What does it take to become a world-class musician, build a lasting career, and inspire future generations? In this Best Of episode of No Wrong Choices, we revisit our conversation with award-winning Harlem-based jazz vocalist and guitarist Allan Harris. Described by Tony Bennett as his favorite singer, Allan's career journey is filled with unforgettable stories, hard-earned lessons, and insights into finding your unique voice in a crowded industry.
Whether you're a musician, an aspiring artist, or simply someone looking for career inspiration, Allan's story is packed with valuable takeaways on resilience, mentorship, and the art of storytelling through music.
The Turning Point: From Jimi Hendrix to Jazz
Every career has a pivotal moment, and for Allan, that moment came at a young age when he saw a life-sized poster of Jimi Hendrix outside a local barbershop. The image of Hendrix, a man of color commanding a sea of fans, sparked something in young Allan.
“He was the first man of color that I looked at and most people of color looked at… He made no excuses about what he was on stage. He was a warrior.”
From that day forward, Allan was determined to carve out his own path in music. But it wasn’t a straight line to success. His journey would take him from playing rock riffs inspired by Hendrix to mastering the craft of jazz storytelling.
Hard Lessons and Mentorship Moments
One of the most defining moments in Allan’s career happened when he was 16. During a jam session in Pittsburgh, a mentor stopped him mid-performance and told him to get off the stage.
“He said, ‘Boy, you need to learn the melody. You need to learn the song. Then you can come back.’”
It was a brutal moment. But instead of giving up, Allan spent months learning jazz standards and refining his craft. When he returned to the stage, he had transformed into a more disciplined and serious musician.
This tough-love mentorship experience became a foundational lesson for Allan: success requires humility, hard work, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.
Finding His Voice: The Art of Storytelling
Allan's unique style emerged when he realized that music wasn’t just about technical skill—it was about storytelling. He began studying audience reactions and adapting his performances to connect on a deeper level.
“I make sure my band and I arrive way before start time. I need to feel the flavor of the room… You have to actually read the audience way before you get on the stage.”
This ability to read a room and craft a narrative through his music set Allan apart from his peers. He wasn’t just a singer—he was a storyteller.
The Road Ahead: Mentoring the Next Generation
As a seasoned artist, Allan now finds himself in the role of mentor. He’s deeply aware of the challenges facing young musicians today, particularly the pressure to prioritize commercial success over artistic integrity.
“I’m very upset with what I see young artists have to experience to make their way financially… In order to make money, they will do anything.”
Allan takes his mentorship role seriously, spending time with younger musicians to pass on the lessons he learned the hard way. His message is clear: true success comes from mastering your craft and staying true to your voice.
Key Highlights from the Episode
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Musical Inspirations: How a chance encounter with a Jimi Hendrix poster changed Allan's life.
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Mentorship Moments: The tough-love lesson that fueled Allan's transformation as a musician.
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Finding Your Voice: Insights on storytelling through jazz and connecting with audiences.
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Building a Career: Allan’s journey from band member to bandleader and mentor.
Final Thoughts: Resilience, Mentorship, and the Power of Music
Allan Harris’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, mentorship, and finding your voice. His journey reminds us that success is never a straight path—it’s filled with ups, downs, and lessons that shape who we are.
Whether you're in music or any other field, the lessons Allan shares in this episode of No Wrong Choices are universal. The importance of perseverance, humility, and storytelling transcends industries and inspires anyone on a career journey.
🎧 Listen to the full episode of No Wrong Choices featuring Allan Harris wherever you find your podcasts or on YouTube.
