
article about the state of contemporary Christian music, Michael referenced
Bob, saying that if an artist of Bob's calibre wasn't being promoted, then
something was wrong with CCM. That comment made me check out the Bright Avenue
site and Jay's site, I bought Small Graces, and now am hooked on Bob's music.
I've only experienced the songs on Small Graces. I'm on a songwriting list,
and people on that list talk about his other albums a lot. So I'm on a mission
now. As an aspiring songwriter, I've found Bob is a great lyricist to study.
Of those of you who have all Bob's albums, what songs really speak to you and
why? I love Jesus In Our Time, because in that song he so honestly faced the
dilemma that I as a Christian face -- that I need Jesus now in my time. And
Jesus in our time is interwoven somehow with the community of faith being His
body, bearing each other up. I liked the way he created a line (hand to
shoulder) between now and the past ages. It's a great song (thank you Chris
Tozer for aerogramming the chords from the UK here to the United States!).
Dixie
Kevin
White
Southern California
3-21-00
I had dinner last night with Bob. His leg is doing better. The
pain has gone away but the swelling still persists. Pray the the swelling will
go away. On another note, Bob will be appearing on Apr. 15 at Bethany Bible
Fellowship in Westminster, Ca. He will be performing for a benefit concert to
help support 10 High School students going on a missions trip to Guatemala this
August. If anyone in So Cal is interested please email fellowshipconcerts@juno.com
for info and reservations.
Jim Earp
Website :Jim Earp/Rosewood
San Diego CA
3-16-00
Hi, Bob~ I just wanted to write and say hello, and let you know
that I recently received your recent health update and will both pray for you
and pass it on. I have to agree with Christine Whitaker when she states that you
are "the best we've got" in CCM...! Also, thank you for your personal
friendship and support, which has meant more to me than you know... Blessings to
you and yours; Jim and Cathy Earp and family.
Mike McCully
Washington
3-14-00
HI, Annie! 'Nice to see another B. Bennett fan. Mr. Bennett's
album (yes, album) "first things first" was very influential when I
was younger, both as a Christian and as a musician. I think I've learned nearly
every song from that recording! Most from memory, unfortunately. That's the
problem: I can't find any other old recordings. I dearly miss "ftf"
and (oh, the one with "Mountain cathedrals" and "song about
baseball"). Anyway, can you tell me where I can re-purchase these tapes -
DOH, cd's (sorry, I'm slow in coming into the modern age)? If not that, or
, perhaps, just as well, I want to find the lyrics, especially for "My
redeemer lives" which I want to sing for my church. Can you help? Nice
page, by the way. Mike McCully
John Chan
NYC and Ethiopia
3 -6 -00
Hi. Yes, I'm one of those people that read all the blips and
comments in the CD sleeves. I've been listening to Bob Bennett since 1990, when
I found a CD (Lord of the Past) in a Dallas bookstore while studying linguistics
at SIL. Since then, my journey brought me to the Ethiopian-Kenya border to do
Bible translation among the Banna people. Bob's Music has helped me through what
otherwise would have been painful head banging days, when words just lost their
meaning. I find Bob's music -- well, how shall I say it? They're depressing in
an exciting kind of way. Dark, but hopeful. Bathos, but joyful. I, too, love to
revel in angst. Maybe that's why I'm a missionary? Thanks Bob, and I'm glad
you're recovering well from the difficulties in your leg.
Steve
Gomez
Saint Louis
2-25-00
This is so cool --- I heard that Bob is going to be playing in
Saint Louis tomorrow night (Feb 26, 2000). I have wanted to see him so bad for
so long. It was God who let me hear the radio advertisement that announced it!!
See you tomorrow night Bob. SG
Jim
Timerson
Nevada
2-14-00
Maranatha: Just a note to say thanx for this web page--I have
enjoyed Bob’s music and heart for several yrs now.. hope to someday meet him
and listen in person at a concert. My prayers and appreciation are for U Bob.
All for Jesus--Jim
Scott Moreen
12-3-99
Hi!
