Biography

Allan Harris is a world-class singer, guitarist and songwriter. Perhaps best known for his interpretations of jazz standards, Allan’s smooth vocals and guitar-styling easily cross genres, from jazz to rock to blues. Tony Bennett calls Allan "my favorite singer" and The New York Times' Stephen Holden raves about "the protean talent that is Allan Harris." Allan has cultivated a global following, playing for packed audiences and receiving outstanding reviews throughout the United States, Europe, Russia and the Far East. A three-time winner of the New York Nightlife Award for "Outstanding Jazz Vocalist,” Allan is regularly featured at the world’s great music festivals, e.g. Jazz Aspen, Wien Jazz Festival in Austria and the Umbria Jazz Festival in Italy.

Allan’s artistry transcends his diverse vocal performances. He has composed “Cross That River,” a full-scale musical celebrating the Old West as told through the words and music of a black cowboy, and has received a prestigious Chamber Music America Grant for that work. Recently, out of one hundred entries, the ASCAP Musical Theatre Festival chose Cross That River to be featured during their Lincoln, NE festival September 11, 2013. “Cross That River” played to rave reviews during the 2009 New York Musical Theater Festival and is currently in pre-production for a debut at Theatre Aspen in July 2013. Several original songs from “Cross That River” are also frequently featured in The Allan Harris Band’s concert performances.

In addition to music, Allan is passionate about giving back. He is a long-time supporter of the Children’s Miracle Network (helping to raise funds for children’s hospitals), and has performed many times alongside Vince Gill and Amy Grant at the Challenge Aspen Gala, an annual charity concert/golf tournament to benefit military service people who have sustained disabilities.

As a Gibson Guitar featured artist, Allan and Ruby (his constant 6 lb. canine companion and the first dog music critic) can frequently be found rehearsing at the Gibson Hit Factory, and along with The Allan Harris Band, enjoy playing the top music clubs in his hometown of New York City.