Larnelle Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Larnelle Harris
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Larnelle Performing
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Larnelle Steward Harris |
| Born | July 6, 1947 Danville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Genres | Gospel, contemporary Christian |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals, saxophone, drums |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Associated acts | The Spurrlows, First Gear, Gaither Vocal Band, Sandi Patty |
Larnelle Steward Harris, born on July 6, 1947, is a famous American gospel singer and songwriter. For over 40 years, Larnelle has shared his music. He has released 18 albums and won many awards. These include five Grammy Awards and 11 Dove Awards. Many of his songs have also reached number one on the music charts!
Contents
Early Life and Music Journey
Larnelle grew up in Danville, Kentucky. He began playing the drums when he was just nine years old. He learned to sing formally in college at Western Kentucky University. After graduating in 1969, Larnelle joined a popular gospel group called The Spurrlows. He started as their drummer. Later, he became well-known for his solo singing. He also sang with the Gaither Vocal Band from 1984 to 1987.
Popular Songs and Collaborations
Some of Larnelle's most famous songs are duets with Sandi Patty. These include "More than Wonderful" (1983) and "I've Just Seen Jesus" (1985). He also wrote a popular song himself called "I Miss My Time With You" (1986). Another hit song was "In It After All" (1989). This song reached number one on the radio charts.
In 1993, Larnelle's song "Mighty Spirit" was used in a TV campaign. This campaign was for the Points of Light Foundation. He even performed the song for President George H. W. Bush and his wife Barbara at the White House. His song "All Along the Way" also hit number one on the CCM Inspirational chart. It stayed there for five weeks! In 1996, his album Unbelievable Love won a Dove Award for Inspirational Album of The Year.
Larnelle has received an honorary music degree from Campbellsville University. He was also honored by Western Kentucky University in 1993.
Larnelle on Television
Larnelle Harris has appeared on many TV shows. These include Live with Regis and Kathie Lee and The 700 Club. He has also performed at several Billy Graham crusades. You might have seen him on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. He often appears on Gaither Homecoming shows. He even had his own Christmas TV special! In his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, Larnelle helps with the WHAS Crusade for Children. This is a long-running TV event that raises money for kids' charities.
Larnelle's Family Life
Larnelle met his wife, Cynthia (Mitzi), when they were both students at Western Kentucky University. They have two children, Lonnie (Larnelle Jr.) and Teresa. The family has lived in Louisville for over 30 years. Even with his busy singing schedule, Larnelle serves as a deacon at his church. He was also the church treasurer before. Larnelle is known in the gospel music world for putting his family first. He tries not to schedule performances that would keep him away from them for too long.
Music Albums
Larnelle Harris has released many albums throughout his career.
With First Gear
- 1972: First Gear featuring Larnelle Harris
- 1974: Caution!Steep Hill Use First Gear
Solo Albums
- 1975: Tell It To Jesus
- 1977: Larnelle...More
- 1978: Free
- 1980: Give Me More Love in My Heart
- 1982: Touch Me Lord
- 1985: I've Just Seen Jesus
- 1986: From a Servant's Heart
- 1987: The Father Hath Provided
- 1988: Larnelle...Christmas
- 1989: I Can Begin Again
- 1990: Larnelle Live...Psalms Hymns & Spiritual Songs (with the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir)
- 1992: I Choose Joy
- 1994: Beyond All the Limits
- 1995: Unbelievable Love (Dove Award, Inspirational Album of The Year)
- 1998: First Love
- 2001: A Story to Tell
- 2003: Pass the Love
- 2005: I Want to Be a Star
- 2017: Disturb Us, Lord
Compilation Albums
- 1991: The Best of 10 Years, Vol. 1&2
- 1986: The Best of Larnelle
Guest Appearances on Albums
Larnelle has also sung on many other artists' albums, including:
