Grammy award-winning guitarist, songwriter, and bandleader Ben Harper gained cult status in the jam band scene in the 1990s with the success of his debut album, ‘Welcome to the Cruel World,’ and its follow-up, ‘Fight for Your Mind.’ His diverse career saw collaborations with artists like John Mayer, Blues Traveler, and Phish, blending influences from classic singer/songwriters, blues revivalists, and jam bands. Despite commercial success with ‘Steal My Kisses,’ Harper continued to explore challenging musical textures, releasing acclaimed albums with Charlie Musselwhite and addressing social issues in ‘Bloodline Maintenance’ in 2022.
A California native, Harper grew up immersed in blues, folk, soul, R&B, and reggae music, starting to play guitar as a child. His focus on the acoustic slide guitar defined his signature sound. Signing with Virgin Records in 1992 led to his debut album’s positive reception, followed by the politically charged ‘Fight for Your Mind’ in 1995. With the introduction of his backup band, the Innocent Criminals, in 1997, Harper’s musical style evolved to mainstream recognition, leading to successful albums like ‘Burn to Shine’ and collaborations with the Blind Boys of Alabama and Capitol Records.
In the early 2000s, Harper’s music expanded into worldbeat and jazz influences, leading to albums like ‘Diamonds on the Inside’ and ‘Both Sides of the Gun.’ His collaboration with the Relentless7 in 2009 and subsequent solo work showcased his versatility and growth as an artist. From winning a Grammy for ‘Get Up!’ with Charlie Musselwhite to his reflective album ‘Childhood Home’ with his mother Ellen Harper, Ben Harper’s musical journey has been a testament to his artistic depth and commitment to exploring diverse genres. With his recent release, ‘Bloodline Maintenance,’ Harper continues to captivate audiences with soulful melodies and poignant storytelling.