LARRY SPARKS
- From southern Ohio. Lives in Greensburg, Indiana.
- Began singing and playing bluegrass when he was 5 years old, learning the guitar from his sister Bernice.
- 1965, first professional job (at age 18): guitarist with the Stanley Brothers, replacing George Shuffler. After Carter died (December 1966) he took over the lead singing duties. He was the first lead singer with Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys.
- 1969, formed his band The Lonesome Ramblers, which has undergone numerous and frequent personnel changes over the years.
- 2004, released 40
album (Rebel), celebrating his 40 years in bluegrass music.
- 2004, 2005, won IBMA Award for Male Vocalist of the Year.
- 2005, won two IBMA Awards for Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year, both for his album 40
- 2014, released Lonesome & Then Some album (Rebel), celebrating his 50 years in bluegrass music
- 2014, was inducted into the IBMA’s Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame, introduced by Alison Krauss.
- 2019, released “New Moon Over My Shoulder” album (Rebel).
RECOMMENDED ALBUMS:
- The Best of Larry Sparks: Bound to Ride
(Rebel, 2008) A nice collection of his most popular songs.
- John Deere Tractor
(Rebel, 1980)
- Classic Bluegrass
(Rebel, 1989)
- Sings Hank Williams
(Rebel, 1991)
- I Just Want to Thank You Lord
(Rural Rhythm, 2009)
- Almost Home
(Rounder, 2011)
- Silver Reflections
(Rebel, 1994)