My husband I heard Bob Bennett for the first time when I attended a Michael Card
concert years ago and I purchased the cassette Lord of the Past. I have played
it hundreds of times and love all the songs- they really minister to the heart
.My favorites are Mountain Cathedrals and Yours Alone. I, like many for years
have unsuccessfully tried to purchase some of the old cassettes of his music and
always run into a dead end. I hope and pray that CD's will be created with his
old songs and also pray for new CD's too!!! My whole family attended a concert
he had at a coffeehouse in Naperville, IL. a couple years ago .When is the next
Chicagoland area concert?? My 3 sons were in awe to see him after hearing the
Lord of the Past cassette played for years in our van when going on trips!!! My
oldest son David is really getting into guitar music - and owns 4 guitars. I am
trying to purchase some of Bob's digitally re-mastered CD's from the Canadian
site Rock Solid for David for Christmas- I know he will love them!!! God bless
your work Bob- you are a favorite artist of our!!!
The
Moreen Family
Lisa
11-8-99 Rochester, NY Comments: hello! thanks for the web page. I am a fan of Bob Bennett's
music. LORD OF THE PAST has been a favorite of mine since it came out. I only
have a FEW very favorites, and Bob Bennett is one of them! so are Billy
Crockett, and Keith Green, and i gotta say that there's a 2nd Chapter of Acts
tape i have that is my all-time favorite. I listened to Bob's tape all the time
while i was stationed over in Germany and the song Mountain Cathedrals reminds
me of when i was driving thru Switzerland! Gorgeous. Anyway, his music has been
a real blessing to me, and others I've shared it with! God Bless you, Lisa
Kevin Zumbaum
11-3-99 Godfrey, Il.
I have been a Bob Bennett fan from the days of "Matters of
the heart" ,"First things first". As a man starting my new life
in Christ at the time, I found Bob's music and words to both inspirational and
provoking because as poets often due, they force you to contemplate what is
being said or sung. I never liked poets up till now. But as many of us do I lost
my way in a sense and stopped following my convictions as well as Christian
music until one day while walking the mall wasting time I came across a CCM
store and right there on the top shelf was "Bright Avenue". I have now
rediscovered my love for Bob's music as well as finding my direction again.
Thanks Bob. Please convince someone to re-release all of your albums on CD. I
have spent countless hours searching with much sadness. Maybe an anthology
somewhere down the road. I understand that Bob might appearing in St. Louis in
Feb. 2000, I hope this comes about so I might get the opportunity to meet one
who's music I have enjoyed so much. Hope to hear more of you Bob, in Christ.
Kevin
Name: Bruce Posted: 10-31-99 Michigan Comments: Hello, First let me tell you a little about my experience in
coming to know our Lord Jesus and a song of Bob Bennett's, then I'll fill you in
on my dilemna. I am a musician and have been for years so music has always been
a very important part of my life. My friend told me about Jesus and had me read
Matthew. I believed everything that Matthew had to say about Jesus (since I am
Jewish this was the perfect gospel to begin with) but I didn't let him in to my
heart. Even though my life was in turmoil and getting worse I just couldn't
grasp who Jesus really was and why He would care about me. I bought a couple
Cassette tapes from a Christian bookstore and would listen to them when I would
drive. One of these tapes was LORD OF THE PAST. I started listening to it and
felt something inside me starting to stir. When I got to the song MAN OF THE
TOMBS I felt something I had never felt before. I started crying and had to pull
over on the side of the road. I continued to cry and shake all over and then I
KNEW! I knew the reason why Jesus came, and that He loved me. I was the Man of
the tombs! During the whole song I could put myself in his place, and when Jesus
had freed him I also felt the freedom of my own chains falling off. What an
awesome God we have! Anyway, that same year, someone broke into my car and took
all of my Christian tapes. Although I hope the person who stole them got saved,
I miss my Bob Bennett tape and haven't been able to find another cassette or CD
in any of the bookstores in Michigan or Music websites I have been referred to.
That song means so much to me and I would really love to hear it again and let
others who don't know the Truth hear it. Can you offer me any advice? In
Messiah, Bruce
I have been a fan of Bob's since 1991 when I first heard 'Man of the Tombs'
(still my favorite BB song). Bob is about the only Christian artist I listen to
(other than Paul Overstreet) - really enjoyed 'Jesus in our time' off Small
Graces - recently got a hold of Bob's 1st three albums and enjoying them now as
well... may Bob continue to glorify Jesus through his life and music... hope to
see a new album out soon... in Christ, Mike Morrill
Bill Hayes
10-15-99
I have loved Bob Bennett's music for years. I always tried to make it to his
concerts when he was in Dallas/Ft. Worth. I would like information about future
concerts in the Dallas area it someone could direct me to where I can find out
them. Also, I would like booking info. Our church might be willing to sponsor.
