Feb. 23, 2011
For Immediate Release

By Joan C. McKinney, news and publications coordinator

CAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. - Five-time Grammy and 11-time Dove Award winner Larnelle Harris will be in concert on Friday, March 25 at 7 p.m. in Campbellsville University's Ransdell Chapel at 401 North Hoskins Ave., Campbellsville.

The concert is a fundraising event to raise money for the University Chorale's trip to Brazil May 19-31. This is the second time Harris has performed at CU; he sang in concert in 1996.

Dr. Tony Cunha, assistant professor of music and associate dean of the School of Music, who directs the Campbellsville University Chorale, said the chorale will be performing in churches and schools in Brazil.

“The message that will be shared is two-fold,” Cunha said. “The first is the sharing of the love and grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Through the program of sacred music, the message of Christ will be broadcast in cities like São Paulo, Campinas, São Caetano do Sul, Teresópolis and Niterói.

“The second shared message is of the good works of Campbellsville University in educating on our campus young people from all over the world.”

Cunha said an opportunity like going to Brazil is “perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime” event.

“The impact of visiting a foreign country and the exposure to its culture is a life changing experience in a very positive way and will have an impact on how these students view the world. More than likely, the concept of international missions will be taken far more seriously,” Cunha said.

The CU Orchestra and Chorale will be performing with Harris.

“We are especially honored to have Larnelle Harris on campus and also to have our music groups performing with him. He is a wonderful gospel musician, and his reputation as a Christian artist is second to none,” Cunha said.

Admired by peers and fans alike in a career that spans over three decades, Harris was one of the first Christian artists to cross racial barriers and build healing bridges with predominantly white churches who had never had a black singer on their platform.

In addition to his Grammy and Dove Awards, including being named Male Vocalist of the Year three times by the gospel music community, Harris has garnered 19 #1 national radio singles and countless top 10 hits.

A sought-after vocalist for special events and ceremonies, Harris also continues to perform solo concerts for churches and other organizations worldwide each year.

His latest recording titled “I Want to be a Star” has already garnered three top 20 national radio singles, including the hit “Look At Your Hands” which landed in the top three position.

Harris has appeared on several national television shows and networks including Gaither Homecoming Specials; Live With Regis & Kathie Lee; Life Today With James Robison; CNN; Music City Tonight with Crook & Chase on TNN; 700 Club; Good Morning South Africa; Billy Graham Crusades; Hour Of Power; and Larnelle Christmas Special, among others.

Songs such as “How Excellent Is Thy Name,” “I Miss My Time With You,” “I've Just Seen Jesus,” plus many others, including his signature song, “Amen,” are now considered modern gospel classics.

Harris was formally inducted into the prestigious Gospel Music Hall of Fame as a member of the 2007 class.
From the White House to the 38th Parallel, Harris has impacted audiences across the globe with his music. He was the first Christian artist to perform inside the Kremlin after the fall of the Soviet Union.

He is also one of a handful of celebrities to receive the Ad Council's Silver Bell Award for Distinguished Public Service in recognition of his song “Mighty Spirit” as the theme song for the longest-running Public Service Announcement in television history.

Harris has been married to his wife, Cynthia, who is also known as Mitzy, for over 35 years. They have two grown children.

Harris is world-renowned for his majestic tenor voice, and one reviewer declared: “Larnelle could sing the phone book and inspire you!”

Campbellsville University is a widely acclaimed Kentucky-based Christian university with over 3,000 students offering 63 undergraduate programs, 17 master's degrees and five postgraduate areas. The website for complete information is campbellsville.edu.
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