Memories of Phil Keaggy and Glass Harp: A Musical Beginning

Posted byNancy HomlitasPosted inBiographical, Christian music, UncategorizedTags:, , , , , , , , , , ,

Back in the 1960s, my friends and I were Beatlemaniacs. We were lovesick over four British blokes who made us act like lunatics when they sang. During this time of hopeless infatuation, we attended a teen dance at Packard Music Hall in Warren, Ohio. Glass Harp was the band playing.

Our jaws dropped.

Their lead guitarist, Phil Keaggy, resembled The Beatles’ Paul McCartney! He was belting out a rocking version of Eleanor Rigby. Euphoric, we danced The Skate by sliding in frenzied zigzags across the floor. Sweat dripped off my hair like water from a janitor’s mop making my cheap perfume waft into a toxic cloud.

Smelling like the fragrance shelf in a thrift store, I approached Phil and asked, “Do you mind if I take your picture?” Looking a little sheepish-or just struggling to breathe-he agreed.

So, I took out my nifty little Instamatic camera with a flash cube. I snapped the profile image below in January 1969 of seventeen-year-old Phil Keaggy. I later mailed it to Tiger Beat Magazine noting his resemblance to Paul McCartney. An editor responded indicating the publication may check him out.

Little did we know Phil would ultimately be recognized as a phenomenal guitarist and an extraordinary performer in the Christian genre and mainstream markets. He’d release 55 albums, receive seven GMA (Gospel Music Association) Dove Awards for Instrumental Album of the Year, and be nominated twice for a Grammy Award for Best Rock Gospel Album.

But as giggly teenage girls, we just saw Phil as adorable. We joked about the similarities and differences between him and Paul McCartney. As we watched Phil pluck his guitar strings, I pointed out, “Look-he’s missing his right middle finger.”

My Christian friend shot back, “Oh, he is not. That’s not funny, Nancy.”

She knew the Bible, unlike adolescent me. In Ephesians 5:4, the Apostle Paul does say, “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place….” But I wasn’t being crude. We later learned Phil lost most of his middle digit while using a water pump as a child.

We still gushed over The Beatles but became loyal followers of Glass Harp: Phil on lead guitar, John Sferra on drums and guitar, and eventually Daniel Pecchio on bass guitar and flute. Initially, getting to their gigs involved mooching rides. Once, I asked my confirmation Godmother, five years my senior, to drive us. She loved The Beatles, so I knew she’d love Glass Harp. After all, they even sounded like The Fab Four.

Glass Harp in April 1969. Left to right: Phil Keaggy, Jimoc Carrozino (replaced by Daniel Pecchio), John Sferra.

It happened to be Sunday and I’d skipped church. Disappointed, she told me, “Nancy, I can’t take you if you didn’t go to church.” And she reminded me that “Jesus is before all things” (from Colossians 1:17). My flaming red face of shame nearly incinerated my eyebrows.

So, I didn’t go to that dance. But a clerk in the office where I worked after school took my friends and me to several others. I introduced her to Glass Harp’s manager at the time, Geoffrey Jones, and she got sweet on him. They’d stand together and chat while Glass Harp performed.

Phil Keaggy in April 1969 as he ran past Glass Harp manager, Geoffrey Jones.

One thing led to another, and my friends and I started Glass Harp’s first fan club. Plundering ideas from The Beatles’ fan club made it easy. We recruited members at Glass Harp gigs, collected fees, and mailed membership packets. And I bought a 35mm camera.

The above letter is from Jones, who began by thanking me for the Tiger Beat correspondence. He also asked for help to promote Glass Harp’s first single “Where Did My World Come From?” Every morning before school, we bombarded the local radio station with calls to play it. As you can see from the WNIO music guide below, we pestered the local disc jockey into compliance.

Phil wrote the lyrics to “Where Did My World Come From?” on one side of notebook paper for me (above right). On the flip side, he wrote the lyrics to the B-side of the single, “She Told Me.” Copies were made and mailed to fan club members. Phil hadn’t yet developed the full potential of his voice on their debut record, but he’d already mastered the guitar.

