Grammy winner and producer Ben Harper shares struggles and emotions in his music

Los Angeles rocker and multiple Grammy winner Ben Harper has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music business for nearly 30 years. Recently, the sound of Harper's guitar called out to pop star Harry Styles, who invited him to record and tour with him. Jamie Yuccas recently sat down with Harper at the music store that's been run by his family for generations.
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[@lauraluisetto9801]

During his Italian tour in 2017 he decided to sing a song with a fan asking her to join him on stage… I will ALWAYS be grateful for the chance he gave me singing together that night. Thank you Ben, you deserve the best as an artist and human being.

[@KristinStJohn]

Every time I see Ben Harper live, I always have a different experience. He's amazing

[@marysaraha1580]

Ben's voice is just pure heart and funk..... Such gentleness and movement...... Captivating love in all its forms!

[@mizotter]

Ben is a light in darkness. His music has nourished me since the 90s.

[@Ramiz112]

Seen this guys more times than I can count. His music changed my life when a HS girlfriends aunt gave me his "Live From Mars" album when I was 14. Such an amazing and genuine man. One time he walked down the front aisle of his concert and hugged us all one by one, while weeping. Dude is rad! Best artist of all time.

[@Namastephie]

I saw him when he was touring to record that album. It is literally the best concert I have ever been to. At Bull run in VA, which was a wide open field with the perfect grade (slant of the hill). Donavon Frankenreiter and Jack Johnson opened. Everyone was happy, it was almost like a huge family reunion. And while Ben was performing everyone respected each others space. And since you know the album: it was great to have a mix of all genres, covers, and remixes (for lack of a better word). Seeing him live anytime is awesome but this concert was amazing!

[@Ramiz112]

@@Namastephie that is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@usejustonce2386]

Ben has been one of my faves for a long time

[@hannahwillard1051]

i saw ben at the forum opening for harry and it honestly changed the trajectory of my life and was so powerful. it reminded me how much i love live music. he’s insane at what he does

[@christinamenendez6184]

I’m a longtime fan of this musical genius! I’ve been fortunate enough to see him live several times.

[@michaelryan3818]

I love Ben Harper. My life is better because of his music in it.

[@entheo302]

Found out about him in 2001-ish and haven't thought about him in a while until he randomly came on. Such a good musician!

[@joshbanks9261]

I grew up in Claremont a very special place to live in for sure. He's really humble as a famous musician and way down to earth as well. His younger brother Peter is a musician and Joel is a book publisher. The folk music center is still there and I go back to visit the shop when I'm in town. They host open mics as well on Sundays. Claremont is close to LA and a great place to go explore on a weekend as there are some great little shops and great restuarants as well. That is cool he's working with Harry Styles as well. Love in the future to get him over here to South East Asia as I live here and put together live music events as well. Looking in the future to open an underground place here for skateboarding with my friend who runs a place called Hanoi half pipe. Ben is a true soul when it comes to music he isn't afraid to speak the truth against power. Not just an old Claremont neighbor but I have been a fan as well.

[@glevernmv]

Just saw Ben in concert in Chula Vista with Jack Johnson. It was Awesome !

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you for sharing. So nice of a gentleman.

[@robertnevarez7599]

Great interview, nice job!

[@ryaneastunder7383]

thanks for this piece

[@joshuadewez1732]

This dudes been soundtracking my life since 95

[@hillaryroberts3623]

Ben, I hear you loud and clear. 🙏

[@karmicsheila63]

I have loved Ben Harper since the 90's. He is brilliant.

[@TEWMUCH]

Very cool. Never heard of this man until now.

[@darlulittledeer3738]

thanks so much for this. Claremont Folk Music Center is part of my DNA.

[@winnmiller6012]

Great interview...🤩🤩🤩!!!

[@jonathanbonifacio9417]

Ben is a savant musician. But honestly he comes across as an even better human. Thanks Ben for songs that changed my life!!!

[@annasahlstrom6109]

I love Ben Harper!

[@lolawalsh9187]

Have missed you Ben.

[@tbam73]

His comment on optimism is straight on

[@johnohrstrom5112]

Ben Harper is the ISH! When i was in college, i used to wear his albums out. Sadly, I haven't listened to him as much as I should recently.

[@JulianShell33]

I saw Ben Harper at bonnaroo in 04 or 03? It was the coolest thing ever for me to see at the time.

[@chrisvorster5951]

Wheniworked as an apprentice guitar repair man at Folk music centerBen was a 4 year old. Great story.

[@livingthroughtheblue]

When I first moved to Florida in 2006 I didn’t have many friends. But there was a younger salesman at The Toyota Dealership where I was working who was also into music. He turned me onto Ben Harper. All these years later, I’m so glad that he did!

[@suzyq1607]

LOVE HIM !!!!!!!!!!

[@tkcurtis1725]

Saw Ben at the Ryman Auditorium in the late 90's......just incredible! Added bonus: The opener was G-Love; we had no idea there was going to be an opening act.

[@HawaiianGuitarCrossroads]

The best over the best

[@ShauninParadise]

that was rad, i had no idea he skated... and super solid as well.

[@annabee148]

MY FAV EVER

[@mmcd3182]

Loving Ben since I was ten.

[@ocean1233]

💗💗💗💗💗💗💗

[@KordTaylor]

Great that he wants his music to have purpose.

[@staind.raindrop]

❤‍🔥

[@johnlopez3996]

Ben Harper's music store is not in Los Angeles. It is in Claremont. CBS, go and study your GPS. Better yet, take out a proper map.

[@vg4life]

He’s famous and talented but yet he can be walk the streets without getting mobbed.

[@nakayamasimeia1447]

Where is that Folk Music Center?

[@paulfranco3239]

💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@k8tron]

Are we not gonna mention the Innocent Criminals?

[@kristinemunholland8980]

OMG I could not be more offended on his behalf that Mr. Harper is featured here as the opener for Harry Styles.....are you freaking kidding?!?!?!?! The man has far more significant songs older than that flash-in-the-pan made-for-tv pop star. Way to go, CBS....diminish a real artist for the benefit of your dumbed down audience....could you not have led with his accomplishments first?!?!?!

[@tkcurtis1725]

Harry Styles needs a few years before sharing the stage with Ben Harper. And who's opening for who???? Huh?

[@cecegiles7753]

Fan out over Harry Styles? 😂😄😂😂😂

[@MegaSickcat]

I only heard of him because of Dhani Harrison.

[@talitam.8414]

Well I do know who Ben Harper is but I have no idea who Dhani Harrison is lol!

[@MegaSickcat]

@@talitam.8414 LOL Dhani Harrison is the son of George Harrison former member of The Beatles. You might want to check out Dhani's music...He's really good.

[@karmicsheila63]

Ben was around way before Dhani, who I also love.

[@marim.7558]

As long as Ben don't be part of any rituals :/

[@Sufferingsassafrass]

I don’t know his music but I know he treated his wife or S.O. terribly by leaving her abruptly, completely blindsided her. They may have kids even but not sure. Anyway, what a selfish coward. She didn’t deserve that.

[@dutchbosoxfan8919]

Leaving her abruptly? He wanted a divorce in 2010, but they got back together in 2012 before the divorce was finalized. That doesn't seem abruptly to me. They got joint custody over their kids. But anyways, you are an outsider, and so am I. You are not capable to judge anyone based on some story by TMZ.

[@christianwalker2554]

Song called boyfriends by a guy?......na don't need to hear anymore.... Is clear why he has all the success.....sorry lbgts ihit the wrong button