From the blog

ALEX Harris brings the classic soul, R&B of the greats – Al Green, Sam Cook, Otis Redding, Ray Charles

Posting for the vacationing PalladiumPaul, Mr. Wilborn had an opportunity to talk with ALEX Harris about his upcoming show before said vacationer’s departure to the north country. ALEX is coming to the Palladium for the first time ever, on Friday, September 16th. We’re excited!

 

Here’s what he had to say about the show, his influences and more:

 

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PW:  I love how you seem to be so at home singing all those great soul classics. I’m sure you weren’t on the planet when some of these songs were released. How did you connect with this music?

 

AH:  First, I absolutely love the way you phrase the question:-) No, I wasn’t on the planet when many of the songs that I perform in the show, I GOT SOUL, was written; however, my connection to the music of the 50s and 60s is the like experience I share with the writers and performers of that era of Soul Music. I grew-up in the south and my first experience of music was Gospel music in my parents’ small -town church in Manchester, Georgia. Many of the artists that I celebrate in my tribute performances,  share similar southern and Gospel-roots. Therefore, this is the connection to the icons of Soul Music of the 50s, 60s and 70s.

 

Additionally, it’s just great music that “feeds” the soul of anyone who listens.

 

PW:   Of the great soul and R&B singers from back in the day who is your favorite and why?

 

AH: I don’t think I can say one person is my favorite, however, one of the many favorites is Al Green. I share Al Green, as one of my favorite because he was one of my first influences in music who not only performs Soul/R&B, but Gospel as well. In addition, he is one of my mothers and late auntie’s favorite artist.

 

PW: What are some of the songs and artists folks will hear during your Palladium show?

 

AH: Some of the songs I will be performing are, Al Green’s Let’s Stay Together, Otis Redding’s Try A Little Tenderness, Ray Charles’ Georgia On My Mind and many others as well. The show was strategically put together to give the audience an experience that is soulful and fun!

 

PW: Please tell us a little about your history as a performer. I know you are also an educator and leader of an non-profit. But tell us about your show biz side.

 

AH: My show “biz” side started at 12 years old. I performed all over North America and abroad to many countries and Islands with my brothers every summer. My music has open doors for me to perform and work with some of the world’s greatest award winning songwriters, actors, and producers. I performed for 2 of our country’s Presidential Inaugural Galas, the Premier of Bermuda, and the Prime Minister of Ireland.  I am humbled by the many blessings I’ve been fortunate to obtain from my musical career from a top 20 billboard single to two #1 Hit singles on the American Blues Network Charts.

 

I am excited to share this show that I have be performing throughout North America with our wonderful city of St. Petersburg, Florida and friends at the Palladium Theater on the 16th of September. Expect to experience something you have never experienced before. It’s Fun, It’s Magical, It’s Soul!

 

ALEX Harris: IGOT Soul, Friday, Sept. 16, 8p

For tickets and information, follow this link

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