Five-time GRAMMY winner Larnelle Harris will be presented with the 2014 Kentucky Governor’s Artist Award in October. He will receive the award in a public ceremony in the capitol rotunda in Frankfort, Kentucky.

The prestigious award is given to Kentuckians who have made significant contributions to the arts in the Commonwealth, across the country and around the globe. Harris will be the first Christian vocalist to receive the Artist Award since its inception 29 years ago.

“It is always an honor to be recognized by your home state,” said Harris, who was born in Danville, Kentucky, and resides in Louisville. “I am humbled by this award and sincerely appreciate the Kentucky Arts Council for their recognition.”

The Governor's Awards in the Arts are presented in nine categories during National Arts and Humanities Month. At the ceremony, Harris’ hometown of Danville also will be honored with the Government Award for playing an integral role in the success of creating an arts-and-culture-focused atmosphere that benefits its residents and attracts tourists.

”It is my great honor to recognize these individuals, both native sons and daughters of Kentucky and others who have chosen to make their homes in Kentucky and enrich our state's unique culture,” said Governor Steve Beshear. 

Harris is the only person in history to be a member of three hall of fame organizations: the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and the Amateur Radio Hall of Fame. In addition to his five GRAMMY and 11 Gospel Music Association Dove Awards, including being named Male Vocalist of the Year three times, Harris has garnered 19 No. 1 national radio singles and a significant number of top-10 hits. Songs such as "How Excellent Is Thy Name,""I Miss My Time With You," "I've Just Seen Jesus” and his signature song, “Amen.”

Harris continues to tour worldwide, with upcoming tour dates at Carnegie Hall and in Paris. In addition to solo dates, Harris also travels with various multi-artist tours, including this fall’s Compassion International Savior Tour.