Singer, Songwriter Lari White Dies After Battle With Cancer

In reflecting about the life and career of Lari White, who passed away this morning after a battle with cancer, two things always have stood out to me – an abundance of talent, and an undeniable joy at what she was blessed to be able to do with her life. Being around her or simply talking on the phone with her just brought a degree of light to your life that you didn’t get with everyone you encountered in the music business.

I first became aware of her talents in 1993, when she released her first RCA Records single, “What A Woman Wants.” By this point, I was already in radio – and while the song barely made a ripple on the Billboard Country Single chart, there was something about her vocal approach that made you sit up and take notice. Though none of the three singles from her Lead Me Not, her debut album, made the Top-40, the title track was one that was breathtaking to listen to. When the Florida native let loose with her power in the waning moments of the song, you felt each and every quiver – and emotion in her voice. If there was any justice in the music business, she would eventually find her way to the top.

The next year (1994) proved to be that moment. With the release of Wishes, her sophomore effort, she was able to break through to the world of Country Radio. The album netted three top ten hits – “Now I Know,” “That’s How You Know (When You’re In Love),” and “That’s My Baby.” The latter became something of a theme song for young couples in the format in 1994-1995, as I know my phones at WDKN in Dickson, TN ran constantly for the song. Needless to say, it was her moment to shine, and she made the most of it. Her vocal was most effective, it seemed on love songs. Maybe it was because of the real-life love she had found with future husband Chuck Cannon, but you BELIEVED each and every line. If you were lonely, there was something about those songs – or ones like “Somebody’s Fool” and “I’ve Been Waiting For Your Love” that left you hoping that your Prince Charming or Cinderella was right around the corner.

It was that ray of sunshine that was apparent to me when I had my first conversation with Lari. The year was 1998. She had been dropped from RCA – and had just signed a deal with new label Lyric Street. She was promoting her new single, “Stepping Stone,” and spoke with a refreshing candor about the song. It actually was influenced by her release from the label. She said that it stung hard, and took her some time to heal from that emotional setback. But, she decided she would use that to bounce back – and indeed she did, as the record became a Top-20 hit. It was an example of an artist putting herself on the line, something she did time and again.

White never became what many would call an “A-List” artist, with million-selling singles or sold-out coliseum tours. But, make no mistake, she made her mark. She brought her talents to the big screen, appearing in Cast Away with Tom Hanks, performed in her very own cabaret musical, and in an industry that speaks in 2018 of female empowerment, White was a trailblazer. Check the producer credits of Toby Keith’s White Trash With Money or Billy Dean’s Let Them Be Little, and you will see Lari’s name listed as producer – a rarity in this business. But, more importantly, look around Facebook or Twitter today and see artists from many different walks of life remarking about White’s zest for life, family, music, and her eternal spirit. That is the true measure of a life well lived – and one that will continue to inspire singers, songwriters, actresses, and producers…..for years to come.

Perhaps the greatest moment in White’s recording career came at the close of it. Last year, she released two very soulful EP’s on her very own Skinny White Girl label. From New Loves, take a listen to “In God’s Hands,” and you will hear the true heart of an artist who knew what was important in life – and never lost sight of it. Rest in peace, Lari White, you will be missed….but your spirit remains to inspire us all!