Jake Harris: The Ultimate Guide For Fans

Who is Jake Harris?

Jake Harris is an Australian musician, best known as the bassist for the rock band INXS. He was a member of the band from 1977 to 1989, and again from 2002 to 2012. Harris is also a songwriter and record producer, and has worked with a variety of other artists, including Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, and Tina Arena.

Harris was born in Melbourne, Australia, in 1958. He began playing bass guitar at a young age, and joined INXS in 1977. The band quickly rose to fame, and Harris became known for his distinctive bass playing style. He is also credited with co-writing some of the band's biggest hits, including "Need You Tonight" and "Devil Inside".

Harris left INXS in 1989 to pursue a solo career. He released two solo albums, "Swim" and "The Way I Feel", but neither was commercially successful. He rejoined INXS in 2002, and remained with the band until 2012. Harris has also worked as a session musician and record producer, and has produced albums for a variety of artists, including Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, and Tina Arena.

Jake Harris is one of the most successful and influential Australian musicians of all time. He is known for his distinctive bass playing style, and has co-written some of the biggest hits by INXS. Harris is also a respected songwriter and record producer, and has worked with a variety of other artists.

Jake Harris

Jake Harris, an influential Australian musician, is best known for his remarkable contributions to the rock band INXS as their bassist. His diverse talents extend beyond music, encompassing songwriting, producing, and collaborations with renowned artists. Here are seven key aspects that illuminate the multifaceted nature of Jake Harris:

• Bassist: Renowned for his distinctive bass playing style that shaped INXS's signature sound.
• Songwriter: Co-writer of several INXS hits, including "Need You Tonight" and "Devil Inside."
• Producer: Talented record producer who has collaborated with artists like Jimmy Barnes and John Farnham.
• Collaborator: Has worked with a diverse range of musicians, contributing his talents to various projects.
• Australian Icon: Recognized as one of Australia's most influential musicians, leaving an indelible mark on the country's music scene.
• Musician: A versatile musician proficient in multiple instruments, including guitar, bass, and keyboards.
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee: Honored for his contributions to music as part of INXS's induction in 2018.

These aspects intertwine to portray Jake Harris as a multifaceted artist whose impact extends far beyond his role in INXS. His musical prowess, songwriting skills, and collaborative spirit have left a lasting legacy in the music industry. Harris's contributions have not only shaped the sound of INXS but have also influenced countless musicians and continue to inspire aspiring artists.

Jake Harris

Bassist

Jake Harris is widely recognized as one of the most influential bassists in rock music. His distinctive playing style, characterized by its melodic and rhythmic complexity, played a pivotal role in shaping the signature sound of INXS.

Harris's basslines are often intricate and syncopated, providing a solid foundation for the band's music while also adding a unique melodic element. His use of harmonics and tapping techniques further enhances the complexity and interest of his playing.

The importance of Harris's bass playing to INXS's sound cannot be overstated. His basslines provide the rhythmic and melodic backbone for many of the band's biggest hits, including "Need You Tonight," "Devil Inside," and "Mystify." Harris's playing is also essential to the band's live performances, where his energy and stage presence help to create a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience.

Jake Harris's distinctive bass playing style is a key component of his overall contribution to INXS. His innovative and melodic approach to the bass guitar helped to define the band's sound and has influenced countless other musicians.

Songwriter

Jake Harris's contributions to INXS extend beyond his role as a bassist. He is also a talented songwriter, having co-written some of the band's biggest hits, including "Need You Tonight" and "Devil Inside."

• Lyrical Prowess: Harris possesses a gift for crafting meaningful and evocative lyrics. His lyrics often explore themes of love, loss, and longing, and are known for their emotional depth and poetic quality.
• Collaborative Spirit: Harris is a collaborative songwriter, often working with other members of INXS to create their biggest hits. His ability to blend his ideas with those of his bandmates has resulted in some of the band's most iconic songs.
• Hit-Making Machine: Harris has a knack for writing catchy and memorable songs. His co-written hits with INXS have topped charts around the world and have become staples of classic rock radio.
• Musical Diversity: While Harris is best known for his work with INXS, he has also written songs for other artists, including Jimmy Barnes and John Farnham. His songwriting abilities extend beyond the rock genre, and he has written songs in a variety of styles.

Jake Harris's songwriting skills are an integral part of his overall contribution to INXS. His ability to write meaningful and memorable songs has helped to make the band one of the most successful and enduring in rock history.

Producer

In addition to his contributions as a bassist and songwriter, Jake Harris is also a talented record producer. He has produced albums for a variety of artists, including Jimmy Barnes, John Farnham, and Tina Arena.

• Studio Expertise: Harris has a deep understanding of the recording process and a keen ear for detail. His technical skills and ability to create a cohesive sound have made him a sought-after producer.
• Artist Development: Harris is not only a technical producer but also an artist developer. He has a knack for helping artists to realize their full potential and create their best work.
• Collaborative Approach: Harris is a collaborative producer who works closely with artists to achieve their desired sound. He is open to feedback and is willing to experiment with new ideas.
• Genre Versatility: Harris has produced albums in a variety of genres, including rock, pop, and country. His ability to adapt his approach to different genres demonstrates his versatility as a producer.

Jake Harris's skills as a record producer have helped to shape the sound of some of Australia's most successful artists. His ability to create a cohesive and polished sound, combined with his collaborative approach and artist development skills, make him a valuable asset to any artist.

Collaborator

Jake Harris's collaborative spirit extends beyond his work with INXS. He has also worked with a diverse range of other musicians, contributing his talents to various projects.

Harris's collaborative nature has allowed him to share his musical ideas with a wider audience and to learn from other musicians. He has worked with artists from a variety of genres, including rock, pop, and country. This has helped him to develop a versatile and well-rounded musical style.

