Rich Mullins Last Song "The Breaks"

My brother Caleb's book about Rich's visit to our home: www.amazon.com/Meeting-Rich-Li...
This video was filmed by Sharon Henryson in 1997. In September of that year, Rich Mullins and Mitch McVicker stayed with the Kruse family while recording Mitch's first solo album in Illinois. During their 3 weeks of staying there, Rich and Mitch were kind enough to perform some of their music. This video was taken about 2 weeks before the car accident that tragically took Rich Mullins' life on September 19 of 1997. I was 16 at the time, and this meeting of Rich influenced my life greatly. I recently asked my mom what the noise in the background was. She said she was making dinner for everyone and she apologizes for the loud cutting noise!
In September of 1997 some family friends asked my parents if they could host "a few musicians" for "a few weeks", not saying who the musicians were. My mom agreed, and Rich Mullins, Mitch McVicker, Eric Hauck and Michael Aukofer showed up a few days later. When they arrived, my mom thought Rich was joking when he told her his name!
I remember the first time I met Rich Mullins in my living room. "Isn't Jesus amazing..." he said. It shocked me, and I agreed with him simply out of conviction. But he meant it! Also - he told me that his managers told him he "looked like sh*t". To hear that word come out of Rich's mouth kind of shocked me at the time, though I know that Rich had a reputation of speaking honestly and occasionally shocking people.
One day during those three weeks, Rich and Mitch invited my family and a couple of friends to the studio for a day. The studio was an old abandoned church in Elgin (Chicago suburb) filled with thousands of dollars of equipment, instruments and computers. I remember ash trays filled with cigarettes in the studio upstairs as Rich and Mitch were meticulously recording Mitch's first album.
I also remember showing Rich my first song that I had written. He listened intently and told me, "Not bad for a first song". Honestly, though, he was just being generous - something Rich did quite well.
One story my mom told me was when Rich came home from recording late one night and shared with her that he was going to write a new song that night. "How do you just write a song?" My mom asked. "How do you cook as well as you do?" He asked back. The next morning my mom asked him if he had written a new song last night. He then performed a finished "All The Way To Kingdom Come" for her.
This "encounter" with Rich also created new friendships. Among other amazing experiences, I have had the opportunity to work as a musician and learn from Rich Mullin's percussionist - Michael Aukofer. Michael has become an award winning international composer, and he currently leads the music program at West Ridge community church in Elgin, Illinois, where I also get to perform on a regular basis. It's amazing how a moment can alter the entire direction of our lives!

[@timothymaynard5122]

Can I tell you beautiful people something? I have become hardenened by some of the things I have seen in my life. Rich's music melts my heart everytime. Yeshua is my love and I will be with Him as I listen to Rich's music in heaven. For you see, those who humble themselves shall be exalted. Thank you for sharing this jewel. Brian.

[@karenworley241]

I soo agree!!! Only his music, his heart does that, he's helped me through some really tragic times💙🎶✝️👏🏼

[@karenworley241]

Same here!! He's still my first choice, not only his music but he's a friend, he truly loved people, so much like Jesus 💙✝️🎶

[@PeterKruseMusic]

@SceneBackstage Yeah Rich spent the last 3 weeks of his life at my parent's. I was 16 at the time and I slept on the couch while he took my room. It blew me away and I was blessed to have met him and witness his beautiful music and love for people. Stay tuned as I post more videos from a concert he performed less than 1 week before his tragic death. He is still missed by many, though many years have passed. Still, heaven is a better place with him in it! Pete

[@SOMERJOY1]

Peter Kruse you were blessed to have known him, we were blessed by his music. He gave voice to normal everyday people who may have had struggles in their lives, without words to say how they felt. Until then...

[@PeterKruseMusic]

@@user-wq4xy5tf8x Yes he definitely smoked! Saw him smoking a few times and he would roll his own cigarettes I think. Amazing dream you had! Rich was also becoming Catholic. He was truly a special and unique soul.

[@davidbwoo]

Do you know when/where he recorded “All the Way to Kingdom Come” and the rest of The Jesus Demos? Just wondering, as you said he finished it there with y’all a couple of weeks before he died.

[@PeterKruseMusic]

@@davidbwoo I think about a week before he passed away. BTW check out a channel called the ragamuffin archive for some more info and Rich videos!

[@davidbwoo]

@@PeterKruseMusic already subscribed for a while now! Love that channel.

