Also known as: Crusaders, The
Origin: Los Angeles, CA, USA
The Crusaders is considered by most to have been the first ever Christian rock band, releasing the earliest LP of that genre titled Make A Joyful Noise With Drums And Guitars in 1966. The group had actually formed a couple of years earlier while still attending Westchester High School and was originally christened Freddy & The Fanatics after member Fred Barnett (lead guitar). The rest of the lineup consisted of Danny Altchuler (rhythm guitar), Walt Flannery (lead vocals, keyboards), Mike Joyce (bass) and last but not least, Fred's brother Jeff Barnett (drums). According to Fred Barnett, one of…