Biography
Growing up immersed in an atmosphere filled with melodies and performers, Alan Harris found his path toward a musical profession almost inevitable. His mother performed as a classical pianist, while his aunt began as a classical singer before shifting to blues, eventually working under the production of Clarence Williams, renowned for his collaborations with Bessie Smith as both producer and accompanist. During his youth, Harris pursued studies in both classical piano and classical guitar. His relatives participated actively in the Harlem cultural milieu spanning the 1920s through the 1950s, during which time his aunt operated a soul food establishment on 125th Street adjacent to the Apollo Theater. Numerous jazz luminaries visited this family dining spot following their performances, allowing Harris personal encounters with them; on one such instance, Louis Armstrong served as his babysitter. Yet it was an experience listening to Sarah Vaughan perform at the Apollo that solidified his determination to pursue a career as a jazz vocalist. This formative setting and his formal musical education have proven invaluable in shaping him into a skilled male singer.
Relocating alongside his relatives to Pittsburgh enabled Harris to perform alongside drummer Roger Humphries. He has served as an opening act for Tony Bennett, from whom he received initial support, as well as for Dionne Warwick and Melissa Manchester. Additional collaborations have included work with Jon Hendricks, Jon Faddis, Clark Terry, and Stevie Wonder. His recorded output, issued exclusively by Germany's Mons Records, encompasses Setting the Standard, Here Comes Alan Harris with the Metropole Orchestra, and It's a Wonderful World, the latter featuring memorable contributions from accomplished jazz artists Benny Green, Mark Whitfield, Ray Brown, Jeff Hamilton, and Claudio Roditi.
Harris persists in entering recording facilities and performing across the United States and Europe, with multiple significant endeavors scheduled for the upcoming millennium. His vocal style incorporates aspects reminiscent of Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis, Jr., while also reflecting influences from the approaches of Johnny Hartman and Tony Bennett, suggesting a promising trajectory as a prominent jazz vocalist.
Relocating alongside his relatives to Pittsburgh enabled Harris to perform alongside drummer Roger Humphries. He has served as an opening act for Tony Bennett, from whom he received initial support, as well as for Dionne Warwick and Melissa Manchester. Additional collaborations have included work with Jon Hendricks, Jon Faddis, Clark Terry, and Stevie Wonder. His recorded output, issued exclusively by Germany's Mons Records, encompasses Setting the Standard, Here Comes Alan Harris with the Metropole Orchestra, and It's a Wonderful World, the latter featuring memorable contributions from accomplished jazz artists Benny Green, Mark Whitfield, Ray Brown, Jeff Hamilton, and Claudio Roditi.
Harris persists in entering recording facilities and performing across the United States and Europe, with multiple significant endeavors scheduled for the upcoming millennium. His vocal style incorporates aspects reminiscent of Nat King Cole and Sammy Davis, Jr., while also reflecting influences from the approaches of Johnny Hartman and Tony Bennett, suggesting a promising trajectory as a prominent jazz vocalist.
Albums