Recording artist/performer/producer /musician Owner (Listen Up Records) Reggae /R&B/Jazz—
Born in Jamaica and living in New York since 1975, Jerry Harris has being part of New York Reggae Music scene. He has produced various records with Lloyd Barnes’ BullWackies Records in the Bronx. In 1985, Jerry went to Japan and worked with a Japanese company promoting reggae music where he became a major success with other artists from Jamaica and Japan. He also performed on Japan Reggae Splash. Jerry started to produce his albums on his own label Listen Up Records, which he licensed several titles in Japan.
Born Allan Harris in the parish of Portland, Jerry has since the age of 14 devoted his life to music. He was influenced by his father who was a professional jazz and calypso musician on the hotel circuit in Jamaica. His first regular gig as a guitarist/backing vocalist came in 1972 when he played weekly at the Port Antonio Hotel with The Young Experience Band. For the next two years the band which included Junior Murvin, who garnered fame for his classic hit “Police And Thieves” performed with U-Roy, Toots & The Maytals and the Heptones and many others.
In 1975 Jerry migrated to New York where he joined The Stepping Stone Band. He subsequently joined The New Breed Band, backing Burning Spear on his first US tour which lead to gigs supporting Sugar Minott, Ken Boothe, The Blues Busters, and numerous other reggae artists. Jerry released his first solo album I’m For You on Wackies Records label. He continued to write and arrange his own music which led to him producing the classic “Spreading All Over” album in 1987. He recorded “Rock This Session” in 1990 and “Smile And Be Happy” in 1991 which were both released by Japan based Alpha Enterprise. As Jerry Harris & the Rhythm Force band, he backed Super Cat on one of his Canadian tours and Shabba Ranks in New York. He was also a key member of the long running Japansplash since its inception in 1985 and has toured Japan with Max Romeo, Freddy McGregor, Japanese reggae star Nahki, Tiger, Barrington Levy, Alton Ellis, Judy Mowatt and Jimmy Riley. He is now a household name among Japanese reggae lovers thanks to his extensive tours of the country. In 1992, Harris’ music was included on the reggae compilation “Yesterday Once More” which was released on Polystar (Japan).
The label followed with “Endless Love” (1993) and “Nice ‘N’ Good To You,” which was released in Japan and the far East. He also released “Tonight” (2002), “Lovers Paradise” (2004), “Love and a message” (2006) and a none reggae album titled “New York City Love.” Jerry continues to tour and produce other artists on his Listen Up Records label and currently works with Japanese record company Avex, Megarylu, Pang and DJ Nahki.
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