Larry Ferguson is a name that many people may or may not be familiar with. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Larry is the friend and manager to Dottie Rambo. He and his wife, Judy, have been married for over 10 years and they have 2 children, Christian who is 5 years old and Pierce who is 15 months. For the last several years, Larry has been the main overseer for Dottie and her ministry. After traveling with Dottie over the last several years, Larry has many road stories to share and he has recently written a book about his travels with Dottie, aptly called "Driving Miss Dottie". The book releases later this year and Larry is quite anxious for the release. In gearing up for the release, hopefully this interview will help people know just who Larry Ferguson is…
How did you get involved in Southern Gospel Music?
Larry: I grew up loving Southern Gospel Music. I actually got involved in the industry helping promoters and churches with promoting their concerts. Later I started my own promotions company, and I mainly held my concerts in the Louisville, Kentucky area. From there, things just took off as I took on many roles, trying to get more involved in the industry.
So how did you meet Dottie and how did you get involved in working for her?
Larry: I was in awe of Dottie the first time I saw her on television. I thought she was amazing and she really is the first gospel singer that I ever totally "sold out" on. I actually met her for the first time at the National Quartet Convention several years ago. I still remember being so scared to approach her but I did and I asked for a picture with her and she said, "I would love that honey. I just painted my nails and they are still wet so if you mess them up I will knock you down!" (laughing).
Later I started promoting her in concert and then ended up booking a lot of dates for her. When she made some changes in her life and her direction in music and ministry, I was honored to take the position as her manager.
What exactly do you do for her?
Larry: Well...(laughing) I do a lot. I travel everywhere with her and I book her dates along with Beckie Simmons who is a great friend. I pitch her songs to other artists, manage her career and ministry and create new products and merchandise for the fans. She's like my mom so I do a lot of other things for her too, kind of a manager, chauffeur, secretary, bodyguard, assistant and jack-of-all-trades all wrapped in one.
What's it like working for Dottie? What is your average day like?
Larry: Working with Dottie is incredible. She is so down to earth; no ego to deal with and that really makes things easy. She is always trying to help me as much as I help her. That's just the type of person that she is.
To say what an average day is like with Dottie is hard. One day we could be on the road or on a plane, or we could be working in the office. One thing people probably don't realize is how hands on she is in her business. That was one of the things that I was really adamant about when I came to work with her; that she be in on all her decisions and have control over her own finances and all the things she that should have known and been doing for years.
Outside of working for Dottie, what other aspect of the industry are you involved in?
Larry: You know I have to admit that I have really slacked as far as being real involved in the industry outside of working with Dottie. I get invited to a lot of parties and industry events but I am such a homebody I rarely go. I just recently started to realize how important that was, so I am doing more of that now. Now that I am more ready to do it, I will probably get fewer invites (laughing)…you know out of sight out of mind! (laughing) But, I do try to stay active in reading all the trades and websites.
You have a book coming out titled, "Driving Miss Dottie". How did that come about?
Larry: It's funny how this book came about. I actually started doing a little bit here and there for US Gospel News, just to let some of the fans know Dottie was back and was staying busy. Dottie and I just happened to be telling stories one day about crazy things that have happened on the road and she said "Larry are you keeping a log of this cause you need to write a book". So when Woodland Press believed in the project, it just took off and they have been incredible to work with. Keith Davis and Mike Collins are two of the greatest people you could be involved with. It has really made this project flow so well having their 100 percent and Dottie's blessing and push to do it.
So, tell me about the book, when it will be released, etc…
Larry: "Driving Ms. Dottie" should be released sometime in early 2006. Mike Collins is co-authoring and editing the project with me. The concept of the book is not of a biography type. I am not going to tell Dottie's life story as she can only do her story justice. I am simply telling funny happenings from the road. My book is more of the behind the scenes things that the fans want to know about and all the wonderful people we have met along the way. It's a tribute to Dottie and basically just a book about a guy who's childhood dream came to fruit. I thank God every day that I am able to brush shoulders with Dottie and I pray that some of her anointing will rub off. (laughing).
