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, recording 18 albums. He has won many important awards, including five Grammy Awards and 11 Dove Awards. Many of his songs have also reached the top of the inspirational music charts.
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Larnelle Harris's Early Life
Larnelle Harris grew up in Danville, Kentucky. He started playing the drums when he was just nine years old. He went to college at Western Kentucky University, where he learned to sing formally. After graduating in 1969, Larnelle joined a popular gospel music group called The Spurrlows, first as their drummer. Later, he became well-known for his solo singing. He was also a member of the Gaither Vocal Band from 1984 to 1987.
Larnelle's Music Career
Larnelle Harris is known for many popular songs. Two of his most famous songs are duets with singer Sandi Patty: "More than Wonderful" (from 1983) and "I've Just Seen Jesus" (from 1985). He also wrote and sang "I Miss My Time With You" in 1986. Another hit song, "In It After All," came out in 1989 and quickly became a number one radio hit.
Popular Songs and Awards
In 1993, Larnelle's song "Mighty Spirit" was used in a TV campaign for the Points of Light Foundation. This foundation helps people volunteer in their communities. Larnelle 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 reached the number one spot on the Christian music charts and stayed there for five weeks in 1998. In 1996, his album Unbelievable Love won a Dove Award for Inspirational Album of The Year.
Larnelle has received an honorary doctorate degree in music from Campbellsville University. He was also honored by Western Kentucky University in 1993, being added to their Hall of Distinguished Alumni.
Television Appearances
Larnelle Harris has appeared on many television shows. These include Live with Regis and Kathie Lee and The 700 Club. He has also performed during several Billy Graham crusades and on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Fans have seen him on many Gaither Homecoming shows, and he even had his own Christmas special. In his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, Larnelle often appears on the WHAS Crusade for Children, a long-running TV event that raises money for children's charities.
Larnelle's Personal Life
Larnelle Harris met his wife, Cynthia (Mitzi), when they were both students at Western Kentucky University. They have two children, Lonnie and Teresa. The family has lived in Louisville for over 30 years. Even with his busy schedule, Larnelle serves as a deacon at his home church. He is known in the gospel music world for trying not to schedule performances that would keep him away from his family for too long.
Larnelle Harris's Music Albums
Larnelle Harris has released many albums throughout his career.
Albums 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 (Won a Dove Award)
- 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
Awards and Honors
Larnelle Harris has received many awards for his music.
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
- 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 Harris was also inducted into the Gospel Music Association Foundation Gospel Music Hall of Fame on October 29, 2007.
Other 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