[@jenniferpruitt6534]

Rich and Keith Green are in Heaven doing praise jams for the Lord right now! Wish I could have seen them live...

[@objectivitycave11]

sure do miss them.. there is no difference between the christian musicians of today and the world

[@slares111]

My two favorites! It’s very interesting to me the radically different takes each had on the Catholic Church

[@growtocycle6992]

@@slares111 what view did Keith Green ever have of the Catholic church? I'm genuinely curious. They both are my favourite songwriters of all time. Sometimes by step... When I hear the praises start. Two sides of the same coin!

[@archershillnursery]

These two are my favorite artists - ironically God took them both. I appreciate their honesty about the Christian walk. Rich had his struggles but he was a sincere child of God.

[@HeartVisions]

I went to his 2nd to last concert in an old church right outside of Dallas one month before the accident. I can't believe I was 20 feet away from him and never got to meet him. He slipped off stage (which was his custom) during the last song. I have everything he's ever done and still listen to it daily. He was one of a kind and there will never be another Rich Mullins. Thanks SO much for posting this. It is VERY special..

[@BabyAlbatrossMusic]

I remember crying when I heard he passed over. The one year anniversary of his death I was listening to the Jesus Album while driving and my wife was with me, and tears welled up again. When I was at my extreme edge of rebellion-- it was some of his songs that the Spirit would echo through my heart---to this day I believe he is among that "Cloud of witnesses" cheering on us fellow believers. I look forward to finally meeting him in heaven. This video really ministered to my soul tonight. Thank u

[@ambermarchand7079]

Rich Mullins was one of the greatest singers I heard in my lifetime.

[@worstworkshop]

This is so amazing. Rich is my favorite musician, and I'd never heard this. It amazes me that the world doesn't just stop when he plays. But then again, it never stopped anytime he played, did it? Maybe it should have.

[@BWylupek]

Oh -- and to see that man play the hammer dulcimer live was INCREDIBLE!

[@christa526]

What a treasure. I wonder if there is anyone who could isolate Rich's vocals and remove the little one's background scratching and banging... I would love to have this song. There has never been another songwriter like Rich Mullins. He delivered his gifts then went home. He is now where his wandering heart always longed to be. May we all be so blessed.

[@Linda-lo4oy]

First time I heard this I thought it to be my least liked of all Mullins works. I am 66 this year, he would be too. I find this song playing in the back of my mind lately as soon as I wake. I first heard it here, at this homey site- Thank you for sharing this- And keeping it here. Namaste

[@PeterKruseMusic]

I agree. It's a beautiful song! God bless

[@kellyhunt8950]

Are you aware that you can see your Mother's reflection in Rich's guitar? That's beautiful.

[@yasminelove3665]

I was blessed to see Rich in concert about 3 times, I think. The first time was at the CCMA seminar in Estes Park, CO in the early 1990s. I had listened to his The World As Best Vol. 1 & 2 while I drove alone from central California through AZ, up through NV and through the Rockies to Estes Park, then back home to CA through CO, NM and AZ. His albums on that drive gave me a massive spiritual awakening I’ll never forget. But when he performed at the seminar, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Baggy shorts, baggy t-shirt, long hair and bare feet. And if that wasn’t enough, his commentary during the concert was HILARIOUS! He was SO FUNNY! I could not believe the amazing persona and love for Jesus that was Rich Mullins. There will never, ever be another like him...

[@praisesingers]

I've noticed that everytime I listen to him he very often talked about death. There was a time when he said we were all going to die of something so we might as well going out doing something we like so eat some cholestrol. In one song he says If I weep, let it be as a man who is longing for his home. He was not afraid of death. I know he was badly injured but if he was aware and saw that truck coming at him, I can't help but think he might have been glad he ate that last cookie. He's home now.

[@objectivitycave11]

yeah, that's what the music industry will do to a creative individual that believes in the Infinite Grace of Christ.. i really hope i get to jam with him in Heaven

[@thereseklopfenstein3398]

According to the EMT who was called to the scene when Rich died, he died immediately when he was thrown from his jeep. He was not killed by the truck.

[@sarahmatthews5878]

@@thereseklopfenstein3398 That's because God called him home, and when He does, He will not send the angel of death in the form of a truck who gathers him, but a sweet chariot which will sweep down and scoop him up and see him to the gates of Heaven.

[@marcostapiz3568]

This video gets me every time. Rich is still my favorite singer.