Seriously, people will see a fun side to Dottie like playing with my kids, acting crazy, or whatever. The book is going to be filled with photographs of Dottie with artists in SG and all fields of music. It's something I'm very proud of and I think her fans will love it. Plus, it is going to be a great segue for Dottie's own book, which will come out late next year. So this will whet appetites for the feast so to speak. I've also been asked to write a little in the book of what I do when I am not with Dottie and the publisher has selected a lot of pictures with celebrities and fun family shots to use in that section. So it's really a special project to me. I won't be revealing any skeletons or exhuming bodies in this (laughs). It's just a lighthearted fun side of what the public doesn't get to see.
Is this your first literary offering?
Larry: This is my first book. I hope it does well enough that I can do something else in the future. I would love to write more on SG and it's artists. I love photography and have a huge collection of photographs that I have taken over the years of artists from so many genres of music. I would love to publish a book of my photos and stories about the artists in them; a coffee-table type of book.
What are your future plans?
Larry: I will continue to work with Dottie until Jesus comes, unless she grew tired of me. She's my priority outside my wife and kids. I have a lot of projects with Dottie coming out like some reissues and television specials. We have the Dottie Rambo doll coming out and so many other things.
Any interesting or unique stories you could share?
Larry: We have had so many great and fun stories and so many unusual things happen on the road and just from being with the public. Once at the NQC when I was leaving the convention to run to the hotel and pick Dottie up, this woman pulled a lock of my hair from head. I didn't know what happened and I just thought I lost my balance and was falling backwards. I caught my balance quickly and saw this woman running away yelling, "I got some of Jonathan Martin's hair!!!" I still can't believe that she first of all, thought I was him and second of all, that she was so brass to pull anyone's hair she admired. I really don't think she could have been a huge fan of his or she would have known he had shaved his head bald at the time (laughing). I've had fans of Dottie's find out where I live and follow me around town all day long trying to get to Dottie's house. Some fans have found out where she lived and stole her trash and even took the trashcans. (laughing) Seriously, they just loaded up the cans in the back of their truck and the neighbors thought it was some of our staff because they were wearing Dottie Rambo T shirts. (laughing)
Switching gears here, what are your thoughts about gospel music as a whole and its direction?
Larry: I think Gospel music is in a transition right now. I think it's kind of in a scary place to be truthful. I don't mean that in a negative way because sometimes you have to take risks and chances in order to get to a better place in life, ministry or business. We have so many fans that want to keep the traditional Southern Gospel sound alive and many that want to see it continue to progress. I don't think we have really found the right blend or direction yet. We have lost so many of our legends over the last few years and this has really hurt the industry and actually made it take a stronger look at it's self.
What would change about it?
Larry: I would love to see the labels get more involved with radio. It seems some of the smaller labels do a better job with radio promotions than some of the larger labels. It's not uncommon to go through a town and listen to a major Southern Gospel station and hear Dottie, Vestal, the Perrys, Hoppers or another greatly produced record and then hear a single that was recorded in a basement of a church and that is very frustrating. When I look at the charts most of the artists that are on major labels that top the charts have hired secondary radio promoters in addition to the label while some of the smaller label artists are topping the charts or running neck to neck with a major artist because their record label is pushing that much harder. It's not uncommon for a group to have a huge chart topping song and year to date not selling ten percent of another artist who hasn't even made the current Southern Gospel chart. Dottie, Vestal and The Happy Goodmans and even the Oak Ridge Boys are some of the best examples of this. These artists all probably have some of the largest fan bases in Southern Gospel and sell better than most on the chart yet the visibility on the chart is scarce. The Booth Brothers are another example of a well selling fairly new artist that you don't see as much on the charts as you should. All of these folks are being played like crazy but just not charted as well as they should be. It's really true that the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Don't get me wrong I am proud and happy for everyone who charts well and is played well and wish everyone success and prosperity. I just think if we had a Billboard sales chart we would see that what the public is buying might shock us in comparison to what is charting.
I would also like to see better-produced records and for our song content to be more lyric driven. It would be great to see non-performing writers like Joel Lindsey, Phil Johnson or whomever to be equally recognized as the performing writer as well.
