Larnelle Harris Biography
A concert critic described Larnelle Harris as having a “larger-than-life stage presence with impeccable vocal prowess.” Admired by fans and peers alike for his majestic tenor voice, Larnelle has become the personification of talent and integrity in a career that spans over five decades. He is the only person in history to be a member of three distinct hall of fame organizations-- Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and the Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. He was twice inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, both as a solo artist and as part of the Gaither Vocal Band.
Larnelle has garnered numerous accolades for his music including five Grammy Awards, eleven Dove Awards (three of which were for Male Vocalist of the Year), and a Stellar Award for Best Solo Performance, among many other musical honors. Larnelle was recently recognized by his home state of Kentucky with the Governor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts, making him the first Christian artist to receive the award. He has achieved nineteen #1 radio singles and countless top 10 hits. Songs such as "How Excellent Is Thy Name," "I Miss My Time With You," "I've Just Seen Jesus," plus many others, including his signature song, "Amen," are now considered modern gospel music classics.
From the White House to the danger zone of the 38th Parallel, Larnelle has impacted audiences across the globe with his music. He was the first Christian artist to perform inside the Kremlin after the fall of the Soviet Union. He is one of a handful of celebrities to receive the Ad Council's Silver Bell Award for Distinguished Public Service in recognition of his song "Mighty Spirit" as the theme song for the longest-running Public Service Announcement in television history.
Larnelle recently released a compilation CD featuring two new songs. The title track, “Disturb Us, Lord,” was played on hundreds of stations nationwide and landed on the Christian Music Weekly’s National Inspirational radio chart. The music video for the song recently garnered the Gold Award for Best Music Video from the Christian Family Film Festival.
In 2018, Harris released his first memoir entitled “Shaped Notes: How Ordinary People with Extraordinary Gifts Influenced my Life and Career.” The book went to #1 on Amazon within three days of its release. Later this year, Larnelle will release his first Christmas musical, based on his original song “All Year Long” from his Grammy Award-winning Christmas album. The musical was co-written with Dave Clark and Nick Robertson, and will be exclusively available through Lifeway.
Married to wife Cynthia (a.k.a. Mitzy) for over 45 years, Larnelle has successfully combined the demanding lifestyle of a global music career with being a husband, father, and grandfather. Still a sought-after vocalist for tours, special events and ceremonies, Larnelle continues to perform solo concerts for churches and various organizations worldwide each year. He recently performed for the National Day of Prayer event in Washington D.C., at New York City’s famed Carnegie Hall, and sang for a gathering of U.N. Ambassadors in our nation’s capitol.
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Larnelle has garnered numerous accolades for his music including five Grammy Awards, eleven Dove Awards (three of which were for Male Vocalist of the Year), and a Stellar Award for Best Solo Performance, among many other musical honors. Larnelle was recently recognized by his home state of Kentucky with the Governor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts, making him the first Christian artist to receive the award. He has achieved nineteen #1 radio singles and countless top 10 hits. Songs such as "How Excellent Is Thy Name," "I Miss My Time With You," "I've Just Seen Jesus," plus many others, including his signature song, "Amen," are now considered modern gospel music classics.
From the White House to the danger zone of the 38th Parallel, Larnelle has impacted audiences across the globe with his music. He was the first Christian artist to perform inside the Kremlin after the fall of the Soviet Union. He is one of a handful of celebrities to receive the Ad Council's Silver Bell Award for Distinguished Public Service in recognition of his song "Mighty Spirit" as the theme song for the longest-running Public Service Announcement in television history.
Larnelle recently released a compilation CD featuring two new songs. The title track, “Disturb Us, Lord,” was played on hundreds of stations nationwide and landed on the Christian Music Weekly’s National Inspirational radio chart. The music video for the song recently garnered the Gold Award for Best Music Video from the Christian Family Film Festival.
In 2018, Harris released his first memoir entitled “Shaped Notes: How Ordinary People with Extraordinary Gifts Influenced my Life and Career.” The book went to #1 on Amazon within three days of its release. Later this year, Larnelle will release his first Christmas musical, based on his original song “All Year Long” from his Grammy Award-winning Christmas album. The musical was co-written with Dave Clark and Nick Robertson, and will be exclusively available through Lifeway.