Brian Paynter
9-22-99 Rocklin, ca. (just north of Sacramento)
Let's keep Bob working. Yes you do have a career ahead of you in this business.
Be having Bob up soon for the weekend in the Sacramento area. All of you who are
interested in Bob as a person ,his music, and his ministry, need to book
concerts and buy cd's and share his music with your part of the world. Bob's
gift for Communicating the Gospel through song should be known world wide. The
healing words in his music contributed to me being alive today. Send him notes
on how his music affected your life and the lives of those around you. Praises
be to the healer of my life Jesus Christ.
Debbie Eiden
9-15-99 Lexington, Ky
I learned of Bob Bennett's music shortly after I got saved in
1985. It has always been the music I go to when I want to deeply be with God. I
especially love The Baseball Song and cry almost every time I hear it -it has
ministered the Fatherhood of God to me in ways no other song or teaching has .I
anxiously await his next recording!!!!!
Mark -Chicagoland-posted
9-1-99 Comments: Bob, hurry up, will ya?!? Get another album out! We're all
aching to hear your awesome talents!
Kenny Carter
South Carolina
6/19/99
Comments: I've listened to Bob since 1981. I own 4 of his
albums, but there's 1 or 2 out of print that are hard to find. I think he's
great. I'm amazed that he hasn't made a bigger splash, especially with the
growth of the Christian music market in the last couple of years.
Nancy Ailinger
Tacoma, Washington
6/16/99
Comments: Bob Bennett shared his special gifts with us at
Quaker Meadow Camp about 12 years ago. I was so touched by his music. In his
"Man of the Tombs," he sings "when no one can touch you, still I
can." That was so encouraging to know, that when no one else seems to care,
or understand, Jesus does. God has given Bob a great gift to minister with. I
have always felt led by God to minister to others thru music. I am so thankful
for God's blessings & the gift of music.
Meredith Spencer
Mississippi
4/6/99
Comments: I have written and performed Christian music since the early
70's and have heard lots of good music but Never have I heard anything that
compares with Bob's music. When I have been afraid to initiate contacts with
strangers concerning Christ I sing to myself, "Lord, let me be the face of
Jesus in this time". God has blessed me every time with courage. Please do
more music and keep me informed as to where I can get it!
Jeff Haught-
West Virginia-
4-19-99
Comments: I found you on the Bob Bennett page! I have been a fan of
Bob's for a few years. His music is by fare the best in the Christian world
today. It is real right were we live. You are right when you said that. Just wish
he would put back out some of his older albums. I have 3 of his but can not find
the first 2 or 3 albums. Wish I could hear some of his first recordings. My
email is painterjwh@aol.com. Mail me if you know how to get them. thanks Jeff
Paul Hillmer
St. Paul, MN
6-1-99
Comments: I'm always thrilled to see more attention paid to Bob
Bennett. This man and his music are pearls of great value that, like so much
else in this messed up world, seem to be missed by far too many people. In
addition to his unparallelled songwriting, Bob is one of the funniest people I
know! We've been privileged to host a couple of Bob concerts in the last couple
of years and hope to do another one soon. If you like Bob's music and message, I
encourage you to invite him out to sing for you and those around you. It's an
experience you'll truly treasure.
Craig Wagganer
Troy OH
5/24/99
Comments: I've been a Bob Bennett fan since I picked up his first
album, that's right- vynal! back in the early 80's. His craftmanship in words
and music is extraordinary to say the least. The most amazing thing is I've
always felt he is writing my heart. I followed some links from other pages to
get here and am so glad to find one that is actually updated. Thanks and I'll be
checking back often.
Diana Gainer
Atlanta,GA
5/12/99
Comments: I am like the author of this site. I just discovered Bob
B.'s music on Moody Radio a couple months ago when the played "Jesus in Our
Time". I cried in my car all the way home. It really embodies the whole
Christian experience. I have since purchased the CD and think he's one of the
best I've ever heard.
Bob
Bennett- Buena Park, CA- 5/8/99