JOHN MICHAEL TALBOT

'John Michael Talbot' (b. May 8, 1954) is an American Catholic singer guitarist who is founder of a monastic community, the Brothers and Sisters of Charity.

Contents

Biography

Discography

Albums

Bibliography

Books

by others

External links

Biography

He was born into a Methodist family with a musical background in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He had started learning to play the guitar by the age of 10. At fifteen he dropped out of school and was performing as a guitarist for Mason Proffit, a country folk/rock band formed with Terry, his older brother. The band produced five albums and was one of the forerunners of more successful country rock bands such as the Eagles.
As success beckoned, Talbot embarked on a spiritual journey that took him via everything from Native American religion, Buddhism, to Christianity. At this point he and his brother joined the Jesus Movement, recording the album ''Reborn'' which was re-released by Sparrow Records(originally released as "The Talbot Bros." on the Warner Brothers label.)
Two solo albums followed for Talbot: ''John Michael Talbot'' (1976) and ''The New Earth'' (1977). Both of these were produced by Billy Ray Hearn. He married, then divorced, and his wife raised their daughter. Talbot then chose to withdraw from the public eye. Reading the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, he was inspired to begin studying at a Franciscan center in Indianapolis. He became a Catholic, and joined the Secular Franciscan Order in 1978. He started a house of prayer, The Little Portion, and planned to live as a hermit. But people kept asking for more music. So he has continued to produce guitar and vocal music in a contemplative style.
He moved the House of Prayer to land in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, which he had purchased in his Mason Proffit days. He formed his own community, the Brothers and Sisters of Charity at Little Portion Hermitage. It is an "integrated monastic community," with celibate brothers and sisters, singles, and families. In 1989 John Michael married (with church permission), Viola Pratka, a former Incarnate Word Sister who had come to the community in 1986. He is General Minister and Spiritual Father. For many years John Michael has promoted the work of Mercy Corps, a top rated humanitarian relief agency.
He keeps up an active recording and touring schedule.

Discography

Albums

 1. Reborn (1975)

 2. John Michael Talbot'' (1976)

 3. The New Earth'' (1977)

 4. The Lord's Supper'' (1979)

 5. Beginnings / The Early Years'' (1980)

 6. Come to the Quiet'' (1980)

 7. The Painter'' (1980)

 8. For the Bride'' (1981)

 9. Troubadour of the Great King'' (1981)

10. Light Eternal'' (1982)

11. Songs For Worship Vol. 1'' (1982)

12. No Longer Strangers'' (1983)

13. The God of Life'' (1984)

14. Songs For Worship Vol. 2'' (1985)

15. The Quiet'' (1985)

16. Be Exalted'' (1986)

17. Empty Canvas'' (1986)

18. The Heart of the Shepherd'' (1987)

19. Quiet Reflections'' (1987)

20. The Regathering'' (1988)

21. Master Collection'' (1988)

22. The Lover and the Beloved'' (1989)

23. Come Worship the Lord Vol. 1'' (1990)

24. Come Worship the Lord Vol. 2'' (1990)

25. Hiding Place'' (1990)

26. The Birth of Jesus'' (1990)

27. The Master Musician'' (1992)

28. Meditations in the Spirit'' (1993)

29. Meditations from Solitude'' (1994)

30. Chant from the Hermitage'' (1995)

31. The John Michael Talbot Collection'' (1995)

32. The Talbot Brothers Collection'' (1995)

33. Brother to Brother'' (1996)

34. Our Blessing Cup'' (1996)

35. Troubadour for the Lord'' (1996)

36. Table of Plenty'' (1997)

37. Hidden Pathways'' (1998)

38. Pathways of the Shepherd'' (1998)

39. Pathways to Solitude'' (1998)

40. Pathways to Wisdom'' (1998)

41. Quiet Pathways'' (1998)

42. Spirit Pathways'' (1998)

43. Cave of the Heart'' (1999)

44. Simple Heart'' (2000)

45. Wisdom'' (2001)

46. Signatures'' (2003)

47. City of God'' (2005)

48. Monk Rock'' (2005)

49. The Beautiful City'' (2006)

50. Living Water'' (2007)

Bibliography

Books

★ ''The Music of Creation: Foundations of a Christian Life'' — (Tarcher/Putnam) (1999) ISBN 1-58542-037-9

★ ''Changes: A Spiritual Journal'' — (Troubadour For The Lord) ISBN 1-883803-00-4

★ ''Blessings: Reflections On The Beatitudes'' — (Crossroads Publishing) ISBN 0-8245-1077-1

★ ''Come To The Quiet: The Principles Of Christian Meditation'' — (J.P. Tarcher) ISBN 1-58542-144-8

★ ''The Fire Of God'' — (Troubadour For The Lord) ISBN 1-883803-01-2

★ ''Hermitage: A Place Of Prayer & Spiritual Renewal'' — (Troubadour For The Lord) ISBN 1-57921-040-6

★ ''The Joy Of Music Ministry'' (Resurrection Press) ISBN 1-878718-63-0

★ ''Lessons Of St. Francis: Bring Simplicity & Spirituality Into Your Daily Life'' — (Plume Books) ISBN 0-452-27834-1

★ ''The Lover And The Beloved: A Way Of Franciscan Prayer'' — (Troubadour For The Lord) ISBN 1-883803-04-7

★ ''Meditations From Solitude: A Mystical Theology From The Christian East'' — (Troubadour For The Lord) ISBN 1-883803-05-5

★ ''Reflections On The Gospels, Vol. 1: Daily Devotions For Radical Christian Living'' — (Troubadour For The Lord) ISBN 1-883803-02-0

★ ''Reflections On The Gospels, Vol. 2: Daily Devotions For Radical Christian Living'' — (Troubadour For The Lord) ISBN 1-883803-03-9

★ ''Reflections On The Gospels, VOL. 3: A Passion For God'' — (Servant Publications) ISBN 0-89283-705-5

★ ''Simplicity'' (with Dan O'Neill) — (Troubadour For The Lord) ISBN 0-89283-635-0

★ ''The Way Of The Mystics: Ancient Wisdom For Today'' (with Steve Rabey) — (Jossey-Bass)ISBN 0-7879-7572-9

by others

★ ''Troubadour for the Lord: The Story of John Michael Talbot'' by Dan O'Neill — (Crossroad Publishing) (1983) ISBN 0-8245-0567-0

★ ''Signatures: The Story Of John Michael Talbot'' by Dan O'Neill — (Troubadour For The Lord) (2004) ISBN 1-883803-10-1 (revised version of his earlier biography "Troubadour for the Lord")

External links

★ His Website

★ Management & Booking

★ Community Website

★ Review: ''Monk Rock'' at The-Trades.com

★ Unofficial Tour Blog