Charlottesville, VA (September 26, 2025)—Rebel Records is thrilled to announce bluegrass legend Larry Sparks’ second single, “Since I Met You Baby,” from his forthcoming album and 20th release for Rebel Records, Way Back When. Following the success of the first single and album's title track, which reached #1 on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart, this new release is available today on all major streaming platforms and digital retailers.

Bluegrass Hall of Famer Larry Sparks shares a happy marriage with his wife Pam, and the single’s cover art features a photo from their wedding day. The lyrics of “Since I Met You Baby” resonate deeply with him and when selecting songs for his new album, this song was an obvious choice. Written and first recorded by Ivory Joe Hunter in 1956, the song became an R&B and pop hit. Sparks gives the classic a fresh spin, infusing it with a lively tempo and warm, expressive picking.

“I first heard 'Since I Met You Baby' when I was a kid and it came to mind when I started looking for new material for this album,” Sparks shares. "Having enjoyed a good marriage to a good woman for many years, the words ring true to me personally."

"Since I Met You Baby" features the talents of longtime band member Evan Wilson on mandolin and harmony vocals as well as Sparks’ son, Larry D. ‘Dee’ Sparks, anchoring the sound on bass. Acclaimed multi-instrumentalist and fellow Hoosier Ron Stewart guests on banjo and fiddle. 

Way Back When, the full album, is set for release on October 24 and is now available for pre-order and pre-save. Folks who pre-order the album will receive an "instant grat" track of Sparks' take on the Flatt & Scruggs classic "Come Back Darling."

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ABOUT LARRY SPARKS

Larry Sparks is a bluegrass icon and one of the most soulful and respected singers in the genre’s history. A former guitarist and vocalist for the legendary Stanley Brothers, Sparks launched his own group, The Lonesome Ramblers, in 1969 and has since become a pillar of traditional bluegrass. Known for his emotive vocals and distinctive guitar style, he has released dozens of influential albums over five decades, earning multiple IBMA and SPBGMA awards along the way. In recognition of his lasting impact on the genre, Sparks was inducted into the IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 2015. From classics like "John Deere Tractor" to "A Face in the Crowd," his music continues to inspire new generations with its heartfelt authenticity and timeless sound.

ABOUT REBEL RECORDS

Rebel Records is the leading independent record label dedicated to promoting and preserving Traditional Bluegrass Music. Rebel’s current roster includes Larry Sparks, Peter Rowan, Big Country Bluegrass, High Fidelity, The Kody Norris Show, Starlett & Big John, Seth Mulder & Midnight Run and Rrinaco. Known for innovation and excellence since 1960, Rebel has introduced many of the most important artists of the genre, from the Country Gentlemen and Seldom Scene to Blue Highway, Lonesome River Band and IIIrd Tyme Out. In addition to its cutting edge presence in contemporary Bluegrass, the label has also been a home for legendary traditional artists like Ralph Stanley, Del McCoury, Rhonda Vincent and Dave Evans.