Accolades and Achievements
Harris has received an impressive array of awards throughout his career. He has been honored with four Grammy Awards, 11 Dove Awards, including three for Male Vocalist of the Year, and a Stellar Award for Best Solo Performance. His home state of Kentucky recognized his talent with the Governor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Arts, making him the first Christian artist to receive this prestigious honor. He has achieved 19 No. 1 radio singles and many top 10 hits, such as “How Excellent Is Thy Name,” “I Miss My Time with You,” and “I’ve Just Seen Jesus.” These achievements are a testament to his musical prowess and the impact of his songs.Over the summer, New Day Christian Distributors released 13 original albums from Harris to all major digital platforms. Five of these recordings were named Album of the Year at the Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, and the selected catalog earned five Grammy Awards. This further solidifies his place in the music industry and showcases the enduring popularity of his work.
Music as a Ministry
Harris believes that the message of God is what keeps him going. His songs are an integral part of his testimony and have a profound impact on his audience. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on the ministry aspect of music rather than getting caught up in the popularity contest of the industry.“Can you imagine your position in life being dependent on other human beings determining what you deserve to have?” he asked. “I’m not bad-mouthing anybody, but I can’t watch a lot of the talent shows on TV because of that. A lot of times we hand people something they are not ready for.” Harris wants singers to be more focused on pleasing God through their music rather than seeking fame and fortune.
Early Beginnings and Influences
Harris began singing and performing at the age of 9. His early days were filled with memories of singing in various places, and some of those songs would bring tears to his eyes. He attributes his success to the ordinary people with extraordinary gifts who influenced his life and career.Miss Georgia, who taught piano lessons to every kid in town, discovered Harris’s talent and started taking him around to perform. These early experiences shaped his love for music and laid the foundation for his future career.
Support of Family and Friends
Harris also credits his wife, family, and friends for their unwavering support. After winning one of his four Grammy Awards, his wife reminded him of his place in life and gave him simple instructions for the day. This grounding provides him with the focus he needs to stay on track.“My wife is a note person, she likes to put things down on paper. So, every morning I get up, there is a note giving me my instructions for the day. I thought after winning a couple of Grammys there wouldn’t be a note. I go downstairs, there’s a note, and it says, ‘Larnell, love you. We are so proud of you; listen, take out the trash and get that trash that you missed in the garage the other day.’” This shows the importance of having a support system in one’s life.
In conclusion, Larnelle Harris’s story is a testament to the power of music and the importance of staying true to one’s calling. His music has touched the lives of many and continues to inspire future generations. Through his achievements and his message, he has shown that music can be a powerful tool for ministry and for spreading the love of God.