Distinguished alumnus and award-winning musician Larnelle Harris (’69) celebrates his musical career in new autobiography
By Laryn Hilderbrandt
Lyrics and songs by WKU alumnus Larnelle Harris (’69) of Louisville, Ky., have hit the right notes for more than five decades in a career that has been full of praise.
From being the first Christian artist to sing inside the Kremlin after the fall of the Soviet Union, to performing at the National Day of Prayer event in Washington D.C., Harris has had some remarkable experiences. However, he said no one achieves success alone.
“My total and complete motivation is to be part of a heart-changing message to help men, women, boys and girls—regardless of ethnic, racial or economic backgrounds—to embrace the concept that the world can only be what we make it,” Harris said.
Spheres of influence is the main theme of Harris’ new book, Shaped Notes: How Ordinary People with Extraordinary Gifts Influenced My Life and Career, which became a number-one best-seller on Amazon within a week of its release in February. Originally, the idea of writing his autobiography wasn’t appealing to Harris, but he said after thinking about the people in his life he realized their stories were worth telling.
“None of us achieve any success alone, and as I began to recall the people who supported, challenged and motivated me along the way, it was quite humbling,” he added. “Sometimes, just by offering someone a word of encouragement or showing them kindness, we can help shape a person’s life forever.”
Those are the messages Harris uses in his music as well. He is the only Gospel Christian artist to become a member of three distinct hall of fame organizations, including the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and the Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. Some of his vocal honors include five Grammy awards, 11 Dove awards and a Stellar Award for Best Solo Performance.
Before he accomplished all of these great musical feats, Harris says his time at WKU influenced him to consider music as a career. He said he was fortunate to have instructors who educated and encouraged talent, including opportunities to perform in shows representing the school.
“It was also a great asset to be at an institution that is committed to its foundational responsibility— that of shaping young minds and preparing them for a bright future,” he explained.
Harris’ time on the Hill was more than just background music. He met his wife Cynthia (Mitzy) through mutual friends and they have been enjoying their life together now for 45 years. They have two children, Larnelle Jr. (Lonnie), who has a master’s in Electrical Engineering, and Teresa, who has a degree in Finance.
“I’m happy to report that they are, to date, paying their own bills,” Harris joked.
A Lifetime Member of the WKU Alumni Association, Harris was inducted into WKU’s Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 1993. Today, he continues to tour and do concerts in both the U.S. and overseas. He’s a part of a Christmas musical that he co-wrote with Dave Clark and Nick Robertson that will be released this year through Lifeway. The musical is based off Harris’ song “All Year Long” that’s featured on a Grammy-winning Christmas album. He watched it come to life at a premiere in Nashville, Tenn., this past December.
“My life has been like most people’s, I think,” Harris said. “We start out one way, thinking we may do this or that, and because of the encouragement of others, we end up in a different place.”
He hopes that’s what people take away from his book: that all people have a sphere of influence.
“I remember seeing a picture some years ago of a turtle on a fence post. Like that turtle, none of us get where we are in life alone, and I know a lot of people at WKU played an important role in where I am today,” Harris stated.