Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Dodson.
Hi Larry, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I joined the Bar-kays in 1970 after having been the lead singer and founder of a local vocal group called the Temprees who later became one of the industry’s top vocal groups.
After joining the bar-kays in 1970 and becoming the only lead singer the band has ever had I went on to record 30 albums with the Bar-kays of which 5 were gold and 1 platinum and we have had 20 top ten singles and 20 top ten albums in the industry. I stayed with the band for almost 5 decades before retiring for 1 to 1/2 years after which I returned to the stage as a solo act recording on our own record label.
Music moves records which my son and I own, along with our booking agency which we have had since 1999 booking all types of acts, actors and actresses. I now travel and tour in the united states and abroad under the new stage name of… Larry D’ (the original lead singer of the Bar-kays).
I have just finished and released my first solo album entitled “Yours Truly Larry D” which has birthed 2 singles “I’m Good” and “Just We” ft. Jessica ray, both of which have done well on the billboard urban charts.
I am an author, singer, songwriter, recording artist, actor, and producer now experiencing a second wind with my career which looks bigger and brighter than ever thanks to my many fans who have supported me for more than 50 years and counting… I am truly blessed!!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Having been in show business for as many years as I have.
The challenges have been many but I have managed to get thru all of them victorious, being honored to have been inducted into the Memphis music hall of fame, the R&B hall of fame, and having pieces of our wardrobe on display in the Smithsonian Institute for years, The Stax Museum in Memphis.
The museum in Nashville, TN has a musical note on legendary Beale Street also in Memphis. Having a street renamed after me also in Memphis and finally being honored with an honoree doctorate from Lemoyne Owen College, an HBCU College in Memphis.
The road has not been smooth as we have lost 4 of the original members of the Bar-kays in a deadly private plane crash which also took the life of Otis Redding and also having lost several other members tragically along the way in the past years.
The Bar-kays can boast of one of the longest active careers in the music business, having never broken up and has performed consistently for more than 5 decades.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
During the Covid crisis, I have personally learned more about myself in terms of what I truly want at this point in my life and career. Because this Covid crisis has caused many entertainers to give up their careers and pursue other things to maintain incomes and also to support their families.
Where many have looked at it as a glass half empty, I on the other hand have looked at it as a glass half full and taken that attitude to spend this precious time as wisely as I could and consequently, I have created what I feel to be some of my best work musically.
With the help of others, of course, I never got discouraged at not being able to perform for over 2 years, instead, I seized the opportunity to create and produce some really good music.
I have always said that when the goings get tuff. The tuff gets going and I have done just that .my faith has never failed me nor has the god that I serve!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: WWW.THELARRYDODSON.COM
- Instagram: @TheRealLarryDodson
- Facebook: @TheRealLarryDodson
- Twitter: @RealLarryDodson
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnzYG7H8NDIQTnWx561v7Pg/featured
