Larry Sparks is pleased to welcome two new members to The Lonesome Ramblers. Jackie Kincaid comes onboard playing mandolin and singing tenor, and Larry’s son, Larry D. Sparks, has taken the bass spot. In addition, Johnny Collins is the new bus driver for the band.

Jackie is a first rate Monroe-style mandolinist and a strong tenor vocalist who had worked once before with Larry.

“I received a phone call from Larry in 1979, saying he liked my tenor singing. I sang ‘I Wonder Where You Are Tonight’ over the phone, and he hired me that night.”

Now, 27 years later, after just one weekend’s tryout with the band, Sparks has put Jackie back on the payroll.

“I cannot express how proud I am to be chosen by the ‘Best In Bluegrass.’ I have never heard a bad word spoken about Larry Sparks. I learned valuable lessons from him in the seventies and he is still a True Gentleman. With his unique style, golden voice, and heartfelt singing, he has been a tremendous influence on Bluegrass from day one, and it is far from over. I will always be grateful for this opportunity and grateful to my parents, Maxine and Neil Kincaid, for supporting me and leading the way for me to experience this great opportunity.”

Audio samples from Jackie’s solo CD, Second Time Around, can be found on his web site.

Larry D. Sparks, the 39 year old son of bandleader Sparks, has performed in local and regional bands for many years but this job in the family business is his first full-time band gig.

Larry is very excited about his new band members, and the sound they get with this grouping.

“The harmony in the group is very strong now, and the blend with the new band members is really great.”

Larry D. and Jackie will take the stage as members of The Lonesome Ramblers for the first time this weekend in Valdese, NC and Norfolk, VA. Check Larry’s schedule online to find a chance to catch Larry and the new lineup in concert.