What groups did you grow up hearing and enjoying? Who do you enjoy of today’s talent?
Larry: Actually, the first real introduction I had to Southern Gospel music was Elvis. My Grandma loved Elvis and I got to have my first taste of Southern Gospel through him. But I love the old Statesmen and Masters V. I loved Jake Hess, as he was probably my favorite male artist in Southern Gospel and one of my all time favorite people. I love all styles of Southern Gospel, but the mixed groups were always my favorite. Dottie Rambo was and always has been my favorite gospel singer, so of course I listened to the Rambos. The Speer Family was always one of my favorites; I just thought Brock's bass voice was so smooth. The Cathedrals still amaze me at how great they were.
As far as what is on the current scene in Southern Gospel, I think the Isaacs are just incredible! Sonya and Becky have voices that I know make the angels jealous (laughing). But the musicianship, their tight harmony and just the whole package is incredible to me. I love the Booth Brothers. You couldn't meet any kinder people in the business than those guys. Guy Penrod I think is amazing so I listen a lot to the Gaither Vocal Band. Jeff and Sheri Easter are one of my favorites too. As far as writers go we have so many great writers like Joel Lindsey, Aaron Wilburn, Gerald Crabb and so on.
So who and what are you listening to right now?
Larry: I'm actually listening to Aaron Wilburn's new CD "Southern Culture". I think he is hilarious and of course one of our great writers in the industry. I've been enjoying The Isaacs "Heroes" and Jeff and Sheri's "Sunshine". Though it's been out a while, I am still enjoying Jessy Dixon's "Get Away Jordan". I love the Booth Brothers and Dove Brothers too, so I just keep everything spinning. Plus, I've always got Dottie Rambo playing as well! (laughing)
You mentioned earlier how you’ve met so many different people. How did you come to meet those people like Dolly Parton and others?
Larry: I have loved Dolly Parton all my life so I have followed her around all over and such. I first met her when I was 14 and then any chance I could get afterwards I always took it. It was really a dream come true to get Dolly and Dottie together in a studio. I felt like I was going to be raptured! (laughing) Dolly has been wonderful to Dottie and especially to my 5-year-old son Christian. He's totally in love with her. (laughing)
Let’s tread some interesting waters here. You and Dottie have become friends with Lily Tomlin. How did this come about?
Larry: Lily Tomlin is probably the kindest and most down to earth celebrity that I have ever met. Her mind is that of a genius with her memory and timing. Her family is some of the greatest people you could ever meet as well. Her brother Richard is so talented. Lily's mom Lillie Mae loved Gospel Music and she and the people in her family like Michael Langston and her son Richard Tomlin would watch Dottie on TBN for years. Lillie Mae was born in Kentucky and lived in Paducah for several years.
I know you and Dottie have received some flack for performing with Lily. What would like to say to those people?
Larry: I, as well as Dottie, would welcome Lily to share any stage she stood on. Lily is a wonderful person, good-hearted and down to earth. If anyone would have a problem with the two of them sharing a stage that's something only unfortunate for them but we take the high road and if a person's attitude were inauspicious toward others, then there is nothing you can say to please them anyway. Some people just need something to complain about. That's what separates cynical people of the world from loving people like Lily. Besides Jesus isn't democrat or republican.
Can you give me any information about yourself that maybe a lot of people don’t know about you?
Larry: I am an avid collector of memorabilia. I have so many autographs and I collect everything. I have movie star wardrobe items, I have a pair of Dottie's old stage shoes and her old Rambos tour jacket, a pair of Dolly Parton's shoes autographed and one of her wigs, Mae West's earrings and so many great things that I collect.
Probably my biggest hobby is photography and I love to document all the artists we have worked with or that I have met on my own over the years with photos. I have albums full of pictures with great people I have met along the way and I guess if I came close to coveting something, it would be those. (laughing)
To find out more about Larry and "Driving Miss Dottie", check out Dottie’s website www.dottierambo.net
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Written: 01/15/2006
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Category: Special Feature
Comments: 35
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Wow, what a great article. Congrats to my best friend Larry on his new book. I can't wait for my own autographed copy.
