Larnelle Harris | |
|---|---|
 Larnelle Performing | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Larnelle Steward Harris |
| Born | July 6, 1947 Danville, Kentucky, U.S. |
| Genres | Gospel, contemporary Christian |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, saxophone, drums |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Website | larnelle |
Larnelle Steward Harris (born July 6, 1947) is an American gospel singer and songwriter. During his 40-plus years of ministry, Harris has recorded 18 albums, won five Grammy Awards[1] and 11 Dove Awards, and has had several number one songs on the inspirational music charts.
A native of Danville, Kentucky,[2] Harris started playing the drums at the age of nine. His first formal vocal training came when he attended college at Western Kentucky University, from which he graduated in 1969. Harris then became a part of the popular gospel touring group The Spurrlows (beginning as drummer). He received notability for his solo work and as member of the Gaither Vocal Band from 1984 through 1987.
Perhaps Harris' best-known songs are his duets with Sandi Patty, "More than Wonderful" (1983) and "I've Just Seen Jesus" (1985). Others of his well received and popular songs are his self-penned "I Miss My Time With You" (1986) and "In It After All", written by Constant Change, a.k.a. Dawn Thomas,[3] on his album I Can Begin Again (1989), on Benson Records. The song was a No. 1 radio hit.[citation needed]
Harris' song, "Mighty Spirit" was featured in a 1993 television campaign for the Points of Light Foundation, headed by President George H. W. Bush. He performed the song for Bush and his wife Barbara at the White House.[4] His recording of "All Along the Way", co-written by Greg Nelson and Dan Schafer, reached the No. 1 spot on the CCM Inspirational chart, and stayed for five weeks.[5] His 1995 album, Unbelievable Love, received the 1996 Dove Award as Inspirational Album of The Year.[6]
Harris has received an honorary doctorate of music from Campbellsville University in central Kentucky.[citation needed] He was inducted into the Western Kentucky University Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 1993.[7]
Harris has appeared live on television series such as Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, The 700 Club, several Billy Graham crusades, and the Trinity Broadcasting Network. He has appeared on numerous Gaither Homecoming shows, and his own Christmas special. In his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, Harris has made many appearances on the WHAS Crusade for Children, a long-running local telethon benefitting children's charities.[4]
Harris met his wife Cynthia (Mitzi) while both were students at Western Kentucky University. They have two children Lonnie (Larnelle Jr.) and Teresa. They have lived in Louisville for more than three decades. Despite his schedule, Harris serves as a deacon in his home church, and previously served as its treasurer. Harris is well known within the gospel music industry for his reluctance to schedule performances that take him away from his family for any length of time.[8]
Inducted into the Gospel Music Association Foundation Hall of Fame on October 29, 2007
