The Larry Stephenson Band is celebrating its 25th anniversary in bluegrass this year.
But Stephenson has been performing professionally for more like 40 years.
He started playing mandolin at 5 and cut his first record at 13.
As soon as he finished high school, Stephenson hit the road with Cliff Waldron and Leon Morris.
He moved on to Bill Harrell & The Virginians and then to the Bluegrass Cardinals before forming his own band in 1989.
Stephenson, long regarded as one of the best tenor singers in bluegrass, is celebrating his band’s 25th anniversary with an all gospel album — “Pull Your Savior In.”
He wrote the title cut, a hard-driving song about reaching out to Jesus.
The album includes several gospel standards — “Amazing Grace,” “Great Speckled Bird,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Let The Lower Lights Be Burning” and “Will You Meet Me Over Yonder.”
Also included are Lester Flatt‘s “Thank God I’m On My Way,” Rick Stanley and Donna Ulisse‘s “Come To Jesus Moment,” Randall Hylton and Cadillac Holmes‘ “If You Want To Live Forever,” the Louvin Brothers‘ “Born Again” and Bill Castle and Levon McCall‘s “Morningtime Always.”
Guests include Jimmy Fortune, Aubrey Haynie, David Parmley and Dale Perry.
Another strong album by one of bluegrass’ best.
Can’t find it in stores? Try http://www.LarryStephensonBand.com.
Bluegrass Notes 
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