ARCHIVED NEWS -REFERENCE ONLY
 

• Larry Stephenson Releases New Gospel Album - Thankful
• Larry Stephenson takes home Fifth SPBGMA Male Vocalist Award Feb.'08
• LSB hires award winning guitar player Josh Williams for Thankful Tour
• LSB signs with GoodStuff PR Co.
  Thankful Gospel CD releases March 18, 2008 to stores.

• Thankful Meet & Greet July 4, 2007
• Life Stories goes to #4 on XM Satellite's "Bluegrass Junction Top 20" - June 2007
• Life Stories hits #5 on BMP's Top 20 - April 2007
• Life Stories climbs to Top 5 of Roots Music & Bluegrass Unlimited Song Charts & # 9 on Album Chart.
• Larry on cover of Bluegrass Music Profiles May/June Issue 2007
• Larry inducted live on 650 WSM Radio into the Southern Legends Entertainment & Performing Arts Hall of Fame 3-07

LSB MAKING HEADLINES...2006

• Larry on cover of Bluegrass Unlimited's December Issue 2006
• Larry live on Muldoon in the Afternoon 11-10-06, 1:30 pm (EST)
• Larry live on WSM-650 AM with Eddie Stubbs discussing Life Stories 9-5-06.
• The band debuted songs on Nashville's own "Talk of the Town" with Harry Chapman 8-29-06 - take a look.
• Visit or listen to the Grand Ole Opry 9-8-06 debuting more songs on the 9:30 portion hosted by John Conlee.

• New CD, "Life Stories" is biggest hit yet. Releasing Sept. 5, 2006 debuting songs on Sept. 8 live at the Grand Ole Opry. This collection of story songs, deals with today's problems.. such as abortion and molestation. Much more is offered in this 12 song collection.

• Interviews are happening all over to promote best album yet... "Life Stories"
  Sirius Bluegrass on Satellite Radio with Ned Luberecki aired July 27 & 29, 2006.

• Bluegrasscountry.org - celebrated it's 5th year on July 28, 2006 by streaming live and making Larry part of the show from Washington, DC for the first time ever.

LSB MAKING HEADLINES...2005

• Clinch Mountain Mystery won 2005 SPBGMA Song of the Year
• Larry Stephenson won SPBGMA's 2006 Male Vocalist of the Year (4x Award) Contemporary
• Clinch Mountain Mystery picked one of the best 16 albums "off the row" by Tennessean
• Stephenson Visits OLOL Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, LA and Scott Rogers Show
• Pinecastle Recording Artist Receives "Literacy Life Changer Award"
• Check out articles and facts regarding the band Past, Present & Future.
• The WEBCO Years Released in  2005 (Compilation CD Box Set)
• See some Press Releases:  July 14, 2004  Nov 2004  Jan 5 05  Jan 26, 05  Feb 7, 05
• Larry received 3rd Award in 2004 at Grand Ole Opry
•  What People Are Saying and Read Quotes From Industry Leaders
• See 2004 SPBGMA Video...Turn Speakers On Upon Entry For Mystery Tidbit

The Larry Stephenson Band Releases

  Stellar New Gospel Album THANKFUL on March 18th

 
"Stephenson has honed his voice into one of the best bluegrass tenors this side of Bobby Osborne."  Keith Lawrence - Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

Press Release
March 11, 2008

NASHVILLE, TN -Larry Stephenson's newest project, a sparkling collection of traditional bluegrass gospel songs titled Thankful on Pinecastle Records and releasing March 18th, effortlessly weaves his strong and identifiable bluegrass tenor vocals with a solid mix of songs that all reiterate the message of the album's title.  Thankful combines songs of devotion, thankfulness, contemplation and faith with the high lonesome sound that the band has become known for through the years.

The Larry Stephenson Band made their first recording together 19 years ago and set in motion a band that has stood the test of time while creating fresh sounds with new recordings and equally exciting live performances. Sixteen albums and one DVD later, the band has proven through dedication, drive and musical chops, why they are still around and at the top of their game.  Bluegrass legend Bobby Osborne, is a longtime Larry fan saying, "Go see him when you can.  He always does a good performance that you will enjoy.  He has done lots of good things for this great music we call Bluegrass."

Thankful is the LSB's fourth gospel album and marks a distinct shift forward in the band's musical  pilgrimage.  Larry has found that their fans love both the gospel and bluegrass releases.  "Our fans like our gospel music and I truly enjoy performing them," Larry says.  "Our most requested song to this day, after almost two decades together, is a  gospel song titled "Yes, I See God."  This particular song was also featured on a Time Warner Collection.

