Larry Ragone is known as a top electric and acoustic guitarist in Southern New Jersey, particularly for his blues, Americana and rock playing, and his ability to adapt to various musical genres. His career as a musician includes playing everywhere, from large outdoor festivals to small private concerts to performing arts organizations and at non-profit special events, pubs, restaurants and wineries. 

After graduating from college, he played lead guitar in several top area bands that performed throughout New Jersey and New York, including the Jersey Shore area and New York City’s famed Lone Star Cafe.

Larry then turned his attention to blues and rock. He spent several years playing in New Jersey area clubs and festivals as lead guitarist and vocals.  After that, Larry spent several summers at the Jersey Shore as the regular weekend band for several popular spots.

Larry and a former bandmate formed an acoustic duo playing original songs and interpretations of Americana music from Muddy Waters to John Prine and have supported nationally acclaimed acoustic artists such as David Grier. Along with adding a bass player, this trio played extensively throughout South Jersey at venues such as The Albert Music Hall, area music festivals and Perkins Center for the Arts. 

Since then, Larry has focused on a more eclectic retro approach to the hit songs of the 60s and 70s, reworking them into a unique sonic instrumental landscape mixing elements of jazz, blues, and country. 

Larry continues to draw from his diverse musical background, including classical and jazz training. His love for jazz goes back to his days at Rutgers University, where their world-renowned jazz faculty instructed and helped influence his artistic direction, including his interest in and studies on electric bass. Larry recently served as a Board Member of the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts and as the organization’s Program Chair where he worked closely with jazz education icon Lovett Hines and legendary drummer Bernard Purdie, all of which further influenced his artistic approach to his music. 

Aside from his abilities as a guitarist, Larry is also an accomplished electric bassist, and keyboardist. He has performed solo piano and keyboard, including original pieces, for art gallery openings and fine arts organizations.