Larry Howard

    Larry Howard

    Also credited as Howard

    Macon, Georgia5 reviews across 5 releases

    bluesblues rockgospelgospel blues
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    Larry Howard was an American blues singer and guitarist whose work joined Southern rock training to Christian gospel. Born in Winter Haven, Florida, he played in the Southern rock band Grinderswitch during the 1970s, then moved into solo Christian blues after becoming a Christian in 1980. His rasping, expressive voice and guitar stayed at the center of the records, which moved between acoustic testimony, electric blues and boogie. The 1992 live Cornerstone Blues Jam presented him as the organizer of a festival jam, with Mark Farner, Jessy Dixon and Darrell Mansfield among the guests; Howard's hushed "Presence of the Lord" sat beside a sermon about divisions between Christian denominations. By Bright Side of the Blues, brass and brighter arrangements had become more prominent, while American Roots returned to laid-back blues with country and reggae touches.

    After American Roots appeared in 1999, Howard continued performing with Glenn Kaiser and Darrell Mansfield. He took part in performances in Cuba and appeared for several years at the Sturgis Bikers Stage, but declining health eventually prevented further travel. Howard died in Lakeland, Florida, on February 10, 2017, aged 66.

    5 releases reviewed