Why This Rocker Gave Up His Music Career—and Returned for God’s Glory

What do John Lennon, portraiture, the COVID-19 pandemic, preaching the gospel and the 50th anniversary of Woodstock have in common?

Most people would say, “Nothing at all.” But these represent just some of the many interests and activities of singer-songwriter, legendary guitarist, prophet and pastor Caspar McCloud. McCloud was hired early in his career to “be a clone of John Lennon” for a Broadway production. Not a believer at the time, he was later led to the Lord by another renowned guitarist, Phil Keaggy.

“I think I’ve known Phil since I was maybe 16,” McCloud says. “So we go way, way back. He’s like my big brother. Phil basically kept sharing the gospel with me until I finally made the connection and became a true believer.”

McCloud says in the ’80s, already signed to Atlantic and with many records to his credit, he told Keaggy, “I just can’t do this anymore. Because as a baby Christian, it was playing havoc with my belief system.” McCloud gave up his secular music career at that time, dedicating his life to playing and preaching for God.

It wasn’t until another believer and rocker, Rick Derringer, challenged McCloud about the ministry opportunities his talents afforded him that he agreed to return to the music industry. Since then, he’s recorded more albums, played with rock legends at the 50th anniversary of Woodstock and even served as the Sunday-morning preacher for the event.

But there’s still more to this pastor, musician, portrait artist and overall Renaissance man. Before the COVID-19 pandemic began, McCloud says he shared the following prophetic word: “I see a great shaking coming; it’s going to change everything. It’s going to cause people to hide in their homes. So, here we are, this great orchestrated pandemic has been unleashed on the world.”

To hear more of prophet, pastor and musician Caspar McCloud’s fascinating story, listen to the entire episode of the Strang Report podcast at this link. And be sure to subscribe to the Strang Report on Apple Podcasts or on your favorite podcast platform. {eoa}

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