Larry Sparks

Larry Sparks

Author: Tom Power February 13, 2024 Duration: 57:59
The legendary Larry Sparks, a prominent player in bluegrass for over six decades and a Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductee, joins host Tom Power for 'Toy Heart.' Sparks shares insightful anecdotes from his early years, touring and performing with the Stanley Brothers and from his tenure with Ralph Stanley & the Clinch Mountain Boys. From traveling in a ‘67 station wagon to the challenges of navigating the music industry over so many decades, Sparks reflects on his particular journey through bluegrass, old-time, and country music. We explore his musical influences, his unique approach to bluegrass guitar playing, and the profound impact of gospel songs on his own soulful, down home sound. Sparks also offers a glimpse into his Nashville days, highlighting the unique challenges he faced in Music City. His stories reveal a dedication to preserving the essence of bluegrass and his commitment to honest storytelling. Hear Sparks describe making hits like “John Deere Tractor” as well as speaking to the spiritual resonance of gospel music. He paints a vivid picture of a musical legacy that spans more than 60 years, leaving an indelible mark on the heart and soul of the bluegrass community. Presented by BGS (The Bluegrass Situation) Interested in sponsoring us? Contact BGS: https://bit.ly/sponsorBGSpods

There’s a story behind every song, and behind that story is a person who lived it. Toy Heart with Tom Power digs into those personal histories, focusing on the very roots of bluegrass music itself. Host Tom Power, known from CBC Radio, approaches these conversations with a genuine curiosity that goes beyond the typical interview. Each episode features an intimate talk with a foundational artist-voices like Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, Alice Gerrard, Jesse McReynolds, and Jerry Douglas, among others. They don’t just recount career highlights; they trace their own origins, sharing the specific moments, influences, and challenges that shaped them within this distinct musical world. Produced in partnership with BGS (The Bluegrass Situation), this podcast is built for anyone who wants to understand not just how bluegrass sounds, but how it feels to those who created its legacy. The tone is conversational and revealing, often feeling like you’re overhearing a deep talk between old friends. New episodes arrive every other week, ready to be found wherever you listen.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 23

Toy Heart with Tom Power (A Podcast About Bluegrass)
Podcast Episodes
Del McCoury [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:07
Del McCoury talks to Tom backstage at the Opry about how he started playing banjo, his (interesting) time in the military, joining Bill Monroe's band, being replaced by Bill Keith, starting over, playing music with his s…
Preview - Toy Heart: A Podcast About Bluegrass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 5:13
CBC radio host Tom Power ("q") and BGS (The Bluegrass Situation) bring you the most in-depth podcast about the origins of bluegrass ever created. Power sits down with luminaries of the genre such as Del McCoury, Ricky Sk…