Bluegrass Now Magazine publisher Wayne Bledsoe says, "Larry's new Thankful CD is the best ever! Kudos on his selection of material as it's very inspiring and the presentation is fabulous.  I'm really enjoying the great quartet on "Press On Pilgrim," and the message in "I Need the Prayers," hit home with me.  I've played it endlessly since I got it and I'll feature it on one of my radio programs. Just when I think I've heard the best from Larry he blows me away with even better music.  I hope the bluegrass community will give this the airplay it deserves, because this is award-winning music!" 

The album is full of handpicked songs that focus on an overall theme of gratefulness.  "These songs came from everywhere," Larry says.  "I co-wrote "Everyday Is Mother's Day" with Tom T. and Dixie Hall and also co-wrote "Open Up The Window (Let The Angels In)" with Jerry Salley," he adds.  "Open Up The Window (Let The Angels In)" is a particularly moving song that was inspired after a visit to the Our Lady Of The Lake Cancer Center in Baton Rouge, LA.  Larry was deeply moved by the experience and was told a story by a staff member about how each child seems to know of the seriousness of their illness and that some have even said they've seen angels, asking the staff to open up the windows and let them in.  Several new writers including Tonya Lowman and Berry Clevenger have songs on the collection and The Louvin Brothers penned title track "Thankful" features the close harmony singing reminiscent of the Louvin's close brotherly connection.

Larry Stephenson Brings Home 2008 SPBGMA Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year Award
•

Award Winning Guitar Player Josh Williams Joins Larry Stephenson Band
 

Press Release
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
NASHVILLE, TN

Larry Stephenson, leader of longtime bluegrass favorites The Larry Stephenson Band, now in their nineteenth year, won the 2008 Contemporary Male Vocalist of the Year Award at SPBGMA's (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music) 34th Annual Bluegrass Awards and 25th National Convention in Nashville, TN on Sunday, February 3rd.  Stephenson is a five time winner of the award.  "It's a privilege and honor to be nominated and to receive this award.  It makes what I do worth doing," he said after accepting the trophy.

SPBGMA also awarded Grammy nominated guitar player Josh Williams the 2008 Guitar Performer of the Year honors.  This is William's fourth award in this category.  Williams will also join The Larry Stephenson Band for their Thankful 2008 Tour and beyond in addition to playing the already scheduled dates with his own Josh Williams Band.  Williams will replace Ben Helson on guitar and Larry wishes Ben the best of luck in his new endeavors.

Williams is a multi-instrumentalist, perhaps best known as the guitar player for the top ranked Rhonda Vincent & The Rage in their grueling 300 days per year touring schedule from December 2003 through September 2007.  He is also known by some as the excellent mandolin/fiddle player formerly with The Special Consensus. 

Stephenson's trademark tenor-range lead vocals and mandolin playing lead the band towards their March 18th gospel release of Thankful on Pinecastle Records.  The album features guest appearances by acclaimed female vocalist Sonya Isaacs, seven time IBMA Bass Player of the Year award winner Missy Raines, as well as  Dustin Benson (lead & harmony vocals, guitar), Shad Cobb (fiddle & harmony fiddle), Warren Goad (bass vocals), Aaron McDaris (lead & harmony vocals, banjo) and Ben Surratt (harmony vocals).

Stephenson has been called "One of the best and most influential of high lead/tenor singers in recent years," by Bluegrass Now Magazine and "One of the finest voices in Bluegrass today"  by Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine.

For more information on Thankful or The Larry Stephenson Band, contact GoodStuff PR Co. at 615.525.5303 or via email at info@goodstuffpr.com

Left: Larry (2nd from right) pictured with new bandmate Josh Williams, former LSB bassist Mickey Harris and good friend fiddlin' Hunter Berry. Right: Larry left with good friend, awarded Carl Jackson - SPBGMA 2/3/08 Awards

The Larry Stephenson Band
Signs with GoodStuff PR Co.

Gears up for March 18th Gospel Release Thankful

Press Release
Friday, January 25, 2008
NASHVILLE, TN
Nashville, TN - Longtime bluegrass favorites The Larry Stephenson Band recently  signed with GoodStuff PR Co. for exclusive PR representation for their upcoming gospel release, Thankful, as well as future band endeavors. 

The album, which features guest appearances by Sonya Isaacs, Missy Raines, Warren Goad, Shad Cobb and Ben Surratt, hits the streets on March 4th through Pinecastle Records.

Stephenson has been called "One of the best and most influential of high lead/tenor singers in recent years," by Bluegrass Now Magazine and "One of the finest voices in Bluegrass today"  by Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine.

