His voice is like butter, he's easy on the eyes, and he bridges genres from folk, blues, rock, jazz, and reggae with ease. Born of African-American, Jewish, Russian and Cherokee Indian descent, Ben Harper is a blend all his own, delivering harmonious handcrafted acoustics from funky to mellow. He picked up his first guitar at age 12, and he eventually specialized in the acoustic slide guitar. Throughout the 90's he maintained a loyal following of enthusiasts and he was embraced by critics as well. The millennium has brought him more widespread recognition, from his active involvement in politics, diverse collaborations, and well-received album releases. Notable for his range of influences and engaging live performances, Ben Harper is sure to have the kind of longevity that will find him influencing other musicians in his wake.