A Story To Tell
In an industry as fickle as the music business, Larnelle has consistently managed to maintain a sound and identity distinctly his own, while still remaining a vital and hugely popular part of the ever-evolving picture of popular music. After more than 18 albums, 5 Grammy's and 11 Dove Awards, Larnelle maintains a passion for his work that finds its roots far deeper than the simple making of music.
He states:"Every time I read a Scripture that I've heard countless times before, I always get something new out of it where I am with the Lord and where I am musically have a strong correlation. If I'm standing still in my walk with Him, I'm probably standing still creatively. So I'm going to continue the same trek I've tried to stay on all along, panting after the Scripture and the things of the Lord, constantly challenging myself to grow in Him. With that as the focus and priority growth and newness will inevitably be reflected in my music. That's always been the case, because He is the ultimate Creator."On his latest release, A Story To Tell: Hymns & Praises, Larnelle takes a journey "home", unflinchingly asking those same questions and more. Through the words and melodies of some of the greatest, most enduring hymns ever written - as well as his own unparalleled vocal performance and the peerless production and arrangements of veteran Lari Goss - Larnelle tells a story as impactive, impressive, entertaining and enlightening as anything he has ever put to disc in his long and distinguished career."I don't consider the story of my own life to be all that interesting," he says. "But, the story of what the Lord has done in my life, and in my heart, that's the story I have to tell. And even though we didn't try to choose material that would recount it in any sort of linear or literal fashion, I have a deep connection with all these songs. In a broader, spiritual context, they really sum up so much of what I've been through.
Even as he continues to grow creatively and spiritually, and his reach broadens to include people from many cultures and walks of life, Harris says his goals have remained constant through the years.
"What's left for me to do is no different than what was there when I first started," he concludes. "To grow in every way I can...to open my heart and my life to the Lord...and allow Him to sand away the rough edges. I don't ever want to be satisfied."Music Ministers, Pastors and industry insiders revere the power that Larnelle sings with...and they admire Harris' command of communication through his music. But more importantly, Larnelle is noted for his unflinching integrity. His dedication to putting his family before his career is legendary and has been the object of many print, radio and TV interviews.All in all, his gift of music gives voice to what God can do in one man's life. A Larnelle concert is truly an event worth experiencing.QuickfactsGraduated from Western KY UniversityHonorary Doctorate of Music from Campbellsville UniversityPast Treasurer & presently Deacon in the same church in Louisville, KY that he and his family haveattended for over 30 yearsHusband to Cynthia and Father to Lonnie & TeresaAvid golfer and expert ham radio operatorSponsor of several children through World VisionComposer of over 30 songs
