By Tonia Rose - Staff Writer
March 3, 2010 — Get ready for Larry Cordle and Lonesome Standard Time as they perform March 5 at the Isaacs Performing Arts Center with all proceeds going to the preservation society.
Larry Cordle was born and raised on a family farm in eastern Kentucky.
At a young age his grandmother introduced him to Bluegrass, county and gospel music. Living so far away from most anything or anybody, his family made music as a way to be entertained.
“Music was just a way of life for me, for all of us actually,” he said.
After graduating high school, Cordle spent four years in the Navy, and after being honorably discharged, he attended Morehead State University, receiving a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
“I just didn’t see how I could ever make a living doing only music,” he commented. “I worked for a CPA during the day and played in clubs at night.”
Cordle’s childhood friend, Ricky Skaggs heard Larry’s song, “Highway 40 Blues” and promised to record it someday.
In the summer of 1983, the song became the number one hit in the nation. In 1985, Cordle left the office job and moved to Nashville as a full-time staff writer for Amanda-Lin Music. At last count, Cordle’s songs had appeared on projects that sold more than 50 million records by artists such as Alison Krauss, Rhonda Vincent, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire, Diamond Rio, Alan Jackson and others
The band has been awarded song of the year by the International Bluegrass Music Association on two separate occasions. The band has also gained Grammy nominations for Best Bluegrass Album and landed number one slots on the Bluegrass and Americana charts.
Cordle remains active in all aspects of his career. He tours in the U.S. and abroad with Lonesome Standard Time and is currently a staff writer for Sea-Gayle Music, which is co-owned by Brad Paisley, Frank Rogers and Chris Dubois.
Cordle now resides in Hendersonville, Tennessee with is wife Wanda, and their daughter, Kelvey. He still enjoys trips back to his home and his roots in Kentucky and is looking forward to the March 5 concert at the Isaacs Performing Arts Center.
Admission is $12 and concessions will be sold. All proceeds go toward the Hitchins’ Preservation Society.
