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Michael Knott, who changed the course of Christian rock, dies at 61

A prolific songwriter, Michael Knott confronted his demons with both bombast and a quietly fervent spirit.

An entire industry wouldn't exist without him, yet few know his name. Michael Knott, a brash and brilliant pioneer of the alternative Christian rock scene who challenged the faithful to examine their faults and hypocrisies, died Tuesday. Knott's cause of death is currently unknown. He was 61.

"To me, Michael Knott was larger than life," , his daughter, in a statement. "He was a kind, empathetic father and a creative genius. There is so much more to say about him, so much more to write, but in this

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