A native of Danville, Kentucky[1], Harris started playing the piano by age 9. His first formal vocal training came when he attended college at Western Kentucky University, from which he graduated in 1969. He later became a part of the popular Gospel touring group "The Spurlows." He gained fame with both his solo work, and his work as part of the Gaither Vocal Band, headed by Gospel musician and recording executive Bill Gaither.
His many live and televised appearances include Live with Regis and Kathie Lee, The 700 Club, several Billy Graham crusades, the Trinity Broadcasting Network, numerous Gaither Homecoming shows, and his own Christmas special. In his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, Harris has made many appearances on the WHAS Crusade for Children, a long-running local telethon benefitting children's charities.
Of his many chart-topping songs, perhaps his best-known are his duets with Sandi Patty called, "More than Wonderful" and "I've Just Seen Jesus." His song, "Mighty Spirit" was featured in a 1993 television campaign for the Points of Light Foundation, headed by President George H. W. Bush; he performed the song for Bush and his wife Barbara at the White House.
Harris has received an honorary doctorate of music from Campbellsville University in central Kentucky. He was inducted into the Western Kentucky University Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 1993.
Harris, his wife Cynthia, and children Lonnie and Teresa have lived in Louisville for more than three decades. Despite his schedule, Harris serves as a deacon in his home church, and previously served as its treasurer. Harris is well-known within the Gospel music industry for his reluctance to schedule performances that take him away from his family for any length of time.
from Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larnelle_Harris
Oh Happy Day
Larnelle Harris Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
He washed my sins away (oh happy day)
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
And live rejoicing every, everyday
Oh happy day
He taught me how
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
The song "Oh Happy Day" by Larnelle Harris is a celebration of the joy and freedom that comes from being washed clean of sin by Jesus. The repeated chorus of "Oh happy day" emphasizes the overwhelming happiness and relief that this experience brings. The verses expand on this theme, describing the ways in which Jesus has taught the singer to live a better life.
The first verse focuses on the act of washing away sin, which is compared to being bathed in a spiritual cleansing. This is a powerful metaphor for the feeling of being forgiven, and the repetition of "when Jesus washed" emphasizes the importance of this moment. The second verse emphasizes the positive changes that this experience has brought to the singer's life. The phrases "He taught me how to watch, fight and pray" and "And live rejoicing every, everyday" suggest that the singer has been given an entirely new outlook on life, one that is characterized by vigilance, strength, and joy.
Overall, "Oh Happy Day" is a song of gratitude and celebration, emphasizing the transformative power of faith and the happiness that comes from being forgiven and redeemed.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
This is a moment of pure joy and happiness.
When Jesus washed (when Jesus washed)
Refers to the moment when someone accepts Jesus and it's like their soul gets cleansed.
He washed my sins away (oh happy day)
Jesus took away all the wrongdoing and bad things I have ever done, making me feel redeemed and renewed.
He taught me how to watch, fight and pray, fight and pray
Jesus instilled important values in me, such as staying vigilant, being brave, and praying often.
And live rejoicing every, everyday
Despite any struggles, life can always be appreciated and celebrated to the fullest with Jesus in your life.
He taught me how
Jesus taught me many valuable life lessons and continues to guide me.
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Reiterates the joy and enthusiasm one feels when Jesus comes into their life.
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Reiterates the joy and enthusiasm one feels when Jesus comes into their life.
Oh happy day (oh happy day)
Reiterates the joy and enthusiasm one feels when Jesus comes into their life.
Lyrics © RAOUL BRETON EDITIONS, BMG Rights Management, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Edwin Hawkins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@sharoncravenor2226
Early 90's my 5 yrs young baby girl , sang at the top of her lungs with Mr. Harris, while making her way through our home! 09/20/2020 G R H went to her Jesus! Memories etched in my mind, heart and spirit. Wait for me, I'm coming !!
@rafaelvelez1232
I've always loved this version.
@klj9057
Best version out there
@loriwoolever7919
favorite song by Larnelle!!!
@kimkoteles4063
My Go To Song!! So Powerful!
@thisisme3238
One of Larnelle's best!.🙏🛐✝️♥️👍🇺🇲
@AM-br4ix
Saw him in Syracuse NY in 1988 I think it was!!! His voice was so powerful that he didn’t need a microphone
@777toogie1
Luv this since he first recorded it… thanks for uploading it
@kathleenurquhart3238
LOVE THIS!!!
@kikismom8241
thank you for posting this link in chat! SUPER! How I reallllllyyyy needed this!!! Thank you sister!