But then tragedy struck. On Valentine’s Day in 1970, Phil’s mother was in a head-on car collision. Marguerite Keaggy, a Godly woman, died a week later. Her funeral mass filled the church with acquaintances, relatives, and friends of their large family. Phil, the ninth of ten siblings, has a younger sister named Geri. They share a deep connection and are kind to a fault.

At the time, Geri and I hung out together. After I’d scraped together $250 for a 1964 Chevy Nova, Geri and a friend or two (or three!) would pile into my rattletrap to go wherever Glass Harp played.

Once, when Geri spotted a hitchhiker, she morphed into Mother Teresa. Bouncing up and down on the front seat, she shouted, “Stop! Stop! Pick him up!”

So, I did, hoping she knew the young man. She didn’t. Back then, serial killers were lopping off limbs and filling roadside ditches with torsos. Fortunately, this friendly hippie didn’t have a sickle.

After a concert in Akron, Geri asked if the band could ride back to Youngstown with us. She said they didn’t want to wait for the roadies to pack their equipment. Daniel and Phil squeezed into the front. Geri, a friend, and John squeezed into the back.

Glass Harp August 1969. From left to right: Daniel Pecchio, John Sferra, Phil Keaggy.

As I pulled out of the parking lot, a grinding noise prompted Daniel to tell me, “Press all the way down on the pedal when you shift so the clutch doesn’t get worse.”

While doing that, the column shifter had to be held in place so it wouldn’t jump gears. Each time the transmission engaged, our heads snapped back as if we were on a roller coaster gone rogue.

When I dropped off Phil and Geri at their house, Geri said, “It’s late. Just spend the night and drive home in the morning.” We crashed on the living room floor.

Bright and early, Phil’s dad marched his rambunctious grandchildren into the octagon-shaped living room. There were no corners, so with his finger wagging, he ordered, “You stand there and you stand there and you stand there.” His tall height surprised me since Phil is shorter in stature.

Phil, who’d grown a mustache like his idol Paul McCartney, showed me his new tape deck. I showed him my recently completed Beatles scrapbook. He said, “I’ll give you fifty bucks if you make me one.” My magazines were trashed, so I couldn’t.

He then told me about his oldest sister Mary Ellen (Kay) Keaggy. “She’s an actress. She’s the one who took baby Moses out of the basket in the movie The Ten Commandments.” Adding that, “Mary Ellen can speak in tongues.”

Phil shared how she guided him toward finding peace in Jesus following their mother’s death. He said her influence helped awaken his faith, leading him to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Phil’s music began to reflect his newfound spirituality, fulfilling his mother’s prayers for him to use his talent for good.

Glass Harp’s sound evolved from the Beatles’ genre to long improvisational instrumental pieces. Some songs they performed had incredible starts with no defined endings. They often closed their shows with Donovan’s “Season of the Witch,” a never-ending jam song that melted your brain.

As 1970 progressed, managers Chip Killinger and Bill Able succeeded Geoff Jones, who’d been instrumental in Glass Harp’s early success. The group began getting lucrative bookings and opening for well-known bands. They recorded their debut album, Glass Harp, and their popularity in Ohio soared.

Over the next couple of years, Glass Harp released two more albums, Synergy and It Makes Me Glad. They even played at the renowned Carnegie Hall. I continued to follow them, but attended only local concerts, which became fewer and fewer. The Glass Harp Fan Club did a slow fade.

While still with Glass Harp, Phil composed and sang many Christian-themed songs. In 1972, filled with a longing to please God, Phil left Glass Harp. He pursued a solo career in Jesus Music, which evolved into Contemporary Christian music. Eventually, he earned global recognition as a songwriter and instrumentalist.

I last saw Phil perform with Dan and John at a sold-out reunion concert in October of 2000 at Powers Auditorium in Youngstown. Members of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Isaiah Jackson, collaborated with Glass Harp.

When the trio took the stage, they ignited a whistling, stomping standing ovation. It reminded me of a Beatles’ concert I attended in 1966 at Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium. But Glass Harp’s followers didn’t scream, sob, swoon, faint, or wet their pants. They erupted in joyful praise for music that celebrated the Lord.

Phil, one of the most highly regarded guitarists in music today, doesn’t look as much like Paul McCartney anymore. But he’s still adorable.

