Ben Harper

Description of Ben Harper's Music: contemporary folk, protest music

Comparisons : Ben Harper's work calls to mind all manner of folksingers from Bob Dylan and Ani DiFranco to mixed in with the styles of Dave Matthews, Stevie Wonder and Michael Franti.

Recommended CDs by Ben Harper: Lifeline (Virgin, 2007)
Burn to Shine (Virgin, 1999)
Fight For Your Mind (Virgin, 1997)

Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals Are:
Ben Harper - Guitar, Vocals
Juan Nelson - Bass
Leon Mobley - Percussion
Jason Yates - Keys
Michael Ward - Guitar

Biography of Ben Harper: Born and raised in California in 1969, Ben Harper grew up playing and performing on guitar. As a teenager, he started exploring the acoustic slide guitar, before signing a deal with Virgin Records in 1992. He released his debut, Welcome to the Cruel World on Virgin Records in 1994, and soon achieved a rather loyal cult following.

It was his second album, Fight For Your Mind was a sharp collection of social commentary tunes that came across like somewhat of a mission statement for Harper's career. 1997's The Will to Live was the first album he recorded with his band the Innocent Criminals.

Since, he has toured with Dave Matthews Band, Trey Anastasio (Phish), and has participated in the Vote For Change tour, the No Nukes Group and various other social action events. He's performed at the historic Ryman Auditorium, and slowly developed a large following in the States, as well as across Europe. He's released a total of 11 albums to date. His song "Paris Sunrise #7" from his 2007 release Lifeline was nominated for a Grammy Award.