We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Larry George. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Larry below.
Alright, Larry thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
Growing up under my grandparents’ guidance was a privilege, one I believe was divinely orchestrated. As the oldest of four siblings, we quickly understood that we were born into a family brimming with talent: singers, musicians, preachers, and individuals with military experience, among other gifts. My grandfather became a preacher, had a knack for playing the piano and singing, while my grandmother and her siblings were also gifted vocalists and musicians.
I vividly recall a poignant memory from my childhood—the first duet I ever heard was performed by my grandparents at my aunt’s wedding. They sang the timeless rendition of “Love Lift Us Up Where We Belong” by Joe Cocker and Jennifer Warnes. Even now, as I type these words, tears come to my eyes. That moment was unlike any other, leaving an indelible mark on me and instilling a deep appreciation for the power of music.
Recognizing my own gifts and interests in music, my grandparents wasted no time enrolling me in music lessons and ensuring my teachers focused on nurturing those talents alongside my education. I reminisce about the era when piano teachers would hold a paddle to correct mistakes—an experience that instilled in me a drive to get it right. After school, I’d diligently do my homework, followed by hours of piano or keyboard practice under my grandmother’s watchful eye until she deemed it enough.
I also recall practicing with the radio, eagerly requesting songs and recording them on cassettes to perfect my skills until my “requested” song came back on air. While I jest about the absence of YouTube back then, those moments taught me invaluable lessons in patience, discipline, and endurance.
The impact my grandparents had on my life extends far beyond these memories. My prayer for success is not only for myself but also to be a blessing to my grandmother during her time with us (may my grandfather rest in peace). I believe that while God grants success, my grandparents sowed the first seeds that have shaped my journey and aspirations.
Larry, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Larry George, and I hail from Danville, Virginia, where I was born and raised. I’ve been playing and singing since the age of 5. I have three sisters: Beverly, Marie, and Carol (CeCe), who are also singers. I come from a family with many gifts and talents, but none surpasses our love for music, which I inherited. At one point, I wanted to form a group, and after going through various phases like “Larry George and Friends” and “Larry George and Psalms,” I realized that my true support system was right at home with my sisters. Thus, we formed “Larry George & Spirits.”
At a young age, we were fortunate to travel across the country and sing with and for many Gospel Greats such as Shirley Caesar, The Williams Brothers, The Canton Spirituals, The Blind Boys Of Alabama, Lee Williams and The Spiritual QC’s, Twinkie Clark, The Late Rev. Timothy Wright, and many more. We even had the honor of singing at our Nation’s Capitol and making our first record.
After some time and feeling accomplished, I yearned for more in music, passion, and life. That led me to Virginia Beach, Virginia, where I met many people in the music industry and discovered connections to my hometown. I served at New Jerusalem Church Of God In Christ under Bishop Barnett K. Thoroughgood, where I encountered celebrities like Missy Elliott, Timberland, Teddy Riley, Pharrell Williams, and more. This experience showed me that I was in the right place musically and spiritually, especially when I met my Mentor and Spiritual Father Bishop Ezekiel Williams.
Under his mentorship, I grew immensely. I believe the lack of mentors and artist development in today’s music industry is a significant gap. What sets me apart is my focus on capturing my audience, leaving a lasting impression, and creating art that invites opinions and constructive feedback.
What I’m most proud of is not giving up. While I can play in the background, I’ve realized God didn’t create me for that. He keeps pushing me to the front, and I trust His plan. I aim to share leadership and guidance with clients and followers, especially the newer generation, emphasizing the importance of learning history, developing a spiritual mindset, and honing their craft while prospering in their endeavors.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Everyone tends to equate their social media followers or friends list with the number of people who follow or know them. However, many individuals may know you without being on social media. Due to my involvement in various arenas and venues, there’s a certain demographic that knows me but may not be online. My audience has primarily been built through my service in church, different ministries, and playing for well-known preachers or evangelists. Additionally, working with different artists, musicians, and creatives has contributed to expanding my reach.
It’s often been others sharing my gifts, recording me, or posting about me that has contributed to my visibility. Things took a significant turn when I served as the Musical Director for the Netflix series “Voices Of Fire.” I believe that sometimes, you don’t have to actively promote yourself; showing up, being present, and fulfilling your role can lead to natural growth and recognition.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
Absolutely, YouTube has become such a powerhouse for learning and development, especially in music and creative fields. It’s incredible to think about how much time and effort it could have saved back when you were learning. However, there’s a unique value to the raw development process you went through—the hands-on experience, the tangible materials like paper, pencil, scores, and notes, and the in-person training. These elements contributed to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the craft.
While this generation has the advantage of instant access and mobility with high-tech devices, they still undergo meaningful learning experiences. The combination of traditional methods and modern technology allows for a comprehensive and masterful approach to skill development. It’s fascinating to see how the evolution of tools and resources continues to shape the learning journey for musicians and creatives alike.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: george_is_duke OR iamlarrytgeorge
- Facebook: Larry George
- Youtube: Larry George, Voices Of Fire, Faith World Ministries
- Other: Im Minister Of Music at my church “Faith World Ministries”. Look us up on any of these outlets. I promise you, YOUR LIFE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME….
Image Credits
Ivan Striga