Christian Rock ‘n’ Roll’s John Rydgren

John Rydgren, who created one of the first Christian rock ‘n’ roll radio programs in the country and who has been heard on local airwaves for the last 14 years, died of heart failure Monday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 56.

Rydgren, who was known to his listeners as “Brother John,” was an ordained Lutheran minister who hosted a midday program on KRTH-AM and a Sunday program on KRTH-FM called “Heaven Is in Your Mind.”

“His death has been very devastating to the station. He was a wonderful man,” said KRTH program director Phil Hall.

Rydgren began his radio work in Minneapolis in the mid-1960s, when he began taping a Christian rock ‘n’ roll show called “Silhouette” from a church basement.

The show became so popular that it was nationally syndicated, and he was chosen to direct the American Lutheran Church’s national television, radio and film department, a post that he held from 1962 to 1968. He then went to New York City to become host of ABC radio’s nationally syndicated program, “Love Format.”

He moved to Southern California in 1972, working for KRLA, KOST, KROQ and KMET before moving to KRTH in 1977.

In 1982, he suffered a debilitating stroke while on the air, and physicians predicted that he would never be able to talk again. However, with therapy he overcame his physical impairment and began taping commercials in 1985. The following year he was given his own show again.

Rydgren, who was born in North Dakota and grew up in Seattle, graduated with a divinity degree from Pacific Lutheran University in Washington. He is survived by his wife and three children.

The funeral service, which is open to the public, is planned for 3 p.m. Friday at Hill Avenue Grace Lutheran Church, 73 N. Hill St., Pasadena. The family suggests donations to the church.