Phil Keaggy and Paul McCartney 1991

Enter your email address below to receive new blog posts in your inbox

PLEASE SHARE

Published by Nancy Homlitas

The stories and photographs I share are meant to brighten moods and spawn smiles. There's nothing more hilarious than a true experience, especially in hindsight! And there's nothing more uplifting than a pleasing picture, particularly if it enhances a story. As a feel good bonus, blog posts will include relevant bible verses.

53 thoughts on “Memories of Phil Keaggy and Glass Harp: A Musical Beginning”

  1. Thanks Nancy. This is great. You have so much material here I have never seen or read and your personal stories are invaluable. I love all the first-hand history of Phil’s early days. You have also added more first person knowledge regarding his salvation. Phil Keaggy has obviously been a great force and witness for the Lord Jesus over half a century and was an early Christian music pioneer. I was fortunate to meet Phil a couple of times after shows. He’s a great guy, very low key, and humble as you know. He has a great testimony and you have added much to that. Thanks again for a great article! Blessings

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. You’re welcome, R.J. I appreciate your feedback. The Jesus Revolution fired up around the same time Glass Harp was a trio and kick started Contemporary Christian music. But, you’re right, Phil Keaggy was there at the beginning paving the way with his testimony. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your thoughts. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  2. Thank you Nancy, I enjoyed reading this background piece on Phil Keaggy which was new to me. I love hearing/reading about the history of musicians. I enjoyed “Can You See Me” which I thought was very like Second Chapter of Acts in style.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. You’re welcome, Alan. I also enjoy reading bios about musicians. It’s easier to connect with their music if you’re familiar with their journey and what influenced them. I’m glad you enjoyed “Can You See Me.” It’s one of my favorites. Thanks for commenting, Alan. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  3. you know i am always looking forward to your articles Nancy. this was brilliant and heartfelt. thank you for taking us through your childhood in Ohio with Phil and Glass Harp as a reference point. i find recollections like this to be so poignant. And to hear of such devotion to your faith, not only from him but of your journey – it’s so inspiring. God Bless and again, thank you for sharing your life experiences! Mike

    Like

    Reply

    1. You’re welcome, Mike. I greatly appreciate your insightful comments and your kind words. One of the fun things about blogging is having the opportunity to share personal experiences that help us connect with one another. You really learn about people and you learn about what they know-and it’s interesting! God bless you, Mike. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

    1. What about Elvis? Kids and adults sure did get worked up over his performances. At the time, you were probably busy singing with your own music group that included your sister and cousins. So you weren’t out of it-you were into it! Thanks for commenting, Joy. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

      1. Well, you are welcome, Nancy. Truthfully, I had more to say but unexpected (welcome) guests arrived at our front door just when I was typing my comment to you! 😇 I loved reading about ‘early’ Phil Keaggy days; especially from your personal experience and perspective. I have been a fan of Phil Keaggy for decades. Finally got to see him live in Monterey, California, in 2012. Fantastic. One of my favorite tidbits about him is that apparently when someone asked Jimi Hendrix who his favorite guitarist was, he said Phil Keaggy! That may be apocryphal, but it may not be, too! Anyway, yeah, I love Phil Keaggy, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your personal history with him and seeing the photos. Yay! ~Ed.

        Liked by 1 person

        Reply

        1. Thanks again, Ed! I’m delighted you enjoyed my nostalgic memories and have remained a loyal fan of Phil Keaggy. Some of the pictures in this post I had made wallet-sized copies to mail out to fan club members. Glass Harp/Phil Keaggy was scheduled to have another reunion concert locally in May of 2020. I bought my tickets early and still have them. The concert was cancelled due to COVID. 🙂

          Liked by 1 person

          Reply

  8. Such fun to read about this chapter of your life, Nancy. To become acquainted with an up-and-coming musician, start a fan club, and even befriend his sister–those were bragging rights for any teenager of the late 60s, early 70s! How wonderful that Phil Keaggy became a Christian and turned his talents toward contemporary worship music.

