August 13, 2025 -- In the late 1960s, amidst the radical hippie culture of California's Laguna Beach, five musicians with rock pedigrees formed a new band called LoveSong. Between them, the members boasted a range of prior successes — from hit singles to opening for legends such as Steppenwolf, Chicago, Donovan and the Grateful Dead.

However, like so many others, the band members – Chuck Girard, Tommy Coomes, Jay Truax, John Mehler, and Fred Field – became disillusioned with their empty, drug-fueled spiritual search. Their trajectory shifted when four of the members attended a Bible study at Calvary Chapel led by pastor Chuck Smith, leading LoveSong to become a Christian rock band. In a short time, LoveSong’s music became the early soundtrack of the Jesus Movement that swept America, breaking boundaries and helping set the stage for the emergence of the Contemporary Christian Music genre.

TRAILER HERE

This September 19, A Band Called LoveSong: The Music & Movement of the Jesus Revolution, a three-part docuseries, will begin streaming on Prime Video and SalemNOW. This in-depth look explores what some scholars have called the biggest spiritual awakening in America's history, and through rare video footage, photographs, and firsthand accounts, it tells the untold story of not only the movement, but the band whose groundbreaking music helped transformed a generation.

Episode descriptions:

1. BEGINNINGS - Amid the turmoil of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, the hippie generation’s dream of “peace and love” crumbles. While they sought spiritual meaning, they found only disillusionment. As a result, millions turned to Jesus in what became known as the Jesus Movement (or Jesus Revolution, according to a 1971Timemagazine cover). As it sweeps the nation, it fuels a new music genre - Christian Rock – influenced by LoveSong, whose sound blends rock and pop with lush harmonies reminiscent of Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Beatles, and The Beach Boys. Episode 1 follows the band’s formation and meteoric rise, from their first appearance at Calvary Chapel, to performing in front of hundreds of thousands around the country.

2. CATCHING FIRE - The movement spreads nationwide, from Pirate’s Cove where thousands are baptized in the Pacific Ocean by Chuck Smith, to Explo '72 in Dallas, where an estimated 200,000young people came together in what has been called "The Christian Woodstock,” with performances by artists including Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Larry Norman, Barry McGuire, Andrae Crouch, and LoveSong. Despite major interest in a record deal from Atlantic Records legend Ahmet Ertegun and other Hollywood labels, LoveSong decides to record for an upstart Christian label. The band releases its self-titled first album, which critics have compared to The Beatles’Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band. But while their music is beloved by young people, the band’s use of electric guitars and drums, plus their long hair, beards, jeans, and flowery shirts were a culture shock to many churchgoers. A Band Called LoveSong follows the band's journey as they break through barriers and gain acceptance.

3. FINISHING WELL - LoveSong rises to international fame, topping the charts in Manila. When they arrive for a tour, the reception is so overwhelming that it evokes scenes reminiscent of Beatlemania. In a rare exception to local policy, President Marcos permits the band to keep their long hair—despite the fact that such styles are banned for Filipino citizens. Shortly afterward, the group makes history by headlining the “LoveSong Festival” at Knott’s Berry Farm—the first Christian music night ever held at a major theme park. The event breaks park attendance records and paves the way for similar faith-based concerts at other major venues, including Disneyland. Just before the release of their second album,Final Touch, they officially disbanded as a full-time group. However, they continue to play concerts and tour over the next 50 years. The series reflects on their legacy, why the Jesus Movement and the music of LoveSong are still relevant today, and closes by asking: 'Will there be another Jesus Movement?’

The three-part series also features interviews and quotes from more than a dozen notable Christian artists, pastors and industry experts, including Michael W. Smith, Jeremy Camp, and one-time bandmate Phil Keaggy, in addition to archival interviews and footage of Chuck Smith. The documentary also features insights from pastor, evangelist and author, Greg Laurie, who came of age in the Jesus Movement and whose autobiography was the basis of the 2023 box-office hit, Jesus Revolution.

A Band Called LoveSong: The Music & Movement of the Jesus Revolution takes a deep dive into not only the history of the pioneering band, but also the Jesus Movement that swept America and many other parts of the world in the early 1970s, and it further shines a light on its continued relevance today. The docuseries will be available for streaming starting September 19 on Prime Video. For more information, visit: abandcalledlovesong.com

PRODUCTION CREDITS:

Executive Producer and Co-Creator: Ron Strand

Executive Producers and Co-Creators: Chuck Girard, Jay Truax, Tommy Coomes

Co-Executive Producer: Steve Bray

Produced and Directed by Jerry W. Stanley

Leave a Comment

 

[2025]
Jan. | Feb. | March | April | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec.

[2024]
Jan. | Feb. | March | April | May | June | July | Aug. | Sept. | Oct. | Nov. | Dec.

[2001 - Present]
Visit our complete MUSIC NEWS ARCHIVE