Charlie Peacock on Music, Meaning, Power, and Surrender
What does it mean to follow God’s will in your life—like a dot or a circle? Charlie Peacock, a Grammy Award-winning producer and artist, addresses this question in his new memoir, Roots & Rhythm. He delves into topics like finding your calling, healing from the past, and letting go of power.
In a recent conversation with Russell Moore, Peacock opens up about the middle-school debates on “Christian music,” revealing almost a fistfight over Amy Grant. Beyond these light-hearted topics, they discuss deeper questions like fame, ambition, and why some artists thrive while others burn out over time.
Peacock shares insights from his experiences producing music for artists like Amy Grant, Switchfoot, and The Civil Wars. He reflects on what he’s learned about success from both visible and hidden economies, as described by Wendell Berry.
Throughout the conversation, Peacock and Moore cover a wide range of topics, including Zen Buddhism, AI, and the future of music. Peacock shares personal stories, like finding a note after his mother’s passing, encounters with Kierkegaard, and living with grace as an antidote to karma.
They also touch on cultural influences like Frederick Buechner and Merle Haggard, as well as fatherhood, the importance of a circle of affirmation, and the value of failure in the journey to success.
If you’re interested in exploring the intersection of art and faith in today’s technology-driven and ambitious world, this conversation offers a hopeful and human perspective.
Resources mentioned in the episode include Peacock’s book, “Roots & Rhythm: A Life in Music,” Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road: The Original Scroll,” and “Distant Neighbors: The Selected Letters of Wendell Berry and Gary Snyder.”
For listeners of The Russell Moore Show, there’s a special offer of 25% off a subscription to CT magazine.
Whether you’re a fan of Peacock’s work or simply intrigued by the dynamics of art and faith, this conversation provides a refreshing perspective on navigating life’s journeys and finding purpose along the way.