- 1991: Live with Friends by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir ("I Can Be Glad")
- 1992: Handel's Messiah: A Soulful Celebration
- 1993: The New Young Messiah ("Ev'ry Valley Shall Be Exalted", "Surely He Hath Borne Our Griefs")
- 1994: Promise Keepers: A Life That Shows ("In a Way That Matters")
- 1994: Stories & Songs of Christmas ("Silent Night")
- 1994: Saviour: The Story of God's Passion for His People (with Steve Green, Twila Paris, Wayne Watson, Wintley Phipps)
- 1995: Christmas Carols of the Young Messiah ("Amen")
- 1995: Master Pieces – Classic Songs Made New ("Just A Little Talk With Jesus")
- 1995: Hymns & Voices ("It Is Well with My Soul", "The Lord's Prayer")
- 1996: Emmanuel: A Musical Celebration of the Life of Christ ("Rejoice Emmanuel")
- 1997: God With Us: A Celebration of Christmas Carols & Classics ("Go Tell It on the Mountain")
- 1998: Ralph Carmichael and Friends Live ("Here and Now I Believe")
- 2000: Vestal & Friends, Vol. 2 by Vestal Goodman ("The Lamb Has Brought Us Home")
Music Videos
Larnelle has also released several music videos:
- 1991: Larnelle Live: My Time With You (VHS)
- 1992: I Choose Joy (VHS)
- 1994: Sparrow TV Dinners (VHS) (various artists; "Teach Me to Love", duet with Steve Green)
- 2002: More Than the Music ...Live (VHS) (various artists; "The Lord's Prayer")
- 2005: Timeless: Concert of Faith & Inspiration (various artists)
- 2013: Live in Nashville
Gaither Homecoming Performances
Larnelle has been featured in many Gaither Homecoming videos, including:
- 1993: A Christmas Homecoming ("Amen")
- 1996: Homecoming Texas Style ("Amen")
- 1998: Down By The Tabernacle ("I Go To The Rock")
- 1999: Kennedy Center Homecoming ("America, the Beautiful", "I've Just Seen Jesus" duet with Sandi Patty)
- 2002: God Bless America ("Jesus Saves")
- 2002: Let Freedom Ring ("More Than Wonderful" with Sandi Patty)
- 2003: Going Home ("Friends in High Places")
- 2004: Dottie Rambo with Homecoming Friends ("I Go to the Rock")
- 2004: We Will Stand ("Dream On")
- 2005: Israel Homecoming ("Amen")
- 2005: Jerusalem Homecoming ("I Walked Today Where Jesus Walked")
- 2009: Gaither Vocal Band Reunion Volume 1 ("Your First Day in Heaven", "Can't Stop Talking About Him", "A Few Good Men")
- 2009: Gaither Vocal Band Reunion Volume 2 ("Dream On", "Build An Ark", "The Love of God")
- 2011: Alaskan Homecoming ("How Great Thou Art", "The Star-Spangled Banner")
- 2011: Majesty ("I've Just Seen Jesus" with Ladye Love Smith)
- 2011: Tent Revival Homecoming ("I Don't Want to Get Adjusted")
- 2011: The Old Rugged Cross ("His Eye Is on the Sparrow")
Awards and Honors
Larnelle Harris has won many awards for his music.
Grammy Awards
He has won five Grammy Awards:
- 1983: Best Gospel Performance by Duo or Group for "More Than Wonderful" (with Sandi Patty)
- 1985: Best Gospel Performance by Duo or Group for "I've Just Seen Jesus" (with Sandi Patty)
- 1985: Best Solo Gospel Performance for "How Excellent Is Thy Name"
- 1987: Best Gospel Performance, Male for The Father Hath Provided
- 1988: Best Gospel Performance, Male for Larnelle...Christmas
GMA Dove Awards
He has won 11 Dove Awards:
- 1981: Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year for Give Me More Love in My Heart
- 1983: Male Vocalist of the Year
- 1983: Inspirational Album of the Year for Touch Me Lord
- 1986: Inspirational Album of the Year for I've Just Seen Jesus
- 1986: Male Vocalist of the Year
- 1988: Songwriter of the Year
- 1988: Male Vocalist of the Year
- 1992: Inspirational Album of the Year for Larnelle Live...Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs
- 1993: Inspirational Album of the Year for Generation 2 Generation
- 1996: Inspirational Album of the Year for Unbelievable Love
Larnelle was also inducted into the Gospel Music Association Foundation Hall of Fame on October 29, 2007.
Other Special Honors
- Silver Bell Award for Distinguished Public Service from Ad Council
- Cashbox Magazine Award for Contemporary Gospel Single of the Year for "I Can Begin Again"
- Stellar Award, Best Solo Performance by Male Contemporary for "The Father Hath Provided"
- Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Black Artist
- The Christian Music Hall of Fame (inducted in 2007)
- Western Kentucky University Hall of Distinguished Alumni – Inducted 1993
