About
"When you have something real to talk about, specifically with people who had problems: marital problems, relationships, broken homes, people in depression, people in great need, they're looking for answers. Mr. Graham realized that this was the greatest means of reaching the people he'd been called to preach to."
In his one-and-a-half-hour interview, Cliff Barrows (1923-2016) discusses dedicating his life to Christian service when he was in high school and studying radio broadcasting at Bob Jones College. He describes becoming a church music director in Minnesota and details the turning point in his life -- when he met Rev. Billy Graham in 1945 and began a 60-plus-year association with the famous evangelist. He recalls the formation of the Billy Graham Evangelical Association and talks of serving as musical director and announcer on Graham's radio show, The Hour of Decision. Barrows explains his programming responsibilities when Graham moved to television, and comments on the expansion of Graham's television ministry to include satellite use and worldwide distribution. Barrows concludes by speaking in-depth about the legacy of Billy Graham and how the ministry responded to crucial moments in history -- including the assassination of John F. Kennedy and 9/11. Karen Herman conducted the interview on May 1, 2003 in San Diego, CA.
Highlights
Cliff Barrows on coming up with $25,000 to put Billy Graham on the radio
Cliff Barrows on meeting Billy Graham
Cliff Barrows on his comfort in front of the camera
Cliff Barrows on his joy from hearing groups of people sing
Cliff Barrows on the power of television
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On his childhood and early influences; on his love of music and Christian service
On his college years and radio work; on playing the trombone and joining Youth for Christ and meeting Billy Graham
On the formation of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, a corporation to allow for the purchase of radio time for the Reverend Graham's forthcoming show
Chapter 2
On Billy Graham's first radio program; on his early experiences on television with The Hour of Decision
On how the ministry and Reverend Graham responded to Communism, the Civil Rights Movement, and JFK's assassination; on Billy Graham's relationships with U.S. Presidents
Chapter 3
On Reverend Graham's response to 9/11; on getting people to sing and directing the choir; on how he selects music; on how his audience has changed
On the challenges of being a music director; on being in dangerous situations; on Worldwide Pictures; on his own television viewing habits
On his proudest achievement; on the future of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association; on advice to those who want to use the power of television to spread the gospel; on Billy Graham's legacy; on how he'd like to be remembered
Shows
Hour of Decision
Cliff Barrows on Reverend Billy Graham's first radio show, The Hour of Decision
Cliff Barrows on early episodes of Reverend Billy Graham's first television show, The Hour of Decision
Topics
9/11
Cliff Barrows on his response to 9/11
Civil Rights Movement
Cliff Barrows on Billy Graham's response to the Civil Rights Movement
Historic Events and Social Change
Cliff Barrows on Billy Graham's response to JFK's Assassination
Cliff Barrows on Billy Graham's response to the Civil Rights Movement
Cliff Barrows on his response to 9/11
Hollywood Blacklist
Cliff Barrows on Billy Graham's response to the threat of Communism
Industry Crossroads
Cliff Barrows on Billy Graham's response to the threat of Communism
JFK Assassination and Funeral
Cliff Barrows on Billy Graham's response to JFK's Assassination
Television Industry
Cliff Barrows on Billy Graham's response to the threat of Communism
Professions
Music Director
Cliff Barrows on becoming permanent music director for Reverend Billy Graham
Cliff Barrows on his biggest challenge as a music director
Cliff Barrows on how he selects music
Music Professionals
Cliff Barrows on becoming permanent music director for Reverend Billy Graham
Cliff Barrows on his biggest challenge as a music director
Cliff Barrows on how he selects music
Genres
Religious Programming
Cliff Barrows on the formation of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, a corporation to allow for the purchase of radio time for the Reverend Graham's forthcoming show
Cliff Barrows on early episodes of Reverend Billy Graham's first television show, The Hour of Decision
People
Billy Graham
Cliff Barrows on being inspired by evangelists Billy Sunday and Billy Graham
Cliff Barrows on meeting evangelist Billy Graham and leading music for him
Cliff Barrows on Reverend Billy Graham's first radio show, The Hour of Decision
Cliff Barrows on Reverend Billy Graham's first television show, The Hour of Decision
Cliff Barrows on Billy Graham's response to 9/11
Cliff Barrows on Billy Graham's missions to politically dangerous areas and on Graham's involvement with Worldwide Pictures
Cliff Barrows on Billy Graham's legacy
John F. Kennedy
Cliff Barrows on Billy Graham's response to JFK's Assassination
Billy Sunday
Cliff Barrows on being inspired by evangelist Billy Sunday