Ben Harper Biography

Ben Harper was born in 1969 in Pomona, California and began playing guitar as a child. By the time he was twelve, he’d already earned his first gig, and in the 1980’s, he refined his style on slide guitar and created the sound that would eventually make him famous. Harper’s first album endeavor, Pleasure and Pain, garnered the attention of Virgin Records, who signed Ben to a record deal and secured his future as a powerhouse performer.

Ben Harper’s official debut, Welcome to the Cruel World, arrived in 1994, and Fight for Your Mind came next in 1995. A series of hit albums and singles followed, including: The Will to Live, Burn to Shine, Diamonds on the Inside, There Will be a Light, Both Sides of the Gun, Lifeline, White Lies for Dark Times, Give Till It’s Gone, “Like A King/Whipping Boy,” “Excuse Me Mr.,” “Faded,” “Jah Work,” “Glory & Consequence,” “Please Bleed,” “Burn to Shine,” “Forgiven,” “Brown Eyed Blues,” “There Will be a Light,” “Both Sides of the Gun,” “Morning Yearning,” “Fight Outta You,” “Shimmer & Shine,” “Lay There & Hate Me,” “The Word Suicide,” “Skin Thin,” and “I Don’t Believe a Word You Say.” His awards for these notable works include a French Rolling Stone Artists of the Year Award (2003) and Grammy Awards for Best Traditional Soul Gospel Album and Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 2005.

Ben Harper’s music has also been featured in a number of films and television shows, including Daria (1998-2001), I am Sam (2001), One Tree Hill (2003), Trust the Man (2005), Akeelah and the Bee (2006), Newport Beach (2006), CSI: NY (2006), Dr. House (2009), Vampire Diaries (2010), and The Fighter (2010.) Harper was also featured in the documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown, and he has written a number of works for special events and occasions, including the song “Oppression,” for the benefited album for Aung San Suu Kyi, jailed Nobel Peace Price winner from Burma. Harper is also a member of No Nukes group, having contributed music for their mission, and he contributed to the benefit album, Songs for Tibet. Other special appearances and contributions from Harper include: a version of the “Star Spangled Banner” for the 2007 NBA Finals; a performance alongside John Paul Jones at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in 2007; a performance of “Daughter” on the Pearl Jam DVD Live at the Garden (2003), and a performance of “Ohio” at the MusiCares tribute to Neil Young.

Ben Harper recently released his latest album, Get Up, in 2013. He continues to write, record, perform, and tour.