Thankful comes on the heels of the highly successful Life Stories released in 2007 that featured a collection of emotional tales with a common human thread.

The four time Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) Male Vocalist of the Year has found success with murder ballads in the past when the song, "Clinch Mountain Mystery," from his 2005 release by the same name was praised as Song of the Year by SPBGMA after reaching #1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited charts.

Stephenson was recently inducted into the 2007 Southern Legends Entertainment & Performing Arts Hall of Fame as well as being a part of the IBMA 2006 Album of the Year Celebration of Life.

For more information on Thankful or The Larry Stephenson Band, contact GoodStuff PR Co. at 615.525.5303 or via email at info@goodstuffpr.com

Stephenson & Stubbs Inducted 

LBell Media
For Immediate Release
March 20, 2007
Nashville, TN

Pictured L-R: Larry Stephenson, Jim Case, Eddie Stubbs
Hi-Res photo of above: electronic press page at www.LarryStephensonBand.com
Related: www.WSMonline.com * www.SouthernLegends.org
Recent Media: Bluegrass Unlimited * Bluegrass Now on LSB
Contact SLHF Rep: 615/325-3340 or E: aaronrecords@aol.com

Press Release - Sept. 6, 2006
Columbus, NC

The follow up to Larry Stephenson's highly successful Clinch Mountain Mystery is available today.  Life Stories is a collection of emotion evoking tales that Stephenson believes everyone can relate to.  Each song touches on a different aspect of life whether it be longing for a loved one at home in "Old Kentucky Hills" or the gravely serious tale "Behind Those Big Closed Doors" which is about Ruby, a girl who was molested as a child, and offers us the advice "Take heed, don't laugh, don't criticize' don't judge anymore for you have never lived their life behind those big closed doors."

Adding on to the story of one of the most well known murder ballads, "The Knoxville Girl," Tom T. and Dixie Hall penned "The Knoxville Boy,” which carries on the tradition of the murder ballad brought to America by the English, Scots, and Irish.  "The Knoxville Girl" is a simple adaptation of the old world ballad, "The Wexford Girl," with the setting changed from Ireland to Tennessee.  Along with the Americanization of these ballads, the supernatural elements that were often associated with the old world ballads were left out.  "The Knoxville Boy" retains the old world superstitions by warning that even though the Knoxville boy was hung for murdering his lover, "he won't stay in his grave."

The 4 time Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America (SPBGMA) Male Vocalist of the Year has found success with murder ballads in the past when his song, "Clinch Mountain Mystery," from his 2005 release by the same name, was praised as the song of the year by SPBGMA and reached #1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited music chart.

Remember, “Beware the Knoxville Boy”

For review copies contact:
Ethan Burkhardt

ethan@pinecastle.com

828-894-0322 x225

Bluegrass Now Magazine
March 2004
www.BluegrassNow.com

Thomasville Times - Enterprise - July 29, 2004
www.sgaonline.com  (Escapes 8B)
"Bluegrass Star Set To Shine Here" article
 by Mark Lastinger
Check out the web link and read this nice feature.

Country Standard Time - June 2004
"Larry Stephenson Uncovers a Mystery" article
by John Lupton
Get your copy and check out pages 11 & 12.
 

The Larry Stephenson Band participated in the "5th Annual Christmas Bluegrass Benefit for the Homeless" held at the famous Station Inn in Nashville, TN on Sunday, December 5, 2004."It was a great night and in the spirit of Christmas, it was a time for giving." Please mark your calendars tentatively so you can help in 2005. For More: 2adcocks@bellsouth.net

