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Bio
The Background:
Derrick Harris is a nationally distributed artist and has sold over 15,000 CD’s. On his last project he worked with 2 time Grammy Award winning producer Rob Burrel. In 2003, apart from his original material, Derrick worked with various recording artists on a tribute to Brian Wilson.
Derrick grew up in Birmingham, Alabama where he was named performing artist of the year. Growing up in Alabama, Derrick was heavily influenced by Gospel music, Motown, and R&B. Derrick has recently moved from his home of many years and is currently residing in the Washington DC area. His latest project is a collection of artists from various backgrounds and styles. Derrick brought the talents of Blues Bassist, Jonathan Steele; former reggae guitarist Rich Schafer; Jazz drummer “Bubbles” Dean (that’s what it says on his license). Collectively they have shared the stage with such greats as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Burning Spear, Steele Pulse, Ziggy Marley, Wide Spread Panic, Louise Mandrell, Tommy Dorsey, Johnny Lang, Stanley Jordan, Buddy Rich, Winton Marsalis, Phil Keaggy, Phil Driscol, Sixpence, Bad Manners, Blood Sweat and Tears, Fish Bone, John Chipolina, David Lindley, Taj Mahal, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Iron Butterfly, the Wailers, BoDeans and others.
Derrick’s music is written from the heart about real-life experiences and people he has met. The sound is original and real. On occasion Derrick has blended his music with unique sounds and original instruments including a remake of Rapper's Delight played on a vintage 1980's Speak-n-Spell.
Derrick and the band are currently in the studio working on their latest project tentatively titled "Why". Due to be released next year.
The Purpose:
It is more than the music… Derrick has a heart for helping others and having a real impact, not just talking about it. Derrick has been connected with a small community in Central America after traveling to the country of Belize. He has become friends with a Belizean pastor who moved his family from a life of comfort in Northern Belize to dedicate his life to a very poor town on the Guatemalan border. It is a community made up of wondeful people who find happiness outside of material blessing. Life can be very tough there, but their hope is vibrant and contagious.
Derrick has spent the past few summer years helping Pastor Ku in his dream of building a school for the children of Santa Elena and to give them a safe place to learn and study. Thankfully, Pastor Ku has successfully completed a preschool and kindergarten. Pastor Ku has been successful in his efforts and has now acquired a larger parcel of land through support, in hopes of expanding his dream to build an elementary, middle and high school. Derrick is working side by side with the Belizeans in support of this community.
Derrick feels led to use his music for a purpose and to make an impact. His efforts start here at home working with youth and under privileged kids. He also has a passion to support cancer research. A portion of all proceeds from performances go to these and other efforts. Collectively, the band members are also working in other communities in Cuba, the inner city of Washington DC and working to support others in India and Romania.
You can join in our efforts and our passion, as we look to give hope one note at a time. Thank you and we hope you enjoy the music… and experience the hope.
Derrick Harris is a nationally distributed artist and has sold over 15,000 CD’s. On his last project he worked with 2 time Grammy Award winning producer Rob Burrel. In 2003, apart from his original material, Derrick worked with various recording artists on a tribute to Brian Wilson.
Derrick grew up in Birmingham, Alabama where he was named performing artist of the year. Growing up in Alabama, Derrick was heavily influenced by Gospel music, Motown, and R&B. Derrick has recently moved from his home of many years and is currently residing in the Washington DC area. His latest project is a collection of artists from various backgrounds and styles. Derrick brought the talents of Blues Bassist, Jonathan Steele; former reggae guitarist Rich Schafer; Jazz drummer “Bubbles” Dean (that’s what it says on his license). Collectively they have shared the stage with such greats as Stevie Ray Vaughn, Burning Spear, Steele Pulse, Ziggy Marley, Wide Spread Panic, Louise Mandrell, Tommy Dorsey, Johnny Lang, Stanley Jordan, Buddy Rich, Winton Marsalis, Phil Keaggy, Phil Driscol, Sixpence, Bad Manners, Blood Sweat and Tears, Fish Bone, John Chipolina, David Lindley, Taj Mahal, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Iron Butterfly, the Wailers, BoDeans and others.
Derrick’s music is written from the heart about real-life experiences and people he has met. The sound is original and real. On occasion Derrick has blended his music with unique sounds and original instruments including a remake of Rapper's Delight played on a vintage 1980's Speak-n-Spell.
Derrick and the band are currently in the studio working on their latest project tentatively titled "Why". Due to be released next year.
The Purpose:
It is more than the music… Derrick has a heart for helping others and having a real impact, not just talking about it. Derrick has been connected with a small community in Central America after traveling to the country of Belize. He has become friends with a Belizean pastor who moved his family from a life of comfort in Northern Belize to dedicate his life to a very poor town on the Guatemalan border. It is a community made up of wondeful people who find happiness outside of material blessing. Life can be very tough there, but their hope is vibrant and contagious.
Derrick has spent the past few summer years helping Pastor Ku in his dream of building a school for the children of Santa Elena and to give them a safe place to learn and study. Thankfully, Pastor Ku has successfully completed a preschool and kindergarten. Pastor Ku has been successful in his efforts and has now acquired a larger parcel of land through support, in hopes of expanding his dream to build an elementary, middle and high school. Derrick is working side by side with the Belizeans in support of this community.
Derrick feels led to use his music for a purpose and to make an impact. His efforts start here at home working with youth and under privileged kids. He also has a passion to support cancer research. A portion of all proceeds from performances go to these and other efforts. Collectively, the band members are also working in other communities in Cuba, the inner city of Washington DC and working to support others in India and Romania.
You can join in our efforts and our passion, as we look to give hope one note at a time. Thank you and we hope you enjoy the music… and experience the hope.
A Note From Derrick:
What does all of this mean?
I've learned that regarding accolades, it doesn't really matter. I'm not any better than you. The bottom line is that I try to play music that I like and that I think is honest. My music reflects what is going on in my life. My lyrics are honest and from my heart. I believe that there is hope in life, hope that can only be found through a relationship with God. This is the hope that I've found or should I say, this is the hope that has found me.
I've played venues from Atlanta and Nashville to New York City, and places in between. Hopefully you'll connect with something in my music. If you're reading this then it's not by chance. So while you're here, I'd like to tell you one thing (in 3 different parts), You've got a purpose, life does get better, and God DOES love you. I hope that you like what you hear. If you have the time, send me an e-mail and tell me what you think.
What does all of this mean?
I've learned that regarding accolades, it doesn't really matter. I'm not any better than you. The bottom line is that I try to play music that I like and that I think is honest. My music reflects what is going on in my life. My lyrics are honest and from my heart. I believe that there is hope in life, hope that can only be found through a relationship with God. This is the hope that I've found or should I say, this is the hope that has found me.
I've played venues from Atlanta and Nashville to New York City, and places in between. Hopefully you'll connect with something in my music. If you're reading this then it's not by chance. So while you're here, I'd like to tell you one thing (in 3 different parts), You've got a purpose, life does get better, and God DOES love you. I hope that you like what you hear. If you have the time, send me an e-mail and tell me what you think.
Thankfully,
Derrick Harris
Derrick Harris
