David Ryan Harris
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
David Ryan Harris is an Atlanta, Georgia based singer-songwriter. Born in Evanston, Illinois, Harris moved to Atlanta at a young age. Harris has had a varied career as a musician.
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[edit] Influences
Harris has cited artists including Stevie Wonder, Paul McCartney, and Prince as influences[1]. His solo music ranges in genre from folk to Rhythm and Blues.
[edit] Career
[edit] Follow for Now
Harris has been performing on stage since the 1980s when he served as front man for the Atlanta rock group Follow for Now. Harris’ eclectic taste in music is apparent in the bands music, which shows influences ranging from Motown to thrash metal. Follow for Now was given a record deal through Chrysalis Records and after working with producer Brendan O’Brien and releasing an unsuccessful self titled album, the band members parted ways in 1991.
[edit] Solo career
After a short period out of the limelight, Harris began working as a producer and featured guitarist with Dionne Farris, a former vocalist from hip-hop group Arrested Development. Harris’ guitar work can be heard throughout Farris’ 1995 album “Wild Seed, Wild Flower”.
Harris worked with Farris until he launched his solo career in 1997. He reunited with Brendan O’Brien and was signed to Columbia Records, where the two would produce Harris’ solo debut. While the album was praised by critics, Harris’ range of musical influences made the album difficult to sell and he soon moved on to his next project.
[edit] Brand New Immortals
Still working with O’Brien, Harris united with drummer Kenny Creswell and former bassist of the Black Crowes Johnny Colt, Harris created the trio Brand New Immortals. The group released a successful 6 track EP and were signed to Elektra Records. In 2001, the trio produced a full length album entitled Tragic Show[2], which the band felt that Elektra did not properly promote. Early the next year the band broke up and Harris returned to the pursuit of success as a solo artist.
[edit] Recent Work
While Harris continues to promote his solo act, he can frequently be seen on stage performing with artists such as John Mayer (whom Harris is currently on tour with), Dave Matthews, and Santana.[3] Along with artists such as Sister Hazel, Better Than Ezra, and Collective Soul, Harris will be performing in the 2007 and 2008 Rock Boat music festival.