Press Release - July 14, 2004 Larry Stephenson Band performed to a sold out, standing room only crowd at the Grand Ole Opry Tuesday, July 13, 2004 at 7:15 PM for the popular Tuesday Night Opry Series. Larry and the group have become regular guests at the Opry when time permits in the bands hectic schedule. If you didn't get to attend in person or listen to WSM 650AM to the live performance you can still check it out via the Internet at www.WSMonline.com under archives. Other artists who shared the stage were Tracy Lawrence, Josh Turner, John Conlee, Porter Wagoner, Steve Wariner and Alan Jackson among others. Mr. Jackson added to the excitement while shooting a live video for his latest single. It was a wonderful night in every aspect. The band sounded wonderful and went over great to the sold out crowd, as they were the only bluegrass group to perform. Also, the band will be hosting the Ernest Tubb Record Shop’s Midnight Jamboree Saturday, October 2, 2004. Plan to join them for this late night show in Nashville, TN. The IBMA nominations have been turned in and everyone is excited to receive the 1st round official ballot, which should soon be hitting your mailboxes. The band is absolutely delighted to show in the first round with their "Clinch Mountain Mystery" project celebrating 15 years. The band is in SEVEN categories, while Larry shows in NINE, including the WhiteHouse supergroup project. The band is nominated at this point for more categories than ever in the history of the band. And with the help of the devoted fans and industry businessman they hope to further show in the final five in their respective categories, where the awards will be unveiled in October in Louisville, KY at the IBMA Award Show. They are Entertainer of the Year Vocal Group of the Year Instrumental Group of the Year Album of the Year - Clinch Mountain Mystery Song of the Year – Clinch Mountain Mystery Male Vocalist of the Year – Larry Stephenson Mandolin Player of the Year – Larry Stephenson The WhiteHouse band consisting of 5 mainstream award winning artist: Jason Carter, Charlie Cushman, David Parmley, Missy Raines and Larry Stephenson are also nominated. Recorded Event of the Year Album of the Year If you would like to become a member of the IBMA Organization and support the band, please visit them at www.IBMA.org and tell them we sent you. If you would like to read more on the band’s latest project, hear song samples or just check in visit them at www.LarryStephensonBand.com.

SPBGMA AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED 2/8/04. See below Turn your speakers on to hear a bit of the latest CD while watching the show. ...Now downloading... We are proud to announce the Winners that were on the final ballot at this years SPBGMA Awards (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music in America) that was held February 8, 2004 in Nashville, TN at the Music City Sheraton. The band was nominated in the following: Vocal Group of the Year Gospel Group of the Year (Contemporary) Larry - Mandolin Player of the Year Larry Awarded Male Vocalist of the Year (Contemporary) for 2004 (2nd time Award) Aaron McDaris - Banjo Player of the Year and we would like to mention Larry's wife WON the 2004 Promoter of the Year for her family owned Tripple Creek Music Campground - Festival in the Pines Show in which the band helps advertise all over the United States and Canada as Larry takes part as an Emcee at the festival and the band plays all weekend- visit their website for more info: We Thank all of you who nominated and/or voted for our group as without you none of this would be possible.  We wish to Thanks everyone in this industry that takes part in our band as well as SPBGMA (Chuck and Diane Steerman) for holding such an award show to honor those of us in this business.  This is a great year for Larry himself to pickup some awards help him celebrate his 15th Anniversary which takes place this year in 2004.  So we're hoping it makes perfect sense for a winning season!  The band members are very proud to be part of  our group during 2004 because of this important milestone as this makes history just as Ralph Stanley, The Osborne Brothers and many others who marked their own milestones along the way before us... and we're glad to be part of this great music.

Larry honored by a surprise "15th Anniversary Award" at the Grand Ole Opry, March 26, 2004

CONGRATS AGAIN TO LARRY. Larry was honored on stage at the Grand Ole Opry, Friday, March 26, 2004 by the owner of Pinecastle Records, Mr. Tom Riggs along with other artist on the label - Jesse McReynolds and Sonny Osborne.  The award was a beautiful silver platter inscribed for Larry's continued success with his own band for 15 years and for his loyalty to the same record label for the same amount of time.  It was a total surprise to Larry and the band when Doug from Riders in the Sky interrupted his performance and the 3 presenters took the stage.  "What a wonderful and humbling experience", Larry said. Picture coming soon.

15TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR NEWS

Not only is the band's 15th Anniversary this year, but they can also claim staying with the same record label for the complete 15 years.  The Webco/Pinecastle Family is proud to have and have had the band on their roster for all of these years.  Not many bands have stayed with one label from it's induction.

Catch Larry & the band across the country this summer Celebrating 16 Years of sounds from The Larry Stephenson Band. Check out the schedule on the website listed above to find the closest show to your area. Remember every little bit helps so call your local bluegrass radio stations and request a cut off the latest project Clinch Mountain Mystery.

Special Award Received On Water

Larry was honored by receiving a surprise award while onboard the 2004 Bluegrass Music Caribbean Cruise on February 23, 2004.  The "World of Music at Sea" Award was presented by Captain Eric of Royal Caribbean's - Voyager of the Seas.  The award was in honor of being the most traveled artist/musician to bring bluegrass to the high seas.  ETA (Entertainment & Travel Alternatives) is the signature booking agency and Steve Wallach is the promoter of the "Original Bluegrass Music Cruise"  since 1999. 

The band will again headline this fantastic week of music aboard the "Navigator of the Seas"... the largest ship to ever sail for Royal Caribbean on Feb. 26 - Mar. 5, 2005. And we would like to see you cruizin'.  Visit the above link to get your reservations now and save.  Tell them the LSB sent you.  Check out 2004 Cruise Pics while visiting our Gallery.