[@tedhansen3846]

My late Father-in-law and I were moving from Colorado to Alabama in 1985. I took a wrong turn and got us temporarily lost in Greenville, TX. For some reason I fell in love with Greenville. I was thinking, " wouldn't this be far enough?" My wife's kinrelatives lived in Alabama. I had never seen greenery like this! Beautiful! This was before Rich's rise to fame and I had no idea he was from Greenville until I saw Ragamuffin. You are an awesome believer and artist Rich! Awesome believer and artist Rich

[@PeterKruseMusic]

I called it his last song because it is his last intimate video recording of just one song. I agree, such a great song. Thanks for the feedback!

[@joompah7]

miss you Rich, can't wait to get to sing with you Heaven

[@Godschild316]

We sing along, and one day we will all sing together in God's good Heaven. Stand strong dear Saints of the True Living God, Jesus the Christ 🙏🌹

[@salrios3720]

Love you Rich, wish I could have known you!!!!!

[@paulamehl3228]

In 1981, my brother introduced me to the music of Rich and Keith Green. It was a revelation! This was Christian music??? This music sustained me and my brother through many "dangers toils and snares" over the decades. A year ago next week my brother, Dave, went to be with Jesus. Guess what music was played at his home going??

[@relllackland5304]

I always have Rich's music in my work truck, where I spend a great deal of time. Only saw him once, in Chattanooga, TN. It's wonderful to get God glimpses of the lives he touched. He certainly touched mine and my entire family of four as well.

[@EternallyThankful-os6pz]

Rich was just a genuine Christian man that always exuded humility and honesty in his interviews - you really get the sense his success never went to his head or made him any more exalted than the regular folks around him... just so rare and cool. Always one of my favorite artists - his song "First Family" was one of my few very favorite songs just when I became a believer on the Lord Jesus Christ as my savior...his songs will forever be a treasure to me !! Thanks for sharing this one so we could enjoy just a little more music from Rich...I'm glad to have heard it !!!

[@katienoeller3574]

Thank you for sharing this video and the stories in the description. I just watched Ragamuffin. It is an honor to see God uses those who truly love Him regardless of how many times they fall, He never lets them fall completely.

[@mariecook622]

Having discovered Rich this year through the movie Ragamuffin, I’m left with both joy and sorrow that I never met him or heard his music live. However I am in a richer place because of him 💜🙏💜🙏 and grateful for all those who share his memories through videos, documentaries, movies and more.

[@rosewildbill6368]

this guy was more than a poet ...wow just awesome words to his music

[@loreliedelacruz7628]

I terribly miss this man especially his music! 😢😢😢

[@RDouglass1971]

I am very envious of your encounter with Rich. I met him in Houston after a concert in 1992 or 93. I don't remember which, but he really touched my heart with his poetic way of looking at life and that definitely came through in the concert. When he did "Ready for the Storm", he did the rain thing with the audience. I talked to him briefly after the show. I told him that he needn't ever worry about having any last heartfelt words when his time came, because he has said all he ever need to in his songs. I will watch this video every chance I can. Looking back, I wonder what his last spoken sentence was. Hmm. I think Mitch may be the only one that knows that, if he can even remember. I know he spent some time in a coma after the accident, so I doubt he can. I miss Rich so much.

[@tawanda34]

Thanks for letting us into you home to share that special moment...

[@joyfulbeth]

so awesome; never heard this one; thanks for posting and how cool to have met Rich; God's grace was so present in him, which I believe is why so many are drawn to him and his music! God bless you and looking forward to when we all can meet in Heaven!

[@mutinywxgirl]

I can't believe I've not seen this before! I agree, thank you for sharing. I miss him so very much, and seeing this now, I've got even more tears streaming down my cheeks. I had the profound pleasure of working with him briefly in Nashville as he first broke into the industry. How I miss him!!! This is exactly what we used to enjoy from him way back then. Thanks for the trip down memory lane for me right now - I'll shed even more tears.

[@hgdcbbgilnvd]

I enjoy your music and also having them in my videos and my journey in nature and my walk with Christ.

[@azaliasanchez226]

Thank you for sharing this. I just saw your documentary. I always wondered what he was doing before his accident. I remember that morning, and how my heart really felt his loss. Elijah was the first song that came to mind. "When I look back at the stars, it'll be like a candlelight in Central Park, but it won't break my heart to say goodbye." I was crying the whole day. Thank you again for sharing that special time, God knew what He was doing.

