The Footsteps of Tradition, released by King Bluegrass in 1974 (KB-527), features Larry Sparks and the Lonesome Ramblers in one of the most carefully produced of his early albums — with band members Tom Boyd on banjo and dobro and guest contributions including mandolin, fiddle, and harmony vocals from a rising prodigy named Ricky Skaggs. The result was a somewhat more refined sound for Sparks, balancing his soulful lead vocals and bluesy guitar with strong ensemble work and an eclectic song selection. King Bluegrass was Junior Bennett's small Ohio label dedicated to traditional bluegrass; the imprint hosted some of Sparks's most respected mid-1970s work before Rebel acquired the catalog later in the decade.
Tracklist
- 1 Goodbye little darling 1:45
- 2 Faded Love alt version 2:57
- 3 Too much mountain dew 2:07
- 4 Six more miles 2:16
- 5 Think of What You’ve Done alt version 2:00
- 6 He's everything to me 2:35
- 7 Dark Hollow alt version 2:53
- 8 Memories and dreams 2:00
- 9 Just because 2:05
- 10 Life of sorrow 2:30
- 11 Kentucky chimes 2:31
- 12 I Am the Man Thomas alt version 2:09
