Ben Harper

Ben Harper is an obsessive rock 'n' roll student and a fanatical follower of the culture of music. Since his debut in the early '90s, Harper has reached deeply into his soul to create a vibrant mosaic of styles, from rock and blues to soul, folk, gospel, and reggae — all of which are framed by his intensity and passion for performance.

With Jimi Hendrix and Bob Marley as his guides, Ben Harper, from small-town California stock, follows his heart through an intensely soulful exploration of great music. He makes his best impression instrumentally, with an obscure Hawaiian lap-steel axe called a Wiessenborn, from which he conjures up all manner of righteous sounds and styles.

Ben Harper is as compelled to move forward as he is to look back. Creative partnerships with the Blind Boys of Alabama, Taj Mahal, and John Lee Hooker have deepened his already rich appreciation for producing powerful music, and his immense fondness for his heroes helps motivate him to create the same kind of enduring music.

Ben Harper understands what it means — and what it takes — to make great music. Of course, with this guy's ability to play and write, as well as sing, he's a can't-miss artist, the complete package, and one of the most soulful and enlightened performers in pop. Bask in his vibes and check your inhibitions at the door.