Larry Stephenson Explained

Larry Stephenson
Birth Place:Harrisonburg, Virginia
Genre:Bluegrass music, country music
Occupation:Musician
Instrument:Mandolin, guitar
Years Active:1976–present
Label:Pinecastle, Webco, Whysper Dream Music, Webco
Associated Acts:Cliff Waldron, Leon Morris, Larry Stephenson & The New Grass, Bill Harrell and The Virginians, the Bluegrass Cardinals, The Larry Stephenson Band

Larry Lee Stephenson[1] is an American singer-songwriter. He sings, plays mandolin, and writes songs in the bluegrass tradition.

Biography

Early years

Stephenson learned how to play the mandolin as a young boy. At age 13, he recorded a 45 rpm single with his interpretation of the Osborne Brothers' Rocky Top" on one side and Jim & Jesse's "Somebody Loves You Darling" on the flip side.[2]

Stephenson started touring with his father Ed Stephenson in the mid 1970s in Larry Stephenson & the New Grass. He also toured with Cliff Waldron and Leon Morris. Starting in 1979, he toured with Bill Harrell and the Virginians for more than four years. In 1983, he joined the Bluegrass Cardinals.[3]

During this time, he recorded two solo albums: Sweet Sunny South in 1982 and Every Time I Sing A Love Song. He moved close to Nashville in April 1992.

The Larry Stephenson Band

Stephenson formed the band February 10, 1989. Initially, Marc Keller played guitar, Doug Campbell played bass, and, Rick Allred played banjo. The current lineup is Derek Vaden (banjo), Matt Downing (guitar), and Norbert McGettigan (bass).

White House

White House was a bluegrass supergroup formed by Stephenson, David Parmley (guitar, lead vocals), Missy Raines (bass), Jason Carter (violin), and Charlie Cushman (banjo). All members are or were residents of White House, Tennessee. They released one album, White House, in 2003.[4]

The Bluegrass Band

The Bluegrass Band was formed in 1972 by Butch Robins, but disbanded one year later. The band started up again in 1989, this time with members Wayne Henderson (guitar), Ronnie Simpkins (bass), Wyatt Rice (guitar), Arnie Solomon (mandolin), Robins (banjo), Rickie Simpkins (violin, mandolin, vocals), and Stephenson (mandolin, vocals). They recorded four albums that were sold via telemarketing: Once Again From the Top volumes 1 and 2 were traditional bluegrass, and Shine Hallelujah Shine volumes 2 and 2 were traditional gospel.[5] [6]

Whysper Dream Music

Stephenson and his wife Dreama run their own record label Whysper Dream Music, named after their daughter Falon Whysper. They started the label when Pinecastle temporarily went out of business.[7]

Awards

Stephenson has won numerous Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) awards:

Stephenson is a member of the Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame (inducted in 1996).

Discography

Solo albums

Compilations

As a member of Larry Stephenson and the New Grass

With Cliff Waldron

As a member of Bill Harrell and the Virginians

As a member of The Bluegrass Cardinals

As a member of the Bluegrass Band

As a member of White House

With the Larry Stephenson Band

Note: Webco releases listed below have been reissued on Pinecastle

Videos

As primary artist/song contributor

Also appears on

Notes and References

  1. Web site: AMAZING GRACE . ASCAP . American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers . April 26, 2023.
  2. News: Conger. Bill. Larry Stephenson Band. June 21, 2017. Bluegrass Unlimited. September 1, 2015.
  3. Web site: Larry Stephenson Band, Pull Your Savior In. Bluegrass Notes. June 21, 2017. Keith Lawrence. November 3, 2014 .
  4. News: Jon. Weisberger. Whitehouse – Self-Titled. June 5, 2017. No Depression. December 31, 2003.
  5. Web site: Bluegrass Band, The. BluegrassBios. June 21, 2017.
  6. Web site: Bluegrass Beat. Louisville Music News. June 21, 2017. Berk Bryant.
  7. News: Lawless. John. Larry Stephenson announces Whysper Dream Music. June 21, 2017. Bluegrass Today. February 25, 2010.
  8. Web site: Larry Stephenson Band. Music City Roots. June 21, 2017.
  9. News: . Larry Stephenson Band Announces New Members and Upcoming New Album. June 21, 2017. Cybergrass Music News Network. August 21, 2014.
  10. News: Banister. C. Eric. Larry Stephenson grows "Thankful". June 5, 2017. Country Standard Time. March 1, 2008.
  11. News: Cardwell. Nancy. Larry Stephenson Band Celebrates 20 Years with Star-Studded Anniversary Album. June 21, 2017. Bluegrass Unlimited. May 1, 2010.
  12. News: Hallock. W.J.. CD Review – Larry Stephenson "What Really Matters". June 21, 2017. No Depression. July 16, 2012.
  13. News: Stephens. Larry. "Weep Little Willow" by the Larry Stephenson Band. June 21, 2017. The Lonesome Road Review. March 23, 2017.

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