Home / Arts and Entertainment / Sweet Honey in the Rock Star Evelyn Harris Dies
Sweet Honey in the Rock Star Evelyn Harris Dies
18 Dec
Summary
- Evelyn Harris was a celebrated singer with Sweet Honey in the Rock for 18 years.
- She also performed with blues band StompBoxTrio and Young@Heart.
- Harris was a dedicated teacher at Northampton Community Music Center for two decades.
Evelyn M. Harris, a prominent singer and esteemed music educator, has died. Harris was a distinguished member of the internationally acclaimed a cappella ensemble Sweet Honey in the Rock for eighteen years, contributing significantly to their rich musical legacy. Her versatility extended to performances with the blues band StompBoxTrio and the beloved Young@Heart Chorus.
Beyond her performance career, Harris was a dedicated faculty member at the Northampton Community Music Center for two decades. Colleagues remember her for her "beautiful spirit" and "enormous talents and wisdom," noting her generous gift for sharing these qualities. Her profound influence touched countless lives within the region.
Originally from Richmond, Virginia, Harris drew deep inspiration from the Black church tradition, a foundation evident in her masterful artistry. She taught a course at Smith College exploring the evolution of African-American music from spirituals to hip-hop, examining the social and political conditions that shaped these genres. Harris was also a familiar voice at Northampton's Fourth of July ceremonies, performing the national anthem.
