Ben Harper (born October 28, 1969) is an American Grammy-winner singer and songwriter. A native of California, he grew up listening to blues, folk, soul, rnb, and reggae. Harper's blend of groove-laden funky soul and folky handcrafted acoustics helped him to gain cult status during the course of the 1990s and widespread attention toward the end of the decade. Harper combines elements of classic singer/songwriters, blues revivalists and jam bands and is embraced by critics and college kids alike. Harper's body of work sells consistently and he tours constantly, building a solid, dedicated fan base. Harper began playing guitar as a child in his hometown of Claremont (in California's Inland Empire). He eventually specialized in the acoustic slide guitar (Weissenborn guitars). As a young man, he recorded an LP (Pleasure and Pain) with fellow folk guitarist Tom Freund. After this limited edition record, Harper got a record deal with Virgin Records, who released his debut album, Welcome to the Cruel World (1994). This was followed by
1 | Suzie Blue | Burn To Shine |
2 | Whipping Boy | Welcome to the Cruel World |
3 | Oppression | Fight For Your Mind |
4 | Waiting on an Angel | House M.D. Original Television Soundtrack |
5 | Ground On Down | Fight For Your Mind |
6 | Please Me Like You Want To | Fight For Your Mind |
7 | #3 | Ben Harper: Live From Mars |
8 | The Woman In You | Burn To Shine |
9 | Please Bleed | Ben Harper: Live From Mars |
10 | People Lead | Fight For Your Mind |
11 | Forever | Welcome to the Cruel World |
12 | Diamonds On The Inside | Diamonds On The Inside |
13 | Pleasure And Pain | Ben Harper: Live From Mars |
14 | Power Of The Gospel | Ben Harper: Live From Mars |
15 | I'll Rise | Welcome to the Cruel World |
16 | Breakin' Down | Welcome to the Cruel World |
17 | Excuse Me Mr. | Fight For Your Mind |
18 | Widow of a Living Man | The Will to Live |
19 | Forgiven | Burn To Shine |
20 | By My Side | Fight For Your Mind |