Kentucky-born singer/songwriter Larnelle Harris emerged as one of gospel music’s leading voices after gaining traction in the early 1980s. Having studied vocals at Western Kentucky University, he first performed with the Spurrlows, handling drums for the gospel ensemble, and several years afterward launched his own group, First Gear. His initial solo outing arrived in 1975, followed by several albums that preceded a Dove Award win tied to the 1981 project Give Me More Love in My Heart. In 1983 he collaborated with Sandi Patty on the duet “More Than Wonderful,” which became one of his signature recordings and earned both artists a Grammy; their subsequent pairing, the 1985 track “I’ve Just Seen Jesus,” likewise received the honor. While maintaining membership in the Gaither Vocal Band, Harris sustained solo momentum through the decade with notable releases such as “How Excellent Is Thy Name” and “In It After All.” His composition “Mighty Spirit” later appeared in a 1993 Points of Light Foundation television campaign overseen by President George H.W. Bush. Career highlights include performances at both the White House and the Kremlin. A strong stretch of activity in the 1990s produced three additional Dove Awards plus another Grammy for the 1998 holiday album Christmas. Throughout the following decade he maintained an active solo recording schedule and toured internationally, while also participating in multiple reunions with the Gaither Vocal Group. Harris entered the Christian Music Hall of Fame in 2009 and holds membership in the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame.