This is a great article! I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. Larry is a wonderful individual and Dottie is very lucky to have someone like this in her organization.
Congrats Larry on all of these wonderful things that have come your way. I can't imagine it happening to a better guy. I'm proud to call you my friend.
Larry is a gem! We've exchanged a few emails over the past couple of years and he's always a delight to hear from. How he does all that he does is amazing! I'm very anxious to read this book! I'm sure Dottie considers him a great blessing! And thanks, Larry, for your wonderful words concerning Lily Tomlin. Thank God that He loves us all!
Larry i am so proud of you and Judy. you all have a great life now. Dottie is a wonderful lady!! you keep up all the good work and take care of my sister and the boys.. Tell Dottie hello for me and good luck will all the up coming events. cant wait to read you book.
The article written about Larry Ferguson is a well deserved tribute to a talented young man who has obviously devoted his life and career to promote Dottie Rambo and her ministry.
What a wonderful article! I'm so very proud of you and all you've achieved - I can't wait to read the book!
Larry, Congrad's on your write up in the press! Keep up the good work and keep a good eye on our Dottie!
It is so great to read a well written interview interspersed with great photographs. It is equally as great when a "behind the scenes" professional like Larry Ferguson receives such well deserved public recognition. I first got to know Larry at a Dottie Rambo Songwriting Seminar at the University of Alabama several years ago. Dottie Rambo was featured in concert following the seminar later that evening. When Larry arrived at the theater, he found me perusing the various artist's product tables. Since he sometimes acts as a one man band, Larry asked if I would help him unload Dottie's product and help set up her product table. Working together gave Larry and I time to chat. In the interview, Larry praises Dottie for being so "down to earth." I can say firsthand that Larry is every bit as grounded as the kind lady he works for and calls friend. Since that first meeting, I have been privileged to get to know him better in concert setting and via Dottie Rambo Newsletter communications. Learning from this interview that Larry is a professional fan and memorablia collector makes it more clear to me why he is so accessible to Dottie Rambo fans. Dottie Rambo and music fans everywhere are anxiously awaiting the release of "Driving Miss Dottie." It is certainly to be engaging in its own right, and rightfully so, I hope it will be a springboard for other opportunities for Larry that will dovetail nicely with is work for Dottie Rambo. Best wishes Larry!!!
Congrat's Larry, I can't wait to get a copy of the book. You and Dottie have always been two of my favorite people in the industry. Little Jan and Jerry send their love, as well as Amy.
I wanted to take a few second and thank Larry for the kind words about me and Keith Davis and woodland Press.
It seems that I am in a most advantageous position in that I am fortunate enough to be one of the first to read the chapters of “Driving Miss Dottie” as the galleys of text are completed.
What a wonderful article about a great guy Larry Ferguson. Dottie is blessed to have him, and i know he feels the same about her. Congratulations on the book also. im sure it will be a hit.
I had been acquainted with Larry for a few years via Emails and Instant Messages before I met him and Dottie at Dollywood. He's a super nice guy that I really admire. I can't believe Christian is 5 years old! Dottie is a wonderful lady and I keep them and their families in my daily prayers.
Congratulations Larry, I can’t wait to read the new book! I only hope that I can achieve half the things you have accomplished in life so far. You deserve all that great things the future holds and I am proud to call you my friend.
What a great article about a truly great guy !!!Congratulations, Larry, on the receipt of well deserved recognition! You are in the "Wonder Boy" mode w/ the writing of "Drivin' Miss Dottie". That's what I have called you in your most gallant efforts since meeting you 2 years ago. You are a treasure to your friend Dottie and to all her fans, who are fastly becoming your fans as well. (Not to take away from Dottie. Do not fear ... we KNOW you would not have that!! She's one smart lady for acquiring you for her team !!) I appreciate you, Judy, and the boys for being such a vital part of Dottie's life. It goes BEYOND employer/employee status ... it's "family". It's obvious that you guys feel that way about her and that she feels the same about all of you. Thank you for being "true blue" and standing with Dottie in ministry. You and your family make Dottie's life happy, she deserves that. She adores you and your's and you guys deserve that!! I can hardly wait for my copy of "Drivin' Miss Dottie," I'm certain I'll read it cover to cover w/o putting it down and then I'll read it again and again and enjoy every word each time !!! Congratulations, my friend (I am honored to call you "friend"), I am MORE THAN PROUD OF YOU !!!! Blessings .. Love, Cornelia P.S. I ain't bringing Dottie's trash cans back...JOKE !!!!!