[@falconbrother1]

Wow!! Thank you so much. This is a gift. I miss Rich's presence in the world. He challenged and challenges me to be a better Christian. He set the standard high.

[@SheenaRea]

Oh this is precious. I'm so glad your family hosted this wonderful man. I treasure your videos and just came back to see them all again. Saw the documentary the other day too. Many many thanks Peter. God bless!!

[@florenciafigueroa6455]

I'm sad ☹️ to say that I never met you Rich.So , ....I'm looking forward to the day we do in Heaven🙌😘

[@KARENK72886]

This is so special. Thanks for sharing. RIP.

[@woodsand19]

What a beautiful memory to have and to share with us, thank you.

[@DrTTolentino]

Thank you for sharing this... Rich is still well missed.

[@Kenneth-nVA]

A couch and a humble genius! A gentle giant... thank you Rich for sharing your relationship with Jesus with the rest of us... your gift keeps on giving. Thank you Jesus for your blood, the cross and eternal life 🙏🏻 Blessings

[@PurpleIrishSweater]

This song is by far one of my favorites. I played it every time the job got to be too emotional during COVID. When the families called us liars, when the pastors spoke against wearing masks, when the President called my doctors greedy liars, I played this on my way home from the hospital. “Here is my heart…” Thank you for sharing this. I needed to remember.

[@markgieljoumie]

It’s hard to explain how much it means to me to see these tapes. Thanks for posting

[@PeterKruseMusic]

No problem. Thanks for watching!

[@markrichardson1637]

Thanks for sharing this video and your story about how Rich and other musicians stayed for a short time at your house when you were young. What a privilege and a blessing that must have been, and I can see how that encounter would have made quite a big impression on your life.

[@1980keb]

Thank you so much for posting this video along with writing the thorough description. This touched my soul tremendously. Much love and gratefulness to God for Rich Mullins life and ministry. And love to you as well, Brother.

[@MACTRUQUE]

I often think about how great the sound of chopping vegetables in the background is. Music for life.

[@PeterKruseMusic]

Yes... I guess my mom was cooking for everyone and didn't realize it was being filmed... Cheers!

[@AngiesCousin]

Looking forward to praising God with Rich and other amazing talents when we are in heaven. How awesome that you met him before he passed!

[@lynnwilliams1962]

Wonderful story--I have loved Rich's music for many years! ~LA

[@mywingedsoulfly136]

This is such a blessing! Thank you so much for sharing it! Oh my heart....

[@georgewettig1860]

to me he was a great friend

[@betseypadrutt5781]

This is so lovely... maybe a funny description but it just makes me tear up at the thought of the conversations you all had with Rich and his spontaneous responses... your mom must have loved it so much... miss hearing him

[@Caroline_T]

Thanks for posting this! He touches my heart every time I see and/hear him! Lyrics are so beautiful!!!

[@charleshaspel1068]

Thank you for sharing this...See ya in Heaven, Rich!

[@rhythmantic]

Wow, what a great story you shared, thanks for sharing. Rich was a very big influence on my Christian walk and on my musicianship.

[@JoLuna999]

I don't know why, but I'm tearing up

[@Radgranny58]

What a treasure. Thank you so much Pete for sharing this with us!

[@JohannesHans]

Thank you só much for sharing. Just tears ... again..

[@karlalae]

What a wonderful story to share! I've listened to this video many times, but never stopped & read your description. What a blessing! :)

[@LoneStarGranny]

Thank you so much for these videos. I miss Rich's music so much. No one can compare with him.

[@denisethorbjornsen7493]

We hope we'll hear them in heaven and be able to join in praise God

[@godlypoems1]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I fell in love with Rich Mullins when I was a teen. I used to play his music over and over and drive all my friends nuts, but I could never listen to his music enough. I was sad when he died, but I was happy for him that he was with the One he helped me to worship and love more.

[@choleyd]

the Psalmist of our time... thanks so much for sharing.

[@MrNurseDrew]

Thanks so much for sharing this! What an awesome treasure. Watched the movie Ragamuffin on Netflix the other day. Like others, I never knew how troubled Rich's life was. It was an inspiration to see someone so famous and influential in the Christian music industry so humble and real. He is so easy to relate to. Thanks for sharing and God bless!

[@EternallyThankful-os6pz]

Wow that's cool - thanks for sharing this - would've been lost to time otherwise - glad I got to enjoy this !!

