Ben Harper
Ben Harper
Benjamin Chase "Ben" Harperis an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Harper plays an eclectic mix of blues, folk, soul, reggae and rock music and is known for his guitar-playing skills, vocals, live performances, and activism. He has released twelve regular studio albums, mostly through Virgin Records and has toured internationally. Harper is a three-time Grammy Award winner as well, winning awards for Best Pop Instrumental Performance and Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album, in 2005. He also won a Grammy for Best...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionBlues Singer
Date of Birth28 October 1969
CityPomona, CA
CountryUnited States of America
The Blind Boys are truly the deepest well of American musical heritage you can discover.
I grew up with a heavy diet of gospel, folk, and blues because those are kind of the cornerstones of traditional American music.
So it's not so much that I set out to do something different, it's just that the songs themselves require their own individual voice and attention.
We went for the best overall feel on each song. There are no musical overdubs at all. It's a true live record; it's one of the few true live records out there.
Right now I'm listening to a lot of different things but I listen to a lot of classical music. Eventually I would like to compose and perform classical.
There is a difference between a great producer and somebody who is a big advocate of your music. Just because you're a big advocate for a band doesn't mean you need to be in the studio with them, and at the same time - we don't need to get into this conversation - you can write a hit, but it might not hit.
If I don't have the potential to write in different styles and sing in different voices and play in different ways, I won't stay inspired.
I feel it strong in my heart and sing it and write it just because that's a part of Ben Harper, that's just a part of me, that makes me who I am.
It's so hard to so, so easy to say. But sometimes, sometimes you just have to walk away.
There's only one proper way a song should go, but you've got to be patient enough to let them come together time wise. Sometimes it's lightning in a bottle and you got the song. But oftentimes it shows up.
Just because you have a hit doesn't mean you're good [at music]. Just means you got a hit.
As a songwriter, I don't rush. I may sit on lyrics for two years before the music hits.
I can change the world With my own two hands Make a better place With my own two hands Make a kinder place.
Take my hand when you are worried Take my hand when you're alone Take my hand and let me guide you Take my hand to lead you home.