Biography

Radio Contact:
Ellen Nagase
434-973-5151
radio@rebelrecords.com

Click here to go to Rebel Records' Main Page

Musicians
Larry Sparks: Guitar, Vocal
John Rigsby: Harmonica
Larry D. Sparks: Bass

Production Credits
Produced by Larry Sparks
Recorded at Jordan Recording Studio, Covington, KY
Engineered and mixed by Dennis Hensley
Mastered by Scott Ballou

Bluegrass music emanates from the heart of Larry Sparks. Gospel music bounds from his soul. Paired together, bluegrass gospel represents the very best of Larry Sparks as a singer and as a man.

To that end, Rebel Records is thrilled to announce a forthcoming gospel project by the Bluegrass Hall of Famer Larry Sparks, Ministry In Song, now available for pre-order ahead of its May 21 release. Sparks' first all-gospel recording in ten years is filled with well chosen tunes including four new compositions from popular songwriter Daniel Crabtree, as well as a number of classics that highlight his soulful singing and distinctive picking. Quite timely given this past year, Ministry In Song offers songs of joy to be enjoyed and songs of comfort from which we can gather hope.

Larry Sparks grew up on the sounds of Hank Williams and The Stanley Brothers and credits them with having the greatest influence on his musical style. For the first single – out today – Sparks has recorded an eminently powerful take on Williams’ “House of Gold.” It is bold yet subtle, strong yet vulnerable. Sparks speaks to the oft-fragile human condition in a song that’s frankly more than just another song. When he sings such lines as “sinner hear me,” it’s an impassioned plea for one and for all.

“Yes,” says Sparks. “Yes, it speaks. It says a lot. Hank told it like it was. I thought maybe I can tell it like it is, too. I think it will help some people find strength and optimism in this uncertain world we're living in."

Sparks accompanies himself on acoustic guitar and walks softly through The Drifting Cowboy’s perspective-steeped number with equal parts homage and heart. Special guest John Rigsby's stately though humble harmonica is an easy-does-it companion that serves to elevate Williams’ warmhearted yet pointed lyrics. Sparks shares his hopes: "It will touch hearts. I really think this song and this album will touch hearts.”

Ministry In Song stands as a testament of truth that is open to everyone. Musically taut, lyrically sound, Larry Sparks leads the way with a torch of traditionalism lit firmly in hand, heart – and that timeless voice.