• Ben Harper B&W Portrait. Photograph (c) 2022 Michael Halsband

    Ben Harper

    Instruments: Vocals, Slide Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar
    Current Rig:

    Martin Ben Harper Signature Model 0000-28 acoustic guitar
    Monteleone Radio City Special Deluxe lap steel guitar
    Fraulini Leadbelly 12-string acoustic guitar
    Asher Ben Harper Signature lap steel guitar

    Birthplace: Claremont, CA
  • Juan Nelson

    Juan Nelson

    Instruments: Bass (1994-2021)

    August 24, 1958 - June 9, 2021

    Beloved husband, father, musical genius, BHIC band member of 27 years, and the finest man I've ever known. It's near impossible for me to put words to this pain and loss. Rest In Glory our beloved Reverend Juan.

    In lieu of flowers the family set up their own GoFundMe page. For more information about Juan's life and legacy, please visit here.

    Birthplace: Cincinnati, OH
  • Olivia Charles (c) Ehud Lazin

    Olivia Charles

    Instruments: Drums
    Toured, performed and/or recorded with: Gogol Bordello, Lonnie Jordan (War), Rakim, De La Soul, Talib Kwali, Mos Def, Common, Ghostface Killah, L.P. (Singer), Michael Franti and Spearhead, Daniel Lanois, Family Man Barrett, Mariachi El Bronx, Piers Faccini, Rhythm Roots All-Stars, daKAH Hip Hop Orchestra, Project 1836, Bingewood, After Hours, Ocean 11, Cree Summer, The Soul of John Black, Weapon of Choice, Action Figure Party, Groovin High
    Birthplace: Los Angeles, CA
  • Leon Mobley

    Leon Mobley

    Instruments: Percussion

    Leon Mobley, percussionist for BHIC, has made his mark in the music and performance industry for many years.

    At the tender age of seven, Leon studied under the tutelage of Babatunde Olatunji, world renowned Nigerian master drummer. By age ten, Leon was a cast member on the Emmy award winning PBS TV program entitled ZOOM. He got the opportunity to perform with Duke Ellington and for Coretta Scott King at this age as well. He also performed with Boston's Dancing in the Street for many years growing up in Boston.

    Leon went on to study music and education at UMass Boston before moving to California where he started his dance company Djembe West African Drummers and Dancers, which has been featured on the TV shows Northern Exposure, A Different World, and the movie Poetic Justice with Janet Jackson and Tupac Shakur. He also began his own musical group Leon Mobley and Da Lion which went on to produce six CDs and has had countless performances throughout the United States.

    Leon was selected to be "Art Envoy" by the U.S. State department, under President Barack Obama, which sponsored the Innovative MIMA programs, where he traveled abroad doing workshops, recordings, and performances throughout Africa and South America.

    He has had his own REMO signature series Djembe drum for over twenty years, selling millions around the world.

    Toured, performed and/or recorded with: Michael Jackson, Quincy Jones, Mick Jagger, Madonna, Damian and Stephen Marley, the Temptations, Dave Matthews, Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder, Jack Johnson, G. Love, Da Lion, Piers Faccini, Watts Prophets, The Last Poets' Umar Bin Hassan, Rebelution, Kamasi Washington, Trevor Hall, Teki, Paula Fuga, Tenelle, Sammy Johnson, Robey Theatre Co., Zoom, Peter Wolf
    Birthplace: Roxbury, MA
  • Chris Joyner

    Chris Joyner

    Instruments: Piano, Hammond B3, Accordion, Bells, Whistles

    Chris Joyner, born and raised in Los Angeles, is known for his eclectic sound and ability to quickly adapt to any style of music—making him one of the most sought-after keyboardists in the industry.

    Toured, performed and/or recorded with: Ray Lamontagne, Counting Crows, Semisonic, Amos Lee, Jason Mraz, Heart, The Cult, Tom Morello, Citizen Cope, The Wallflowers, Rickie Lee Jones, Shelby Lynne, Rufus Wainwright, Culver City Dub Collective, Sara Bareilles, Peter Case, Cat Power, Nikka Costa…
    Birthplace: Hollywood, CA
  • Alex Painter

    Alex Painter

    Instruments: Guitar, Vocals
    Current Rig: Nash Telecaster, Fender Stratocaster, Burny Les Paul, Two Rock Classic Signature Reverb
    Birthplace: Bloomington, Indiana
  • Darwin Johnson

    Darwin Johnson

    Instruments: Bass

    Early Life & Musical Beginnings
    Darwin Johnson was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As the seventh of nine musically gifted siblings, Darwin was introduced to the bass guitar at the age of seven by his father. He quickly found his musical footing, playing in local churches and developing an innate musical ear.

    Musical Growth & Career Development
    Throughout middle and high school, Darwin refined his craft in marching bands, jazz bands, and rock groups. His journey continued at the University of Florida, where he performed in the jazz band and gospel choir, gaining invaluable touring experience with prominent gospel artists.

    In 1997, Darwin moved to Los Angeles to elevate his music career. He played at New Christ Memorial Church and became an integral part of its music ministry under Andraé Crouch. He's performed and recorded with artists like Chante Moore, Colbie Caillat, Jesse McCartney, Kelly Clarkson, Ludacris, Adam Lambert, and many others. His performances have graced major television shows such as The Tonight Show, The David Letterman Show, Ellen, and BET Live in LA.

    Recent Endeavors
    In Spring 2021, Darwin joined Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals, continuing to tour and record with the band. He is deeply honored to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Juan Nelson, whose legacy continues to inspire.

    A Lifelong Musical Journey
    Darwin Johnson's career reflects a dedication to the art of music across genres. From gospel to pop, R&B to rock, Darwin continues to honor the transformative power of music, living out Plato's belief that "music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul."

    Birthplace: Kingston, Jamaica
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