ALLAN HARRIS BIO

"My favorite singer…." Tony Bennett

“[T]he most exciting young male singer on the scene…."The Wall Street Journal“

“… [A] velvet-voiced jazz singer….” Variety

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Allan Harris: Captivating Jazz Vocalist and Guitarist

Aptly described by the Miami Herald as an artist blessed with "the warmth of Tony Bennett, the bite and rhythmic sense of Sinatra, and the sly elegance of Nat 'King' Cole," Allan Harris is a Brooklyn-born, Harlem-based vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and band leader. With an impressive discography boasting fourteen recordings as a leader, Harris has established himself as one of the jazz world's most acclaimed vocalists, possessing a potent combination of dynamic vocal abilities, impeccable phrasing, and powerful emotional resonance.

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Harris has garnered a loyal following of ardent fans who are captivated not only by his remarkable talents but also by his unassuming personality and inquisitive, creative mind. Recognized for his outstanding contributions to jazz, he is a three-time winner of the New York Nightlife Award for "Outstanding Jazz Vocalist," a DownBeat "Rising Star Jazz Vocalist," and a winner of the prestigious 2022 "Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition." He has also been honored twice as the "Best Male Jazz Vocalist" by Hot House Jazz Magazine, received a Back Stage award for "Ongoing Achievement in Jazz," and was recognized with France's Palmares Award for the 3rd Best Jazz Vocal Album. In addition, he has received notable grants, including the Chamber Music America Residency Grant, the "Pathways to Jazz" grant, and the South Arts "Jazz Roads Tour" grant.

Known for his captivating stage presence, Harris is a natural entertainer who has graced concert halls, theaters, jazz clubs, and festivals worldwide. The New York Times has hailed him as "a protean talent," while The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Glide Magazine, Jazz Times, DownBeat, Vintage Guitar, and other renowned publications have also praised his extraordinary abilities. Harris effortlessly showcases his versatility as a storyteller through his authentic interpretations of the American Songbook, classic and contemporary jazz, popular standards, blues, and original compositions.

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With a substantial online presence, Harris boasts 14,000 followers on Facebook and has garnered over 400,000 views on YouTube. His popularity has led to numerous performances alongside esteemed artists such as Tony Bennett, Dionne Warwick, Diana Krall, Abbey Lincoln, Natalie Cole, comedian Alan King, Al Jarreau, Reverend Al Green, Lee Ritenour, Michael Feinstein, Cassandra Wilson, and Wynton Marsalis. Variety lauds Harris as a "velvet-voiced jazz singer, with a savvy manner and music in his veins."

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Beyond his musical endeavors, Harris has embarked on a passionate mission to educate and entertain children of all ages. Inspired by his early career playing guitar and singing with country rock bands, he created the acclaimed song-cycle Cross That River in 2006, offering a poignant portrait of the American West. This musical debuted at the renowned O'Neill Theater Center and was subsequently selected by the New York Musical Theatre Festival, captivating sold-out audiences with six remarkable performances. Recognizing the importance of reaching young minds, Harris secured the Chamber Music America Residency Grant, bringing Cross That River into 12 Harlem schools. The children's version of the musical is featured on the Kennedy Center's Distance Learning program website, broadcasted to schools nationwide. Additionally, the State of Oklahoma has licensed three Cross That River songs to teach about the Black West. Harris and Cross That River were invited to debut a new program titled "Lyrically Speaking" for the Aspen Writer's Foundation's annual summer festival, dedicated to Western writers. The musical enjoyed a successful five-week off-Broadway run in 2017 at 59E59 Theaters and is scheduled to return for a four-week engagement in September 2023.

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Allan Harris is a luminary of jazz, captivating audiences with his remarkable voice, exceptional guitar skills, and heartfelt performances. His dedication to preserving the rich legacy of jazz while exploring new musical frontiers continues to inspire and resonate with listeners worldwide.

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