Ben Harper is folky, funky, bluesy and rock all rolled into one. The California native was once compared to ‘B, reggae, blues and soul. Harper learned to play the slide guitar, his signature instrument, as a teenager and soon began performing. After signing a deal with Virgin Records in 1992, Harper made his solo debut with Welcome to the Cruel World (1992), a favorite of the underground group of jam band enthusiasts then known as "Dead Heads." Harper followed up Welcome to the Cruel World with the politically-charged Fight for Your Mind (1995). The album, which went gold, displayed Harper's maturity as an artist as well as continued his mode of musical exploration.

Harper's third album, Will to Live, was recorded during his extensive touring in support of his first album. Will to Live propelled him into the charts as well as the mainstream music scene. At this time Harper also introduced a supporting band, the Innocent Criminals, composed of Juan Nelson (bass), Dean Butterworth (drums) and David Leach (percussions). Now Harper's music, already a staple on college radio stations nationwide, was pushing the boundaries of adult alternative radio as well. With the Innocent Criminals in tow, Harper pushed forward, releasing 1999's Burn to Shine, which featured the now-quintessential Ben Harper song "Steal My Kisses." The song became a smash single in 1997 along with fellow radio fav "Suzie Blue." Live from Mars, a double-disc of live music, was released in 2001, followed by the worldly Diamonds on the Inside (2003), featuring the gritty rock ballad "With My Own Two Hands." Ben Harper collaborated with the Blind Boys of Alabama in 2004 and released more solo material, working with the Innocent Criminals subsequently.