Married to wife Cynthia (a.k.a. Mitzy) for over 45 years, Larnelle has successfully combined the demanding lifestyle of a global music career with being a husband, father, and grandfather. Still a sought-after vocalist for tours, special events and ceremonies, Larnelle continues to perform solo concerts for churches and various organizations worldwide each year. He recently performed for the National Day of Prayer event in Washington D.C., at New York City’s famed Carnegie Hall, and sang for a gathering of U.N. Ambassadors in our nation’s capitol.
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Awards & Achievements
HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS
2014 Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction as former member of Gaither Vocal Band
2011 Kentucky Music Hall of Fame
2008 Amateur Radio Hall of Fame
2007 Gospel Music Hall of Fame
GRAMMY AWARDS
1989 Best Gospel Performance, Male for Larnelle...Christmas
1988 Best Gospel Performance, Male for The Father Hath Provided
1986 Best Solo Gospel Performance for “How Excellent Is Thy Name”
1986 Best Gospel Performance by Duo or Group for
“I’ve Just Seen Jesus” with Sandi Patty
1984 Best Gospel Performance by Duo or Group for “More Than Wonderful” with Sandi Patty
DOVE AWARDS
1996 Inspirational Album of the Year for Unbelievable Love
1993 Inspirational Album of the Year for Generation 2 Generation
1992 Inspirational Album of the Year for Larnelle Live...Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs
1988 Male Vocalist of the Year
1988 Songwriter of the Year
1988 Inspirational Album of the Year for The Father Hath Provided
1986 Male Vocalist of the Year
1986 Inspirational Album of the Year for I’ve Just Seen Jesus
1983 Inspirational Black Album of the Year for Touch Me Lord
1983 Male Vocalist of the Year
1981 Contemporary Black Gospel Album of the Year for Give Me More Love in My Heart
Other Accolades:
2017 Lifetime Achievement in the Arts and Humanities Award from Orchestra Kentucky
2016 Heritage Award from National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses
2014 Kentucky Governor's Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts
2008 Honorary Doctorate from Alma Mater, Western Kentucky University
2005 Soul 2 Soul Radio Award
1991 Silver Bell Award for Distinguished Public Service presented by the Ad Council
1989 Cashbox Magazine Award for Contemporary Gospel Single of the Year for “I Can Begin Again”
1988 Stellar Award, Best Solo Performance by Male Contemporary for The Father Hath Provided
1987 Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Black Artist
1986 Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Black Artist
1986 Gospel Music News People’s Choice Award for Favorite Black Artist
1985 Singing News Fan Award for Favorite Black Artist
1981 Religion In Media Award
#1 Hit Radio Singles
Blessing and Honor
All Along The Way
Walkin' With My Lord
I Don't Know Why You Love Me
Beyond All The Limits
Take The Time
Open Door
I Can Begin Again
Childlike Faith
I Choose Joy
When Praise Demands A Sacrifice
In It After All
I Miss My Time With You
He Loved Me With A Cross
There Stands The Cost
Everything You Are
Didn't You Know
The Father Hath Provided
I've Just Seen Jesus
Career Achievements:
Larnelle has performed for a special Easter gathering of the United Nations Ambassadors for several years.
In 2004, Larnelle performed for U.S. troops stationed at the 38th Parallel between North and South Korea.
Larnelle was the guest performer for the Armed Forces Chaplains Conference held in March 2002, and for the Service of Remembrance at the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky on September 11, 2002.
Larnelle’s self-penned song, “The Other Woman,” about his daughter Teresa is featured on the My Child compilation CD from radio host Delilah whose show is heard by over eight million listeners every day.
Featured performer at the 2000 Vice Presidential debate held at Centre College in Larnelle’s hometown of Danville, Kentucky.
Larnelle’s song, “Mighty Spirit” from his 1989 release I Can Begin Again was featured on the broadcast public service announcement (PSA) for the Points of Light Foundation. Larnelle performed the song for former President & Mrs. Bush at the White House in 1992. The PSA became the longest running of its kind in television history.
Larnelle has been given two Honorary Doctorate of Music Degrees, one from his alma mater, Western Kentucky University, in 2008. The second came from Campbellsville University located in Campbellsville, Kentucky.
