Gabriel harris biography

Influences

Native of the San Francisco Bay Area and son of folk music icon Joan Baez and political activist David Harris, Gabriel grew up with a wide spectrum of musical influences and a strong sense of social justice.

In his late teens Gabriel discovered and fell in love with traditional African drumming and music, and began his tutelage with the legendary Babatunde Olatunji, who embodied not just West African drumming, but the heart and soul that the tradition springs from.

Gabes’ passion for the drum has taken him to Guinea, Mali, Senegal, Ghana, and South Africa.

Joan baez

On his travels he also discovered and began a study of traditional Griot (Jeli) instruments including balafon (xylophone), and kamele n’goni (harp). Gabe has had the opportunity to study with a great number of master drummers and musicians, and has become an integral part of, and advocate for the African music and culture scene in the Bay Area.

In 2001 Gabe founded Rhythm Village with the vision of sharing the joy