Larry Stephenson

Larry Lee Stephenson 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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Awards Stephenson has won numerous Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) awards: 2001, 2004, 2005, 2006 & 2008: Male Vocalist of the Year. 2005: Song of the Year for "Clinch Mountain Mystery". 2006: IBMA Album of the Year for his participation in Celebration of Life: Musicians Against Childhood Cancer. 2011: Mandolin Player of the Year. 2008: Recorded Event of the Year for his participation in Everett Lilly & Everybody and Their Brother. 2010: Recorded Event of the Year for "Give This Message To Your Heart" from his Give This Message to Your Heart: 20th Anniversary album. 2015: Album Of The Year for Pull Your Savior In. 2016: Vocal Group of the Year. Stephenson is a member of the Virginia Country Music Hall of Fame (inducted in 1996). 2010: Give This Message to Your Heart: 20th Anniversary (Whysper Dream Music) 2012: What Really Matters (Whysper Dream Music) 2014: Pull Your Savior In (Whysper Dream Music)

Videos 2007: The Larry Stephenson Band: In Concert at Cypress Gardens DVD (Pinecastle)

As primary artist/song contributor 2003: various artists – Pinecastle Christmas Gathering (Pinecastle) – track 5, "Country Christmas" (with Kristin Scott Benson) 2004: various artists – The Essential Bluegrass Christmas Collection: Christmas Time's a Comin''' (Time/Life) – track 16, "Away in a Manger" 2008: various artists – Bluegrass Tribute to the Stars of Country (Pinecastle) – track 13, "Alone with You" 2012: various artists – Life Goes On: Musicians Against Childhood Cancer (Rural Rhythm) – track 17, "I Should've Called"

Also appears on 1996: Bill Emerson – Banjo Man (Pinecastle) – mandolin 1999: Jeff Autry – Foothills (Pinecastle) – mandolin, vocals 1999: Gary Brewer and the Kentucky Ramblers- Jimmy Martin Songs For Dinner (louisvillemusic.com) 2001: David Parmley – What We Leave Behind (Pinecastle) – vocals 2005: Aaron McDaris – First Time Around (Pinecastle) – mandolin, vocals 2007: John Starling and Carolina Star – Slidin' Home (Rebel) – mandolin, harmony vocals 2009: Kristin Scott Benson – Second Season'' (Pinecastle) – vocals