#joewalsh

Benny Harrison Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 

What fun to sit down and catch up with keyboardist, singer, songwriter, producer, Benny Harrison, who I’ve known for 5 decades. There was so much I didn’t know. Benny gave us the back story––growing up mixed race from hard-working parents who may or may not have been on the wrong side of the law, but who taught him strong work ethics and appreciated immediately and encouraged his musical gifts.

When his brother sold his piano, Benny turned lemons into lemonade, practicing at a local school which garnered him his first professional gig with Henry Gross, which led him to sing onstage with Michael McDonald. When I met up with him, he was sitting in with Mason Reese, and then Phoebe Snow sat in with Benny and The Spydrs. A kickass player and entertainer, Benny was in regular rotation at all the clubs I booked back in the day. 

Benny tells a great story about a night at Spo-Dee-O-Dee’s and a couple of huge surprise special guests. 

Benny has played with Vernon Reid; Corey Glover; Joe Walsh; Elvis Costello; Simon Kirke; and Charlie Drayton, among many others and for four years his Spydrs were the house band at The China Club’s famed Monday nights where Bruce Willis, Rick James, Steve Stevens, Linda Perry, Eddie Vedder, Billy Idol, and whoever was in town, would sit in with the band. We talked with mutual zeal of our love for the place, those nights, that time. 

Benny has been active with Veterans who are either suffering from PTSD, alcohol, drug abuse, or homelessness, in a program called Voices of Valor. It's a 9-week process to write a song with the Vets who have served our country. He produces and creates the musical/harmonic part of the process, and then takes the Vets into a recording studio, where they can experience the process. He shared a most moving sweet story of a silent woman’s transformation. 

Working on an upcoming Documentary, Back Up Front, it tells the story of players including him who started out in front, worked the backline and are once again stepping out front.

Benny’s upcoming album, Pages, drops April 14th. He had planned to perform a couple of the tunes with his producer, Mike Ciro, but that didn’t pan out. He treated us to a few little tastes with an unmiked guitar. A few tech challenges, but as with all things Benny went with it, eventually singing a capella. He’s a pro!  To get the album, be at The Bitter End for the album release, and for all things Benny go to BennyHarrison.com. I got an advance listen- it’s fab! 

I adore my dear friend. It was such a treat to get lost in time and tales with this talented, resilient, fun, and passionate, pal. 

Benny Harrison Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 

Wednesday, 3/5/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET

Streamed Live on my Facebook

Replay here:

Today Live! Love catching up with an old friend with a load of new friends hanging with us. I’ve known keyboardist, singer, songwriter, producer, guitarist, Benny Harrison for 5 decades. Crazy! 

When I first met Benny, he was sitting in with Mason Reese, and then Phoebe Snow sat in with Benny and The Spydrs. A kickass player and entertainer, Benny was in regular rotation at all the clubs I booked back in the day. 

Currently playing with Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals and Tommy James, Benny’s first solo album, Pages, co-produced by Mike Ciro (Alicia Keys-also a Spydr) is about to drop as is the first single, Soon. Benny held an early premier party at New York’s Cutting Room, where Joe Bonamassa and Julio Fernandez (of Spyro Gyro) sat in and surprised the sold out crowd. 

Benny has played with Vernon Reid; Corey Glover; Joe Walsh; Elvis Costello; Simon Kirke; and Charlie Drayton, among many others and for four years his Spydrs were the house band at The China Club’s famed Monday nights where Bruce Willis, Rick James, Steve Stevens, Linda Perry, Eddie Vedder, Billy Idol, and whoever was in town, would sit in with the band. 

Aside from his musical activities, for the last 6 years, Benny has been active with Veterans who are either suffering from PTSD, alcohol, drug abuse, or homelessness, in a program called Voices of Valor. It's a 9-week process to write a song with the Vets who have served our country. Benny produces and creates the musical/harmonic part of the process, and then takes the Vets into a recording studio, where they can experience the process. Bravo Benny! 

Benny is also the show-runner and co-producer of a 3-part docu series called Back Up Front about his career and the musicians he works with currently and those who have been mentors in his life. 

Fun and fantastic. I can’t wait to catch up with my old friend, and we’ll be in for a treat. Benny and Mike Ciro are going to treat us to some music from Pages! Woohoo! 

Benny Harrison Live on Game Changers With Vicki Abelson 

Wednesday, 3/5/25, 5 PM PT, 8 PM ET

Streaming Live on my Facebook

facebook.com/vickiabelson

November 2, 2010 Joe Walsh and Ringo Starr at the "Imagine There's No Hunger: Celebrating the Songs of John Lennon" Benefit at Hard Rock Cafe in Hollywood, CA #RingoStarr #JoeWalsh #rocknroll #icons #hardrockcafe #hollywood #losangeles #ionthisday

Photo by Christy Borgman

The Eagles, one of the most iconic bands in the history of rock music, continue to captivate audiences worldwide with their timeless melodies and profound lyrics. Since their formation in the early 1970s, the Eagles have carved out a legacy that spans generations, blending country, rock, and folk influences into a unique sound that defines Americana music.

In 2024, the Eagles embark on their journey by setting up residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas, a venue known for its cutting-edge technology and immersive experiences. This residency marks a significant chapter in the band's illustrious career, bringing their classic hits and musical prowess to a state-of-the-art stage designed to elevate both sound and visual spectacles.

From their debut in 1971 with the album “Eagle”, the band swiftly rose to fame with hits like "Take It Easy," "Hotel California," and "Desperado." Their harmonious blend of voices, intricate guitar work, and poignant songwriting made them pioneers of the California rock sound. The Eagles' ability to fuse rock with country and folk sets them apart, influencing countless artists and leaving a huge mark on music.

Located in the heart of Las Vegas, The Sphere represents a new era in live entertainment, boasting advanced audio-visual technology and a dynamic spherical design that promises an unparalleled concert experience. For the Eagles, known for their meticulous attention to sound quality and stage presence, The Sphere provides an ideal setting to showcase their catalog of hits in an immersive environment that enhances both sound clarity and visual storytelling.

Fans attending the Eagles' residency at The Sphere in 2024 can anticipate a journey through the band's storied career. From their early days in the '70s to their more recent works, each performance promises to blend nostalgia with the excitement of seeing these legends live. Hits like "Life in the Fast Lane," "Witchy Woman," and "Peaceful Easy Feeling" will resonate through The Sphere, accompanied by state-of-the-art visuals that complement the music's emotional depth.

The Eagles' residency at The Sphere not only celebrates their enduring musical legacy but also underscores their ability to evolve and adapt while staying true to their roots. As they continue to influence new generations of musicians and fans alike, this residency serves as a testament to their timeless appeal and ongoing relevance in the ever-changing landscape of music.

The Eagles' residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas in 2024 is not just a concert series; it's a celebration of a band that has shaped the soundtrack of multiple generations. It's an opportunity for fans to witness musical history unfold in a venue designed for innovation and unforgettable experiences. As the Eagles take the stage, they invite us all to join them on a journey through their career, reminding us why their music continues to resonate so deeply with audiences even to this day.

Joe Walsh Rocky Mountain Way b/w (Daydream) Prayer 1973 Probe ———————————————————————