Asa Harris

The daughter of pianist Ace Harris and the niece of Erskine Hawkins, Asa Harris grew up surrounded by music. She sang in choirs and plays in Catholic grade school. A speech and drama major at Catholic University of America, Harris was an actress in theater for many years. She acted in the 1996 Robert Duvall movie A Family Thing. In addition, she has worked as a home hospice chaplain. Musically, Harris sang with Erskine Hawkins' band in the Catskills, taught jazz vocal performance at Webster University, and has been active in bringing jazz into elementary and junior high schools. In 1999 Asa Harris made her long overdue recording debut, interpreting standards (including Erskine Hawkins' theme song, "Tuxedo Junction) on her All in Good Time CD. ~ Scott Yanow