Born on May 5, 1952, he was the son of
the late Robert Harris and Evada Hardy.
He had one brother, Melvin Hardy who also preceded him in death.
Larry was a devoted “Hustling Tiger”,
graduating from Howard High School in 1970.
Howard High was also the place where he and his brother Melvin put
together the “Skin Deep” band with other area musicians. Skin Deep became well known, not only in
Chattanooga, but throughout the South, where many times they traveled on the
“Chitlin” circuit as the full band, and also sitting in with other bands. Larry continued to keep Skin Deep alive after
his brother passed away in 2012, still performing with many of the original
members. Larry’s love of music and being
an entertainer led him to Tulsa, OK where he continued to perform with many
local artists who became to know and love him as much as the musicians in
Chattanooga. After performing in Tulsa
for over 20 years, he moved back to Chattanooga where he reunited with Skin
Deep, as well as performing as a third of the Tee Bumpass Trio, and many other
local bands, such as Love, Peace and Happiness.
Larry met the love of his life Deidria
A. (Hunter) Hardy in 1971 at a softball game.
He said that he was drawn to her because of how quiet she was compared
to the other girls on the team. They
were married on July 4, 1980, and raised one daughter, Treva (Antonio) Sands in
Tulsa, OK.