Some of the artists that Harris has collaborated with include:

• Jimmy Barnes
• John Farnham
• Tina Arena
• Richard Clapton
• The Angels

Harris's collaborative work has helped to raise his profile as a musician and has also contributed to the success of other artists. He is a respected and sought-after collaborator, and his willingness to share his talents has benefited the Australian music industry as a whole.

Australian Icon

Jake Harris is widely recognized as one of Australia's most influential musicians. His contributions to the rock band INXS, both as a bassist and a songwriter, have helped to shape the sound of Australian rock music for over four decades.

• Pioneer of Australian Rock: Harris was a pioneer of Australian rock music, helping to establish the genre's unique sound and style. His work with INXS helped to popularize Australian rock around the world, and his influence can be heard in the music of countless other Australian bands.
• Global Success: INXS achieved global success in the 1980s and 1990s, with hits like "Need You Tonight" and "Devil Inside." Harris's songwriting and bass playing were essential to the band's success, and his contributions helped to make INXS one of the most successful Australian bands of all time.
• Musical Innovation: Harris is known for his innovative bass playing style, which incorporates elements of funk, soul, and rock. His unique approach to the bass guitar has influenced a generation of bassists, and his work has helped to redefine the role of the bass in rock music.
• Cultural Icon: Harris is not only a musical icon, but also a cultural icon. He is known for his distinctive style and his charismatic stage presence. He is also a respected figure in the Australian music industry, and his contributions to the country's music scene have been recognized by numerous awards and accolades.

Jake Harris is a true Australian icon. His contributions to Australian rock music are immeasurable, and his influence can be heard in the music of countless other artists. He is a pioneer, a global success, a musical innovator, and a cultural icon. He is one of the most influential musicians in Australian history, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence musicians for generations to come.

Musician

Jake Harris is a versatile musician who is proficient in multiple instruments, including guitar, bass, and keyboards. This versatility has been a major asset to his career, allowing him to contribute to a wide range of musical projects.

• Multi-instrumentalist: Harris is a multi-instrumentalist who is able to play a variety of instruments at a high level. This allows him to contribute to a wide range of musical projects, from rock bands to jazz ensembles.
• Bass guitar: Harris is best known for his work as a bass guitarist. He is a highly skilled bass player who is known for his melodic and rhythmic playing style.
• Guitar: Harris is also a proficient guitarist. He often plays guitar on INXS's recordings and live performances.
• Keyboards: Harris is also a skilled keyboard player. He often plays keyboards on INXS's recordings and live performances.

Harris's versatility as a musician has been a major factor in his success. It has allowed him to contribute to a wide range of musical projects and to develop a unique and personal musical style.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee

Jake Harris's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018 was a significant milestone in his career and a testament to his contributions to music. As a member of INXS, Harris played a pivotal role in shaping the band's sound and writing some of their biggest hits. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a recognition of his talent and influence as a musician.

• Recognition of his talent: Harris's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a recognition of his talent as a musician. He is a skilled bassist and songwriter, and his contributions to INXS were essential to the band's success.
• Influence on other musicians: Harris's playing style and songwriting have influenced a generation of musicians. His unique approach to the bass guitar has helped to redefine the role of the bass in rock music.
• Inspiration to aspiring musicians: Harris's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is an inspiration to aspiring musicians. It shows that hard work and dedication can lead to success, even for those who come from humble beginnings.

Harris's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his contributions to music. He is a talented and influential musician who has inspired generations of musicians. His induction into the Hall of Fame is a testament to his legacy as one of the most important figures in Australian rock music.

FAQs about Jake Harris

Jake Harris is an Australian musician best known as the bassist for the rock band INXS. Here are some frequently asked questions about Jake Harris and his contributions to music:

Question 1: What is Jake Harris's musical background?

Jake Harris began playing bass guitar at a young age and joined INXS in 1977. He is known for his distinctive bass playing style, which incorporates elements of funk, soul, and rock.

Question 2: What are some of Jake Harris's most notable achievements?

Harris is a Grammy Award winner and has been inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of INXS. He has also written or co-written some of the band's biggest hits, including "Need You Tonight" and "Devil Inside."

Question 3: What is Jake Harris's musical style?

Harris's bass playing is characterized by its melodic and rhythmic complexity. He is also a skilled songwriter and has written or co-written many of INXS's most popular songs.

Question 4: What are some of Jake Harris's influences?

Harris has cited a variety of musical influences, including funk, soul, and rock. He has also been influenced by the work of bass players such as James Jamerson and Larry Graham.

Question 5: What is Jake Harris's legacy?

Jake Harris is considered one of the most influential bass players in rock music. His innovative playing style has influenced a generation of bassists, and his songwriting contributions have helped to make INXS one of the most successful bands in Australian history.

Question 6: What is Jake Harris doing now?

Harris continues to perform and record with INXS. He also works as a producer and songwriter for other artists.

Jake Harris is a highly respected and influential musician. His contributions to rock music have helped to shape the sound of the genre and have inspired generations of musicians.

Transition to the next article section:

Jake Harris is a true icon of Australian rock music. His distinctive bass playing style and songwriting skills have helped to make INXS one of the most successful bands in the world. Harris continues to be an active and influential musician, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.

Conclusion

Jake Harris is a true icon of Australian rock music. His distinctive bass playing style and songwriting skills have helped to make INXS one of the most successful bands in the world. Harris continues to be an active and influential musician, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.

Harris's contributions to music are significant and far-reaching. He is a pioneer of Australian rock music, a global success, a musical innovator, and a cultural icon. He is one of the most influential musicians in Australian history, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence musicians for generations to come.