Larry Sparks, noted for his very original style of playing the guitar and singing, bluesy elements abounding, has been in touch with Bluegrass Today to share his reaction to the news of his induction to the IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
He shares a quite amusing story ……
“I had been working in the garden picking beans and tomatoes to put up for winter. Helping my wife, of course. I took a little break on the swing on the porch and fell asleep for a few when the phone rang. I answered about half awake.
It was a call from Nashville from Eddie Huffman. He gave me the news about the Hall Of Fame induction. I remember saying, ‘What? What? Oh! Oh!’ Then I awoke fully and we talked.
But, yes I am honored and very thankful to get this induction, and I give thanks to all who voted. Very nice to be in the Bluegrass Hall Of Fame. It’s been a long ride. I think people know I’m a leader for this music. They can trust me to take care of it. I know what it’s about. I’ve been through it and I know what it takes. I’m greatly honored and thankful for this. I cannot stop here; much more work to be done for our music and I’m glad to be a part of it and have support from the people.”
2015 represents Larry Sparks’ 50th year in bluegrass music. This has been marked by the release of a commemorative album, Lonesome and Then Some; A Classic 50th Celebration (Rebel REB 1846).
The induction of Larry Sparks and the other inductee, banjo ace Bill Keith, takes place during the 2015 IBMA Awards Show on Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. (ET), on October 1, at Raleigh, North Carolina’s Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts (Memorial Auditorium).
For tickets to the event, contact the IBMA online , by phone (615-256-3222), or by email.