My husband and I have known Larry and Judy "Jewels" for several years now. It is awesome to see hoe God has blessed you guys. I pray God continues to bless you and yours.
Great article! Larry and Dottie are great friends and have been extreamly supportive of my wife and I as well as my group, First Love. I can't wait to get a copy of the book!
Congratulations Larry! It was a pleasure reading the article and I can't wait to read the book. While reading the article, for a moment, I was taken back to the good old days when we were kids. I miss that so much. I wish for you all of the best wishes. I am very proud of you. Take Care and God Bless.
I think this is a wonderful article. It is well written and truly catches a glimpse of what it is like to be on the inside looking out. I believe that Dottie and Larry have friends like Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton because they all have a common thread that binds them and that is their love and concern for all of humankind.
I think this is a wonderful article. It is well written and truly catches a glimpse of what it is like to be on the inside looking out. I believe that Dottie and Larry have friends like Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton because they all have a common thread that binds them and that is their love and concern for all of humankind.
Larry and I first became acquaited via one of the earlier message boards - I think he was looking for Rambo LPs! LOL!
Larry,
Way~to~go, Larry! How exciting it is to see this fine article about you (online) and read that you are penning your memoirs and anecdotes about your remarkable friendship, relationship, and professional management, with a rare & awesome national treasure: Miss Dottie Rambo.
Thats exciting Larry. I wish you the best with this. Your a great guy.
Larry!
Larry, I'm sure the first statement in the article fringes on being not quite accurate. I know everybody knows who Larry Ferguson is! Seriously, it's a very good article and you have done a tremendous job keeping Dottie before the public and people love the two of you equally (enough to get hair samples at NQC). That's celebrity status. Don't let all the books be sold without putting one back for me. Love to you, Dottie, Judy and kids.
I am very privileged to be a member of Dottie's Yahoo group...I joined it a couple of months ago. I find it so very inspiring to learn so many things about an artist I have enjoyed listening to for many years..Now, to get to know her manager, Larry, by means of this site, has been rewarding indeed. I'm so thankful Dottie has him to look after her in so many ways. I am looking forward to reading his new book..God Bless your ministry, Dottie, Larry and family.. Frances
Congratulations, Larry on your upcoming book about Dottie. I saw Dottie, you and your family at a concert in Roanoke, Va. in Oct. of this yr. When I bought some CD's at the record table, I remember your sweet smile and the way you helped me make my choice of the CD's. I am so thankful Dottie has you for her manager to take such good care of her and help her. God bless Dottie, you and your family in this ministry...Frances
Congratulations, Larry on a great article. I consider you a great friend and chat buddy! I wish you much success in all you do personally and for Dottie and her ministry. I can't wait to read your book! I hope I can get an autographed copy.
I look forward to getting the book "Driving Miss Dotty". I have known Larry and family, for most of his life.
If I was an Artist I would want Larry as my manager...... I do think he goes the extra mile for Dottie Rambo, Wonderful Job he is doing. Great article on Larry Fergerson. God Bless Larry, and his family and Dottie and her music.
Larry, What a great interview! I am very proud of you and I am excited about your book. I know there will be many interesting, inspiring, and funny (!) stories. I can't wait to read it. I am very thankful that Dottie has you and your family in her life. Keep up the great work.
Great article. Larry's a great guy & Dottie is just..."terrific". I can't wait for my copy of the book!
hey larry, its ur niece kelsie. I'm glad 2 see that u and judy and the boyz r all doing good. Come down and visit us sometime. ur ALWAYS welcome. Tell Dolly and Dottie and judy and the boyz I said hi. Hope 2 c u soon. Love ya.
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