Biography

Return To Crossroads Label Group

The Harper Family Family bands seem to be in abundance in the past few years. However, one listen to The Harper Family’s latest release titled “Through It All” will leave you wanting to know more about this family and their ministry. This is their fifth release, their second on Pisgah Ridge/Crossroads label. The family consists of Gaylon and Katrina Harper, fondly known as Mom and Dad of this amazing group. Gaylon is one of the cleanest banjo players out there today. His style and technique along with his knowledge of the instrument he plays, are what set him aside from all the others. Katrina is not only a wonderful bass player, but one of the best female vocalist out there. Her songwriting skills are unique in that, they always tell a story. Either a Bible story or a story of an experience that all or some of us have been through. They both came from musical families themselves, so when they were married and began their family, it was only expected that they too would be musicians and vocalists. From the hills of the Ozarks in the State of Missouri comes this modest, talented and full of faith family. Each is gifted in different ways and they use their gifts to come together in a band that not only showcases their talent, but their beliefs. Dalton is 20 years old, plays guitar and has a powerful, strong voice. His songwriting skills show the deep spiritual side to his faith. He recently went thru a struggle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Cancer. Dalton remained steadfast throughout this ordeal, and as the community, churches, family and friends pulled together for him by lifting him up in prayer, you could see the overwhelming gratefulness in his face and you can hear it in his music. Dillon is 19 and plays mandolin and sings any part that is needed. Dillon is also an accomplished songwriter and many of his tunes are also included on The Harpers recordings. He is full of life, goals and dreams. Dillon is married to Makeena, and she too is from a musical family having performed in a gospel band with them. She also has a musical background through being involved in beauty pageants. She now shares the stage with her husband and his family and they travel across the country spreading the gospel. Last, but definitely not least is baby sister, Hannah. Baby sister, because that is always what her brothers will believe, no matter what her age. She is now 14 and is one of the most amazing vocalists yet to be discovered. Her voice comes from her small frame with such little effort that it will take you by surprise every time. Hannah sings the title track of the latest CD, “Through It All” and she presents it with such emotion that you will want to hear it over and over. This young lady took main stage at the Gospel Quartet Convention, as if she had stood there a million times before. The Harpers won the SPBGMA Band Contest in Nashville in 2010 and the song “Salt and Light” charted at #2 on Les Butlers Front Porch Fellowship Chart. Family bands are not that uncommon now. But family bands with the heartfelt sincerity and raw talent as the Harper Family are rare. All of their recordings from beginning to end are full of everything that they strive to be. This family should be known by everyone in our industry. They are that good and that real. If you haven’t heard of them, then you are missing a blessing. If you have heard them, then you know all about the blessing. From the first recording to the most recent, their light shines, “Through It All.”