Larry Stephenson Band

Larry Stephenson began his musical career while in his early teens when he and his father, Ed Stephenson formed Larry Stephenson & The New Grass in Larry's hometown of King George, Virginia. Honing his God-given talents, he began professionally with Bill Harrell & The Virginians during January, 1979, playing mandolin and singing high lead and tenor. In June, 1983, he moved to a similar role as a member of The Bluegrass Cardinals, remaining until October, 1988, when he organized THE LARRY STEPHENSON BAND while still residing in Virginia in February 1989. 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 early in 1992. From this base he continues to make guest appearances on the legendary Grand Ole Opry as well as on Nashville-based TV productions. Contrary to the norm on 'music row' in Nashville, where artists' record label affiliations are often notoriously short-lived, Larry continues to record for one of the country's preeminent independent companies, as 2009 marks his 20th Anniversary of making records for the highly respected Pinecastle label, and fronting his own group. The once-cottage and now international bluegrass music industry has seemingly settled on an informal 'big tent' approach that broadens the parameters of any perceived conception of what constitutes bluegrass. LARRY STEPHENSON remains one of the comparatively few headline artists whose solidly tradition-based, contemporary interpretations of the music have kept his recordings on the cutting edge of 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. As a true professional, Larry feels equally at ease on stage in environments such as these as at a bluegrass festival in California or Florida. Well-regarded among musicians as an excellent mandolinist, a significant number of industry and media music critics regard LARRY STEPHENSON 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. The Governor pronounced June 23, 1996, Larry Stephenson Day and a ceremony in Crewe, VA was held to celebrate his induction. In February 2001 he garnered the "Contemporary Male Vocalist" award at the prestigious SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America) Music Awards and to his credit has gained the award in 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2008, making him a 5x recipient. Following in May 2002, he endeavored as part of the Original Seldom Scene Reunion's that took place in 2003-2004, held across the U.S. During 2003 he found himself recording as one of the five mainstream, award winning artist, which all lived in White House on the outskirts of Nashville, TN making-up the bluegrass supergroup "WhiteHouse" gaining them an IBMA (International Bluegrass Music Association) "Recorded Event of the Year" nomination. 2004 brought much success as the Clinch Mountain Mystery project 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 Dec. 2004. And they followed it up by clinching SPBGMA’s "Song of the Year" in Feb. 2005 for the title track. Sept. 5, 2006 brought the release of his CD entitled "Life Stories" which included his band and guest, Missy Raines, Shad Cobb, Rob Ickes & Jim VanCleve. The album discusses some of life’s strategies/tragedies, of today’s world and those of yester-year. And, 2006 also brought an IBMA award for "Album of the Year" for his part in the Musicians Against Childhood Cancer project benefiting St. Jude Children’s Hospital. In 2008 after claiming his 5th SPBGMA Vocalist title, Stephenson was found receiving IBMA’s "Recorded Event of the Year" award for participating on Everett Lilly’s CD. And the "Banjo Player of the Year" title coming home to LSB during Kristin Benson’s tenure. LSB has been nominated for Gospel Album of the Year in the Independent Music Awards, just a few months after the long awaited 4th gospel CD released, "Thankful", where to his acclaim, Stephenson has done it again with band-mates, along with guests Sonya Issacs’ & Missy Raines. The band’s overall quality and sound is yet again above and beyond anything the band has ever produced. Year 2009 brings the 20th Anniversary and coinciding Anniversary CD. Be on the look out for this new endeavor from Stephenson. You will find it among many others available at Larry Stephenson Band shows and online at www.LarryStephensonBand.com. Bluegrass fans everywhere are now hearing The Larry Stephenson Band as headliners on the circuit's top festivals. Youthful professionalism, choices of material and performance punch have propelled The Larry Stephenson Band to the top of their field. Traditional and Contemporary Bluegrass Band touring the U.S. and more. Visit our Tour Dates. www.LarryStephensonBand.com