Add to My Profile | More VideosLarry Stephenson honed his God-given talents, beginning professionally with Bill Harrell & The Virginians, playing mandolin and singing high lead and tenor. Moved to a similar role as a member of The Bluegrass Cardinals, remaining until he organized THE LARRY STEPHENSON BAND.
Increasing opportunities for appearances on national television made it advantageous to relocate to the epicenter of the country and bluegrass music industries, prompting his move to Nashville, TN. From this base he continues to make guest appearances on the legendary Grand Ole Opry as well as on Nashville-based TV productions.
Larry continues to record for one of the country's preeminent independent record companies, as 2004 marked his 15th Anniversary of making records for the highly respected Pinecastle label family.
LARRY STEPHENSON remains one of the comparatively few headline artists whose solidly tradition-based, contemporary interpretations of the music have kept his recording on the cutting edge of the bluegrass charts, while gaining the respect along the way of first generation legends such as, Jimmy Martin, Mac Wiseman, Jim & Jesse, The Osborne Brothers and others.
During an illustrious career, he has performed for audiences throughout the U.S. and in Canada as well as for fans in a number of European countries. International appearances also include, U.S. State Department-sponsored concerts before dignitaries in eastern nations.
Well-regarded among musicians as an excellent mandolinist, critics regard Larry as the premier high lead vocalist in bluegrass music today. His distinctive, crystal clear voice towers over the band vocals, delivering a strong message, whether an old folk song, a 'brush arbor' gospel quartet or one of his many top ten trios that have graced the national bluegrass song charts.
Stephenson has also been honored by his home state when he was inducted into the Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame. In February 2001, 2004, 2005 & 2006 he won the "Contemporary Male Vocalist Award" at the prestigious SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America) Convention. Also in 2004 the band clinched the "Song of the Year Award" for the same prestigious convention for the song & title track, Clinch Mountain Mystery.
Larry has has also endeavored as part of the Original Seldom Scene Reunion's and recorded as one of the five mainstream, award winning artist, which make-up the bluegrass supergroup "WhiteHouse".
The Clinch Mountain Mystery CD was recognized as one of the Sweet 16 Off Music Row albums in the Tennessean Newspaper in Nashville, TN. It also stayed on the bluegrass charts for one solid year, which is almost unheard of, debuting at #18 and staying in the top 5 for seven months hitting #1 in December 2004.
Now to his acclaim, Stephenson has done it again with his long-time band mates, Aaron McDaris & Dustin Benson, along with guests artist, Missy Raines, Shad Cobb, Rob Ickes & Jimmy VanCleve released Sept. 5, 2006 entitled "Life Stories". The new album is one discussing some of life’s strategies/tragedies, of today’s world and those of yester-year. The band’s overall quality and sound is yet again above and beyond anything the band has ever produced. There can not be enough said about this album of life songs. You’ll need to listen for yourself and request songs often, now being played at bluegrass radio stations.And, not only did September bring the new release but also an IBMA award for "Album of the Year" for his part in the Musicians Against Childhood Cancer project benefiting St. Jude Children’s Hospital. You may find Life Stories among many others, available at Larry Stephenson Band shows and online at www.LarryStephensonBand.com.