Larnelle Steward Harris (born July 6, 1947) is a gospel singer and songwriter. During his 30-plus years of ministry, Harris has recorded 18 albums, won five Grammy Awards[1] and 18 Dove Awards, and has had several number one songs on the inspirational music charts.
Early life
A native of Danville, Kentucky, Harris started playing the piano at the age of nine. His first formal vocal training came when he attended college at Western Kentucky University, from which he graduated in 1969. Harris then became a part of the popular gospel touring group The Spurrlows (beginning as drummer). He received notability for his solo work and as member of the Gaither Vocal Band from 1984 through 1987.
Music
Perhaps Harris' best-known songs are his duets with Sandi Patty, "More than Wonderful" (1984) and "I've Just Seen Jesus" (1986). His song, "Mighty Spirit" was featured in a 1993 television campaign for the Points of Light Foundation, headed by President George H. W. Bush; he performed the song for Bush and his wife Barbara at the White House. His recording of "All Along the Way," co-written by Greg Nelson (producer) and Dan Schafer, reached the No. 1 spot for 5 weeks on the CCM Christian Inspirational chart and No. 6 for the top songs of 1998.
’All Along the Way’ #1 Award 1998
Harris has received an honorary doctorate of music from Campbellsville University in central Kentucky. He was inducted into the Western Kentucky University Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 1993
Television work
Harris has appeared live on television series such as Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, The 700 Club, several Billy Graham crusades, and the Trinity Broadcasting Network. He has appeared on numerous Gaither Homecoming shows, and his own Christmas special. In his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, Harris has made many appearances on the WHAS Crusade for Children, a long-running local telethon benefitting children's charities. In 1995, Harris was featured in the Warren Chaney docudrama, America: A Call to Greatness
