Ben Harper
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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."