[@whenicamein125]

This is probably my favorite song of Rich’s. I’m so glad you got to spend a lot of time with him. I’m planning on getting Caleb’s book

[@TruthWillSetYouFREE-]

Beautiful voice 👍👍

[@teebleezy8466]

Thank you for that story!

[@alex119460]

Thanks for posting:) Everytime I think I've heard/found every Rich performance/song/interview/book/article/video/etc. that exists, I come across something new I've never seen or heard before- Thanks for proving me wrong again; Such an unexpected blessing- Hopefully a sign of the start of a new positive/productive day filled with unexpected blessings:) (It's about 4am, and I was feeling discouraged until I unexpectedly found this while looking for something else.

[@oohyllab]

What an awesome thing to have spent that time with him. Probably a mixed emotion thing to see this. Great for him he is in Heaven, but sad for all to lose him. He was a beautiful soul. Thanks for the share!

[@tomsanders9491]

I have been blessed by Rich's music

[@JermaineGordon]

Thank you Pete...from one musician to another, you touched me with your story, bless you

[@darinmartinmusicpage]

Hello, thank you for posting this video and sharing this story. Rich was and continues to be a huge influence on my music. I had the chance to go to one of his concerts in Canada and it was amazing. So raw, so real and so full of Jesus. Your story has reminded me of how God can use everyday people (like your family taking in Rich and Co) for his glory. I would have given anything to be sitting in your living room listening to Rich share this song live. Blessings on you and your family.

[@witam5]

Thank you! Priceless. God bless you!

[@MarshallEFarris]

Thanks for sharing your personal experience and the hospitality of your parents which I'm sure you understand is a Miracle from God. Thanks also for your continued commitment to our LORD...take care and carry on...

[@converseaccesstelevision1243]

Thanks for sharing.

[@BestOf90sCCM]

Rich was the real deal. Thank You for this

[@ryer.2922]

Rich Mullins. A true original lover of Christ. He comes across as a genuine person. I admire his truthful disposition on life and his honest approach to God's kingdom. I listen to his music and his admiration for God still blows me away.

[@kelllygg]

WOW...thank you for sharing.

[@1942mom]

I like the ones that show him as he was.

[@neilcosentino3548]

I miss rich

[@gleesu]

If Paul was living in this time, he would have been Rich Mullins.

[@tomliemohn624]

What a great experience for your family. I look forward to hearing him perform along side Rick Elias for our king! Soon enough!

[@Raycgar]

Really awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@bemoguy]

Wow! That's pretty heavy; just to think about how the lives of other people touch each other, having such a significant effect. No wonder we often call them, "Divine connections"!Thank you for sharing this video, and the story behind it, brother! Blessings and Shalom to you.

[@PeterKruseMusic]

Thanks bro! We were definitely blessed by such an unlikely event. Rich was definitely "entertaining angles" here... :)

[@karengebhard1759]

How blessed you were.i miss him...

[@djski754]

Godspeed on your journey home....another beautiful voice has been silenced.

[@willfromyadkinville]

thank you!

[@JohannesHans]

What a privilege to have had Rich and the other guys staying at your house. Rich Mullins' songs and words means very very much to me. Thanks for posting this! Breaks of the Brother's Keeper album, one of Rich 's ca. 85 beautiful songs! Through every song of his, seeps the Love and Grace of Jesus... greetz from The Netherlands, bé God's! -hans (holdme-jesus. com)

[@michaelwilferd4075]

I miss you bro and see you soon

[@colettenasielski5281]

GOODBYE RICH MULLINS GOD BLESS

[@mcvicky524]

His last song is a treasure.

[@IamHisSheep]

Interesting read and song. Thanks for sharing it!

[@MoxieMike66]

I have a few of his CD's and I've never heard this one (including his last one w/the rough recording in the church). Thanks for sharing this!

[@dkshotwell]

this is a real gem.

[@ReneJohnMeldrum]

Rich;s music lives on!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Random-video]

good stuff.. just makes me happy

[@Random-video]

im still here.............................................

[@Random-video]

im from ohio and id gladdly give my life from my llord jesus to kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3XVY4eOnMeKm9U

[@embubbacakes]

@petekrusetunes Thank you this is such a blessing!

[@ragamuffin274]

Beautiful story. Rich was like no other.

[@DeanHaasJr]

beautiful

[@SimplyFanMade]

wow.. great story.. been following his career up to host death for many, many years. God Bless