Larry Groce is more than just the man behind the quirky hit “Junk Food Junkie.” He’s a versatile artist whose work has touched folk, children’s music, radio, and live performance for over five decades.
Best known for his novelty hit in the 1970s and as a longtime host of the live radio show Mountain Stage, Groce has carved out a unique place in American music. His voice has been heard on hit Disney albums, and his stage has welcomed some of the biggest names in contemporary music. His journey, from folk singer to radio pioneer, shows how one artist can shape music in different ways.
| Artist Profile: Larry Groce | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Larry Groce |
| Date of Birth | April 22, 1948 |
| Place of Birth | Dallas, Texas, USA |
| Main Genres | Folk, Children’s Music, Novelty |
| Notable Song | “Junk Food Junkie” (1976) – Billboard Hot 100 #9 |
| Early Albums | Peace and Joy and Power (1969) The Wheat Lies Low (1970) |
| Disney Contributions | Winnie-the-Pooh for President (1976, Grammy-nominated) Children’s Favorites Vol. 1–4 (1979–1990) Appeared on 9 Disney albums total |
| Radio Career | Host and co-creator of Mountain Stage (1983–2021) |
| Collaborations | Performed with artists such as Norah Jones, R.E.M., Phish, and Sheryl Crow on Mountain Stage |
| Recent Work | Album: Live Forever (2016) with Sandra Groce Occasional appearances on special Mountain Stage broadcasts |
| Legacy | Known for his cross-generational influence in folk, children’s music, and public radio |
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Larry Groce was born on April 22, 1948, in Dallas, Texas. As a child, he developed a love for music. He sang in school and began performing publicly at a young age. He attended W. H. Adamson High School in Oak Cliff, a neighborhood known for producing musicians like Stevie Ray Vaughan.
After high school, Groce attended Principia College in Illinois. There, he recorded his debut album Peace and Joy and Power (1969), a collection of Christian folk songs that reflected the style of the era.
Moving to New York and Early Career
In 1970, Groce moved to New York City. He performed regularly at “Focus,” a restaurant and performance space run by Larry Brezner. That same year, he signed with Daybreak, a short-lived RCA Records imprint. He released The Wheat Lies Low, which featured original material that leaned heavily on folk influences.
In 1972, he joined the National Endowment for the Arts’ “musician-in-residence” program. Groce traveled around the U.S., performing in schools and connecting students to music. During this time, he settled in West Virginia—where he still lives today.
The “Junk Food Junkie” Breakthrough
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In 1976, Groce released the satirical single “Junk Food Junkie,” a humorous song about a health food fanatic with a secret love for candy, soda, and snacks. It struck a chord with listeners and climbed to No. 9 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song earned him national fame.
Following its success, Groce appeared on major TV shows like:
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The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson
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American Bandstand
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The Merv Griffin Show
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The Midnight Special
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The Rich Little Show
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A Prairie Home Companion
He also became a favorite of radio host Dr. Demento, who regularly featured the song.
Collaborating with Disney
Groce’s friendly voice and musical charm made him a perfect fit for children’s albums. In 1976, he recorded Winnie-the-Pooh for President, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Recording for Children.
He went on to record vocals for nine Disney children’s albums from 1979 to 1990. The Children’s Favorites series, released in four volumes, remains some of Disney’s most beloved musical collections. These recordings helped introduce Groce’s voice to a new generation of listeners.
Founding Mountain Stage
In 1983, Groce co-created Mountain Stage, a two-hour live music radio program produced by West Virginia Public Broadcasting. He also served as the host and artistic director.
The show featured live performances from artists across genres—folk, country, rock, blues, and indie. Mountain Stage became known for discovering emerging talent and highlighting established acts. Guests have included:
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R.E.M.
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Norah Jones
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Sheryl Crow
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Ben Harper
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Phish
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Tori Amos
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Counting Crows
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Barenaked Ladies
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Ani DiFranco
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Alison Krauss
Groce hosted the show until 2021, when Kathy Mattea took over as lead host.
Other Work
Groce co-owned Graffiti, an alternative arts and entertainment tabloid, from 1990 to 2004. The publication focused on music, film, and local culture in West Virginia.
In 2016, Groce released Live Forever, an album with his wife Sandra Groce, a violist with the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra. The album included folk, country, and gospel songs, many written or arranged by Groce.
Legacy
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Larry Groce may be best remembered for one hit song, but his career goes much deeper. From folk albums to children’s music, from school tours to radio broadcasting, he has remained a creative force.
He brought music to millions—through laughter, learning, and live performance. His work with Disney gave him lasting recognition, and Mountain Stage left a permanent mark on American public radio.