Larry Groce

About

Larry Groce is an American singer-songwriter whose career took a surprising turn when his novelty song "Junk Food Junkie" catapulted him into the national spotlight in 1976, becoming a Top Ten hit. Born in 1948, Groce's talent and charisma extended far beyond that initial breakthrough. His warm voice and accessible style soon made him a beloved figure in children's music, particularly through his Platinum recordings of children's folk songs for Walt Disney Records. The Disney Children's Favorites series, which spanned four volumes, introduced generations of young listeners to Groce's gentle artistry and helped establish him as a trusted presence in family entertainment.

Beyond his success as a recording artist, Groce built an enduring legacy as a champion of live music and cultural broadcasting. For nearly four decades, from 1983 until 2021, he served as the host and artistic director of Mountain Stage, a two-hour live music radio program produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting and distributed nationwide by NPR. Through this influential platform, Groce became instrumental in showcasing emerging and established artists alike, cementing his reputation not just as a performer but as a dedicated advocate for quality music programming and authentic artistic expression.