 | Squeeky-clean Pat Boone, now 62, has grown up and gone metal since this photo taken in 1956 |
Still a Nice Guy? For years, he has been the Billy Graham of Christian music, so wholesome and clean-cut that popes seemed almost sinister by comparison. Well, no more. Pat Boone's soon- to- be- released album of heavy metal and classic rock songs have Christians abuzz over whether he has lost his soul or just his mind. Neither, said Boone, 62 whose new album, "In a Metal Mood, No More Mr. Nice Guy," is set for release Jan 28. The album will feature the '50s teen idol singing songs made famous by Van Halen, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne and others. Boone, who hosts the weekly television show "Gospel America," said he screened 150 metal songs for musical nuggets that reflect his values. He told Charisma magazine he believes metal music is filled with symbolism and messages similar to biblical prophecies. And though his album isn't Christian music, he has sanitized the metal screech with big band and jazz arrangements. "Our hope is that the music will appeal to people across the board," said Boone publicist Maureen Mata. "It's not a joke. He's very much the same Pat he has always been."
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