I'm going to put some history to this before I tell you what I learned. Some of you already know this but some of you may not, so I'm going to fill in the blanks for those. Forty plus years ago I met a gentleman, he was one of the most talented people I had ever met. He wasn't showy or flashy but when he sat down to play the piano, the melody that followed was magical. He had a gentle smile and eyes that twinkled when he was playing those fast beat songs. He played for the Kingsmen quartet and I was convinced no one could ever be any better than he was.
When the time came for him to move on, I hated it. I told Eldridge Fox, 'you'll never find anyone that can play as good as he can'. Now for those that are SGM lovers you know that Eldridge hired Anthony Burger and he was amazing, he was a genius at the piano although his style was very different. And I loved Anthony like a brother, if Nick had not left I would have never met this fun loving friend.
But through the years Nick Bruno continued to make a mark on SGM, he was a talented studio musician, producer, and mentor of young talent. He was behind the scenes most of the time, a place that he fit well, not because he couldn't be out front but because he could have a greater impact where he was.
The recording business has its share of the 'shysters' for lack of a better word. The ones that don't really care if you have talent as long as you have the $$ to record. The ones that tell you that you can be great when talent wise you are mediocre at best. (Now don't get on your 'we're singing for the Lord and that's all that matters high horse', if someone is taking your money to record, they need to be honest with you on your chances that you can sell what you are recording).
Nick is a kind and gracious man, but he is also honest. He doesn't lead people on, he provides honest feedback to help them grow if they are willing to do that but he is always honest. Over the years I read articles he wrote calling the industry as a whole to set standards of excellence because we serve a great God that deserves our best. I continued to admire this man and his quiet, yet firm resolve to give to the Lord his best.
So what does this have to do with the movie The War Room? Well, Miss Clara was inspired by Nick Bruno's mom, Molly Bruno. As I saw that information, my mind went back to the man that I had watched and admired for years and I saw how firm the foundation was built for his spiritual growth. It is easy to see how the prayers of his mother were answered in her son's life. It is easy to see the sure, steadiness that her influence gave him.
I, like many of you, love The War Room and Miss Clara. But even greater as a mom to see the results Miss Molly saw in her life time on her family. I still admire Nick Bruno and I respect his knowledge but now I also know and respect his heritage. I respect the love and dedication his mother had. I've seen the results of living the 'Miss Clara' life in the flesh. Thank you Miss Molly for the fine man you gave birth to and raised. I did not know the depth of his heritage until now but for 40 plus years I have seen the results. As a mother and grandmother this gives me hope and resolve.
As I watched an interview with Miss Molly, I saw the same smile, the same twinkle, the same quiet unassuming spirit that I have witnessed time and time again watching Nick. I was always impressed with the man that he was. I doubt he had any idea that over the years I had watched him and been impressed by his solid, soft yet strong character.
After learning this information, I am not surprised that this is the heritage of Nick Bruno, his life has shown it for years.
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