Niki Haris

Niki Haris, daughter of Grammy nominated jazz pianist Gene Harris, grew up in Middle America, Benton Harbor, Michigan. She was college educated in Southern California. Niki then pursued her singing career in the usual amusement parks and clubs in the California area. This dynamic woman has since gone on to work with a multitude of recording artist ranging from Pop, R&B, to Jazz. Her live performances and recording experience reads like a who1s who of the music world. With names such as; Ray Charles, David Sanborn, Patrice Rushen, Michael Sembello, Leann Rimes, Michelle Branch, Santana, Kylie Minogue, Luther Vandross, All Saints, Wilton Felder of the Jazz Crusaders, Stanley Turrentine, the Righteous Bros., Julian Lennon, Anita Baker, Mick Jagger, Whitney Houston and Madonna.
Her vocal film work is also featured on the soundtracks of Whoopi Goldberg1s 3Corrina Corrina2, DreamWorks 3The Big Green2, 3Coyote Ugly2 with Leann Rimes, and Disney1s 3Anastasia2. She has also recorded multiple television themes as well as co-writing and performing 2 new songs for the Fox series 3Dark Angel2.
Although her career has focused on singing and dancing, choreography and acting are also a part of her immense career. After choreographing the MTV Awards for Madonna, Niki helped stage scenes for Sharon Stone in 3Basic Instinct2 as well as choreographing for the television series 3Melrose Place2. Lead appearances in Madonna1s 3Truth or Dare2 and featured artist on the HBO special 3Sandra After Dark2 as well a roles in Al Pacino & Robert Deniro1s 3Heat2 have led to public awareness and a desire to strengthen her acting career. Niki continued to strengthen her singing career while touring with her father and promoting their albums, 3Down Home Blues2 and their inspirational CD 3In His Hands2. After her father1s untimely passing in January and the release of their live CD, 3Jazz Alley Cats2, Niki resumes her love of jazz and carries on her father1s legacy.
This talented artist leaves no stone unturned, and with 18 years of recording & touring with Madonna, Niki was once again called on the road for her 3Drowned World Tour 20022 as well as being featured in her Grammy nominated music video 3Music2. All this while promoting her own tour and smash single, 3Dancefloor2 remixed by DJ/Producer Junior Vasquez.
After completing 2 tours back to back Niki quickly went into the studio to record a new dance CD 3Total Love2 as well as a new live jazz CD 3Live in Switzerland2 and a live gospel record 3The Beginning2 recorded with John Barnes at Innersound Studios; all released in the summer of 2003. With the birth of her beautiful baby girl, Jordan, Niki1s life took a dramatic change. She continued to record and created new avenues to show her many diverse musical colors. She recorded a new Jazz CD 3Live in London2, Toured Europe (Switzerland, Germany, Scotland) with her Jazz Quartet, and performed live dates as Featured Vocalist with RUFUS (who1s former feature vocalist was Chaka Khan). She released 3Special Edition2 through Thump Records/Universal as well as a Billboard charting dance hit 3Let Me Hear The Music2 produced by DJ Eddie X through 3 Monkeys Music. She continued her love of jazz by touring successfully in the production of Billie & Me, a celebration of the life of Billie Holiday. Here Niki sang along side Nancy Wilson, Dianne Reeves, Rita Coolidge, Joan Osborne, and African songstress Rokia Traore. Her Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center performances were a smashing success. While touring, Niki released her latest 3Live at Agape2 and performed gospel concerts throughout the U.S. She continues to be a favorite in Dance Clubs & Pride festivals around the World. In Music Niki Haris is known as a renaissance woman and in life. In 2007 Niki continued to expand her reach by being the Voice and face of the international Visa campaign 3Downtown2. her recording schedule continues with her vocal and vocal arrangement talents being lent to Queen Latifah aka Dana Owens Jazz project, Santana & Tina Turner 3A Little Bit Of This2 as well as something for her younger audience, recording for Dream Works the 3Brats2 movie and Geffens the 3PussyCat Dolls2.
Niki continues to share her gifts throughout the years by performing at a multitude of benefits for AIDS, Cancer research as well as Camp Harmony for inner city children. Niki continues to be called upon to lend her inspirational voice by notable speakers such as Mark Victor Hansen 3Chicken soup for the Soul2 & Reverend Michael Beckwith (The Secret) She is also a strong supporter for the Music in the Classroom program and RAAD, Rockers Against Drunk Driving. She diligently lends her time in serving and is an annual participant in the Season for Non Violence.
With all this, Niki has concentrated on her songwriting as well as pursuing acting and singing and continues to be a focused and dedicated, multi talented artist.