The Richmond Indiana-based Palladium-Item reported on Sunday that bluegrass veteran Larry Sparks is to receive the Legacy Continues Award from the Starr-Gennett Foundation.

Sparks who has enjoyed over 40 years as a professional bluegrass musician, beginning when he started high school and was at the same time working for the Stanley Brothers. Subsequently, he formed his own band, The Lonesome Ramblers.

Twice he has been named the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year (2004 and 2005) and was honoured for Album of the Year and Recorded Event of the Year (both for 40; 2005).

Sparks is headlining the foundation’s Walk of Fame Musical Festival on September 6, when the award will be made.

To read the full story go to the Pal-Item website.

The Starr-Gennett Foundation Inc. is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of Gennett Records and its parent organization, the Starr Piano Company. The Foundation is working to save this important legacy and foster worldwide appreciation for this remarkable piece of American popular music history.

For information about the Starr-Gennett Foundation, the arrangements for the day’s events (on September 6), including a concert appearance by Mike Compton and David Long, and the evening Larry Sparks concert visit the Starr-Gennett Foundation website.

Larry Sparks latest CD is the Gospel collection I Don’t Regret A Mile (Sparks Music), the first release on his own label.