July 6, 2015
Lawrence County singer, songwriter and musician, Larry Cordle is recognized at appreciation dinner and presented with awards
Prolific songwriter, singer and musician, Larry Cordle was honored in his hometown of Louisa, KY, Friday evening, July 3, 2015, where he was recognized for his musical achievements; the latest of which was being inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in April of this year.
Larry Cordle was raised on a farm in the Blaine area of Lawrence County where he grew up listening to bluegrass, country, and gospel music; introduced to him by his grandfather. After graduating high school, Larry spent four years in the Navy, then attended Morehead State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He worked for a CPA firm during the day, and played music in clubs at night, not yet being able to commit to music full time.
Childhood friend and neighbor, Ricky Skaggs, had already established himself in the music business, and upon hearing a song Larry wrote entitled ‘Highway 40 Blues,’ promised to someday record it. Skaggs recorded the song in 1983, and it shot to the top of the charts, becoming the number one song in the nation. It was Ricky’s first number one song, and launched Larry’s musical career.
Since then, Larry’s songs have appeared on projects that have sold a combined total of over 55 million records by numerous artists including Garth Brooks, George Straight, Rhonda Vincent, Alan Jackson, Diamond Rio, Trisha Yearwood, and many more. Larry now writes independently for his own company, Wandachord Music, BMI. He records and tours with his band, Lonesome Standard Time, and sometimes works on projects of other recording artists as a lead or background vocalist.
Over the years, Larry has won many awards, recognizing him for his impressive musical career. His latest achievement was being inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame on April 10, 2015. Larry was in town, scheduled to perform as part of the Fourth of July entertainment in Louisa, so on Friday evening, he was honored with an appreciation dinner, where he received some local awards from his hometown.
Senator Ray Jones presented Larry with a Senate Citation and State Representative, Jill York named him a Kentucky Admiral. Jim Burchett, local musician and Chairman of the Fourth of July Board, gave him a plaque, and Mayor Slone presented Larry with the ‘Key to the City.’ Lastly, County Judge John Osborne and Tourism Commission Chairman, Keith Chaffin, presented him with an engraved pocket watch and a certificate for a cabin stay at Lawrence County Park.
Special surprise guest, Ralph Stanley II was present to congratulate Larry as well.
Larry was honored for his outstanding achievements, extraordinary songwriting, singing, and musicianship, and his influential contribution to the music industry. Larry was also recognized for not forgetting where he came from, and for staying true to, and carrying on traditional bluegrass and country music that is so much a part of our eastern Kentucky heritage and culture.
CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW PRESENTATION OF THE EVENT