Featured on CNN’s live broadcast of the 17th Annual Easter Service held at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC.
Performed for National Caring Institute Awards ceremony at Senate Hall in Washington, DC.
Featured artist as part of the history-making Moscow Project, sponsored by the International Bible Society and Youth For Christ. The project, which distributed 4 million Russian New Testaments, culminated in the first gospel concert inside the Kremlin following the 1991 attempted coup.
Featured vocalist on the title cut for the movie, Born Again, the life story of Chuck Colson.
National and international television appearances including Live With Regis & Kathie Lee; Music City Tonight with Crook & Chase on TNN; 700 Club; Good Morning South Africa; Billy Graham Crusades; World Vision TV Special; Hour Of Power; Larnelle Christmas Special.
Discography
2017 Disturb Us, Lord: Songs about the Cross
2012 Larnelle Live in Nashville (DVD/CD)
2005 I Want To Be A Star (produced by Kent Hooper for Discovery House Music)
2002 The American Spirit (compilation)
2002 Comfort In The Midst (compilation)
2002 Pass The Love (Produced by David Byerley & Michael Omartian, Crowne Music)
2000 A Story To Tell-Hymns & Praises (Produced by Lari Goss, Diadem Records)
1998 First Love (Produced by Greg Nelson, Brentwood Records)
1995 Unbelievable Love (Produced by Lari Goss, Robert White Johnson, Bill Cuomo)**
1994 Beyond All The Limits (Produced by Robert White Johnson, Bill Cuomo, Joe Hogue, Michael Powell)**
1992 I Choose Joy (Produced by Joe Hogue and Lari Goss)**
1991 The Best of 10 Years 1 & 2**
1990 Larnelle Live...Psalms Hymns & Spiritual Songs (Produced by Lari Goss)**
1989 I Can Begin Again (Produced by Greg Nelson)**
1988 Larnelle Christmas (Produced by Greg Nelson)**
1987 The Father Hath Provided (Produced by Greg Nelson)**
1986 From A Servant’s Heart (Produced by Greg Nelson)**
1985 I’ve Just Seen Jesus (Produced by Greg Nelson)**
1982 Touch Me Lord (Produced by Greg Nelson)**
1982 Best Of Larnelle *
1981 Give Me More Love In My Heart (Produced by Howard McCrary and Paul Johnson)*
1978 Free*
1977 Larnelle...More (Produced by Thurlow Spurr and Bob Mackenzie)*
1975 Tell It To Jesus (Produced by Bergen White)*
** Benson Records * Word Records
2012 Larnelle Live in Nashville (DVD/CD)
2005 I Want To Be A Star (produced by Kent Hooper for Discovery House Music)
2002 The American Spirit (compilation)
2002 Comfort In The Midst (compilation)
2002 Pass The Love (Produced by David Byerley & Michael Omartian, Crowne Music)
2000 A Story To Tell-Hymns & Praises (Produced by Lari Goss, Diadem Records)
1998 First Love (Produced by Greg Nelson, Brentwood Records)
1995 Unbelievable Love (Produced by Lari Goss, Robert White Johnson, Bill Cuomo)**
1994 Beyond All The Limits (Produced by Robert White Johnson, Bill Cuomo, Joe Hogue, Michael Powell)**
1992 I Choose Joy (Produced by Joe Hogue and Lari Goss)**
1991 The Best of 10 Years 1 & 2**
1990 Larnelle Live...Psalms Hymns & Spiritual Songs (Produced by Lari Goss)**
1989 I Can Begin Again (Produced by Greg Nelson)**
1988 Larnelle Christmas (Produced by Greg Nelson)**
1987 The Father Hath Provided (Produced by Greg Nelson)**
1986 From A Servant’s Heart (Produced by Greg Nelson)**
1985 I’ve Just Seen Jesus (Produced by Greg Nelson)**
1982 Touch Me Lord (Produced by Greg Nelson)**
1982 Best Of Larnelle *
1981 Give Me More Love In My Heart (Produced by Howard McCrary and Paul Johnson)*
1978 Free*
1977 Larnelle...More (Produced by Thurlow Spurr and Bob Mackenzie)*
1975 Tell It To Jesus (Produced by Bergen White)*
** Benson Records * Word Records