Fans of the American Idol television program on ABC got a first look at Hannah Harper, a country, bluegrass, and gospel singer from Missouri whose successful audition was featured on last night’s show.
Bluegrass fans in and around the Ozark foothills, however, have heard this very talented young lady sing for many years, performing with her family band, The Harper Collective. It included her mom and dad, Katrina and Gaylon, plus siblings Dillon and Dalton, and Dillon’s wife Makeena. The group won the SPBGMA International Band Contest in 2010, and recorded a pair of albums for Pisgah Ridge and Crossroads Records.
Dalton has impressed a good many folks with both his singing and songwriting in recent years, first with Frank Ray & Cedar Hill, and more recently as a solo recording and touring artist.
Now it is Hannah’s turn to shine. She has posted videos of her singing for some time on various social media platforms, gathering a sizable following of fans, not unlike the way another former grasser, Zach Top, came to prominence. Hannah leans a bit more country than bluegrass, but it’s a very agreeable form of country, voice forward, and what a voice!
Here’s her audition from last night, which doesn’t really show her at her best, but it was enough for the three judges who all voted her through to the next rounds of competition in Hollywood. That’s Dalton accompanying Hannah on guitar.
Have a look at this video she and Dalton made that really demonstrates Hannah’s terrific voice, singing The Lucky One, which Alison Krauss recorded in 2001.
And here’s her recording of String Cheese from earlier this year.
Hannah Harper offers an excellent reason to follow American Idol this season. She’s a remarkable singer, with an authenticity and honesty we don’t see so often in popular entertainers. Here’s hoping the producers give her good material to work with.
Best of luck Hannah!