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. Phil’s commitment to nurturing the spiritual growth of others through his music had a significant impact on the lives of his followers/listeners. I’m glad you enjoyed reading about this time of my life-before cell phones! Thank you for commenting, Nancy! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  9. Great memories! How awesome is that picture of Phil when he was 17! I still have albums from the Contemporary Christian era before it became so commercialized. I never saw Phil in concert but saw just about all of the other popular groups at the time, at least the ones that spent time on the West coast. It was a great time to be a young adult. God was moving in a great way then.
    Thank you for sharing!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. You’re welcome, Chris. Glass Harp played during the Jesus Revolution movement. A fun time! That’s likely why the Christian genre was initially referred to as Jesus music. The Christian music scene was overflowing with talented bands back then. You’re fortunate to have enjoyed so many of them in person. I have to agree-that was a fabulous era to be a teenager. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed my memories of Phil and Glass Harp. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  11. I sheepishly have to admit I had never heard of Glass Harp until I read your article. I do remember my first girlfriend loved her Tiger Beat magazines. Apparently, I didn’t quite measure up to Leif Garrett.😊 No complaints. I’m a happily married man with the best wife.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Haha! If you hadn’t heard of Phil Keaggy and Glass Harp, then I’m happy to have introduced you to them. I know you appreciate good music, so you may want to check out some of Phil’s albums online. Phenomenal guitar playing! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Pete. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  12. Nancy, I felt an encouraging nudge to drop in today. Quite the thrill to follow the musical journey of Phil Keaggy and Glass Harp. His progression into Christian music opened a much wider avenue for his love of music and the Lord. And yes, he still resembles Paul McCartney (found a much later photo). Your personal photos and time following Phil and his group add so much to this post.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks for checking out my blog, Mike. It’s awesome to hear you had a blast reading about Phil’s music and his transition into Contemporary Christian. I wanted to use a picture of Phil with Paul McCartney at the end of the story, but I couldn’t get permission from the owner of the pic-no response. I appreciate your comments, Mike. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

    1. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Jesus Revolution peaked. It was a fun time to share your faith. Thanks, SlimJim, for your interest in my story about Phil, a Contemporary Christian Music pioneer, and Glass Harp. I appreciate your comment. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  14. No wonder you did such a good job promoting the band with Tiger Beat and the fan club – you really know how to make memories palpable! When you described, “My flaming red face of shame nearly incinerated my eyebrows.” I could feel it all the way! What a lovely tribute of Phil and his path through music and life. Thank you for sharing!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Hi, Cheri! It’s great to hear from you. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed the story. I appreciate your thoughtful words and the interest you’ve shown. It really brightens my day! 🙂

      Like

      Reply

    1. It certainly was an exciting time to write about! If you do a search on Phil Keaggy, you’ll find many articles extolling him as a phenomenal guitarist. Thank you, Mary, for sharing your thoughts. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  21. Reading this reminds me of a fun memory in my own childhood. I was in 4th grade when the Beatles first appeared on the Ed Sullivan show. My cousin Kathy was babysitting, and she put on quite a show! Screaming, pulling her hair, the whole nine yards. We’re both in our 70s now and I still tease her about it. So glad to see you writing again. May you have a happy and blessed new year!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. My heart used to flutter when I watched the Beatles on television. Their music had a way of energizing devoted fans, like your cousin, into a frenzy. I’m delighted my post reminded you of those fun memories. Thanks, Debi Sue, for sharing your reflections. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

  22. What a great story, Nancy! I so appreciate these stories from the “early days” of rock music in the 1960’s. I wasn’t alive then, but it seems like such a simpler time…there was so much musical talent that had to be shared the old fashioned, hard work, passionate way.
    Nowadays people can tell AI to write a song as they lay in bed…that’s cheating!

    Thanks for taking us along on your ride, and introducing me to Glass Harp and its members. I just listened to some songs on YouTube…clearly a talented group! Praise God that Phil used his talent to praise the Lord, how awesome is that!👍🏻👍🏻😃😃

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Eric. I’m glad you enjoyed my post. Phil Keaggy was in at the ground floor of Contemporary Christian Music and inspired many in the CCM genre. If musicians get used to not using their own minds to create music, their creativity will be lost. Glass Harp would push their musical boundaries with long drawn-out songs that featured guitar, drums, flute, etc. Those instrumental improvisations showcased their skills. That’s great that you checked out some of Glass Harp’s music from back in the awesome days of rock music. God bless you, Eric. 🙂

      Like

      Reply

Leave a comment