Larry would like to personally "Thank" Steve and
Captain Eric for the award and for giving him recognition of his contributions in making the bluegrass cruise a success. Cheers to many more years of bluegrass on the sea.

Clinch Mountain Mystery is reaching top charting Heights!
Turn your speakers on to hear a bit of the title cut upon entry of this page.
The project has just been out for a short period of time and has been charting since it's induction to the radio waves.  As of August the title cut is at #10. And it's no surprise as this could possibly be the very best straight forward bluegrass project the band has ever generated. With the help of Tom T. and Dixie Hall's great penmanship as well as other writers, the band on the instruements and all of the guys on vocals as well as guest artist: Bobby Hicks, Bryan Sutton and Ronnie Stewart, it's sure to be a great add to your Music Library. 

With your first website order of two or more CD's you will receive a special 15th Anniversary gift FREE with Clinch Mountain Mystery plus one more project, to have as a keepsake from the band and to open the plastic wrapper. (while supplies last). People all over the country have loved receiving these great gifts  Don't forget to request for your autographed copy, when sending your order.

Soon to be released and found at the Larry Stephenson Band record table… "The Webco Years" project now in the final stages. This CD is a compilation of songs from 5 of the 9 previously released projects on the Webco label. This 2 CD Set will feature two unreleased songs as well as many favorites that the band is known for such as Just When I Needed You Most, just for example.

Congratulations to Larry Stephenson, who will celebrate his 15^th anniversary as a solo artist and band leader in 2004. In addition to having the most pleasantly distinct tenor voice in bluegrass music, he is also one of bluegrass’s most outstanding mandolin player. It was hardly surprising that when Time Life Warner was selecting music for their very prestigious "Gospel" compilation, they included Larry Stephenson’s "Yes, I See God" among the honored few.

For those fans who may not know Larry "off stage," he has few peers when it comes to his personal commitment to the advancement of all aspects of the bluegrass industry. Whenever called upon to represent the industry in virtually any capacity, Larry gives freely of his time and talent and when you combine his professional generosity with his unwavering, gentlemanly demeanor, he is definitely in a class by himself.

One very unique aspect of Larry’s stellar career is that he has, in essence, been associated with the same recording label for the past fifteen years. He began his solo recording career with Webco Records, which was eventually purchased by Tom Riggs, founder of Pinecastle Records, where Larry has continued as one of their most highly regarded artists. Larry’s newest Pinecastle release, Clinch Mountain Mystery, is scheduled to be released this Spring. Larry is also an integral part of the super bluegrass group, WhiteHouse and in 1996 he was quite deservedly inducted into the Virginia Music Hall of Fame.

Bluegrass Now Magazine thanks Larry for his sincere dedication to bluegrass music, for all the pleasure he’s brought to us and we extend our best wishes for many more rewarding years.                  - Wayne Bledsoe

"Thank you, Wayne for your kind words"
- Larry Stephenson

Original Seldom Scene Update

Larry himself is still taking part in the Original Seldom Scene Reunions now being called the "Seldom Sceniors" and is enjoying the dates they are playing together. They are a great group of guys to just know and be friends with aside from the playing. Thanks to John Starling, Ben Elderidge, Mike Auldridge and Tom Gray for including him.

NEW AREAS & EVENT NEWS

The band is traveling to areas this year never played or it's been a very long time since, such as: Wisconsin and Michigan.  And are proud to still be headlining the 7th Annual Bluegrass Music Caribbean Cruise February 26 - March 5, 2005. Sign up now and tell ETA, we sent you. You can book your cruise now and joy us for a wonderful time on the water.
The group will host again the LaGrange, GA Festival at Hoofers Gospel Barn in February 2005. Larry is proud to be associated with the Torrance Family and is glad they've asked him to host their February Festival.

Catch some of the band's performances at the Grand Ole Opry by visiting the Archives at www.Opry.com
Tuesday, May 31, 2005 * Tuesday, November 16, 2004  * Tuesday, October 19, 2004  *  Friday, October 8, 2004  *  Tuesday, August, 31, 2004 * Tuesday, August 17, 2004 *  Tuesday, July 13, 2004
And the March 25, 2004 performance in the archives at  www.Opry.com where Larry received a 15 YEAR Anniversary Award from the owner of Pinecastle Records on stage at the GRAND OLE OPRY - March 26, 2004. Joining the presentation was Sonny Osborne & Jesse McReynolds. Congrats to Larry on his continued success.