An inspiring narrative of bridge-building, hope, and resilience from a beloved folk musician.

Before renowned musician Reggie Harris was a sought-after performer, educator, cultural ambassador, and civil rights advocate, he was a low-income Black kid in Philadelphia with a love of music. He was transported by the vibrant sound that filled the air in his church, the voices calling out with passion, the rhythm and the release, and the powerful sense of community.

Searching for Solid Ground is a captivating and deeply personal chronicle of Harris's extraordinary life, from his early years, when his love of music was fueled by singing everywhere he could-at home, at church, and in the school choir-to performing across the world for over forty years as one half of the folk duo Kim and Reggie Harris, to his current work blending his musical gifts with a commitment to promote justice and peace and heal the racial divide.

Harris shares his triumphs and his struggles, his hard-won wisdom and insights, including the challenges he faced launching a career in folk music as a Black musician, his transformative experience hearing James Baldwin speak and the beginnings of his own justice work, and a harrowing journey back to health through the gift of a liver transplant, among many other remarkable moments.

About the Author

Reggie Harris is a musician, storyteller, and educator. A winner of the 2021 Spirit of Folk Award and the 2021 W.E.B. Du Bois Legacy Award, Harris is also a teaching artist in the Kennedy Center's Changing Education Through the Arts Program and co-president and director of music education for the Living Legacy Project. Known for over forty years as one half of the folk duo Kim and Reggie Harris, he continues to inspire audiences with the message of joy, unity, and peace through his powerful live performances.

Linda Hansell is an educator and writer who collaborates with individuals to write their memoirs. She also writes literary nonfiction. Her essays have appeared in literary journals and anthologies such as Emerald Coast Review, Wising Up Anthology, Months to Years, and Hippocampus Books. In addition to writing, she has created and directed innovative urban education programs and taught at the University of Pennsylvania.

Reviews

"In Searching for Solid Ground, Reggie Harris gifts us with a fascinating and uncompromising account of a life lived in the service of songs' capacity to cross racial boundaries and foster understanding between human beings." -Gustavus Stadler, author of Woody Guthrie: An Intimate Life

"Many of us have applauded the joyous musicianship of Reggie Harris; few of us knew the man. This memoir takes us on his rollercoaster journey from poor roots to celebrity, but, more importantly, exposes a person struggling to heal his personal and racial crises while embracing a greater mission of exorcizing the demons of this conflicted nation. Singing the passion of our history, Harris becomes a prophetic healer. The man is a blessing." -Robert Shetterly, artist, Americans Who Tell the Truth

"It's everything you would expect from this astonishing human being and so much more. Honest, joyful, brave, funny, and absolutely inspiring. This has my highest recommendation!" -Matt Watroba, producer and host of Folk With Matt Watroba Michigan State Public Media and member of the International Folk Alliance DJ Hall Of Fame

Book Information
ISBN 9781558969254
Author Reggie Harris
Format Paperback
Page Count 270
Imprint Skinner House Books
Publisher Skinner House Books