Niki Haris

Niki Haris (born April 17, 1962) is an American singer and dancer of pop, R&B, jazz and dance music. She was one of Madonna's backing vocalists from 1987 to 2001, and the guest lead vocalist on various Snap! singles in the early 1990s.

Early life and family

Haris was born Gina Nichole Haire in Benton Harbor, Michigan on April 17, 1962, the daughter of jazz musician Gene Harris. She attended college in Southern California before pursuing a singing career in amusement parks and clubs in the California area.

Haris gave birth to a daughter, Jordan Ann, in 2003. The father is Club Nouveau member, producer, songwriter (and Karyn White's manager) Jay King.

Music career

Haris became a close friend of, backing vocalist and dancer for Madonna during her Who's That Girl Tour (1987). She appeared in the documentary film ' (1991), directed by Alek Keshishian, which chronicled various personal and entertaining moments (both off- and on-stage) during Madonna’s iconic—and controversial—Blond Ambition Tour (1991). Haris also appeared in the music videos for Madonna’s number-one hit songs "Vogue" (1990) and "Music" (2000). Along with fellow backup singer Donna De Lory, Haris provided backup vocals on many of Madonna’s records between 1987 and 2000, appeared in numerous recorded and televised Madonna performances, and participated in four out of Madonna’s eight concert tours, namely the Who's That Girl Tour (1987), the Blond Ambition Tour (1990), The Girlie Show Tour (1993) and The Drowned World Tour (2001). The Who’s That Girl Tour performance in Turin, Italy, was broadcast live globally, and eventually released on home video, titled (1988). One of The Girlie Show dates in Sydney, Australia, was filmed for VHS/DVD, and the Drowned World Tour performance in Madonna’s hometown of Detroit, Michigan was broadcast live on HBO, prior to VHS/DVD release. Both Haris and De Lory featured prominently in these concert tours, providing not only backing vocals and dancing but also comedic banter and interaction with Madonna throughout the shows.

Her vocal film work is also featured on the soundtracks of Corrina, Corrina, The Big Green, Noises Off, Coyote Ugly, ' and Anastasia. She has also recorded television themes, including co-writing and performing two songs for the Fox series Dark Angel.

Haris toured with her father, until his death, while promoting their albums, Down Home Blues and In His Hands and Jazz Alley Cats.

Haris performed at benefits for AIDS, cancer research and Camp Harmony for inner city children. She is a supporter for the Music in the Classroom program and Rockers Against Drunk Driving and is an annual participant in the Season for Non Violence. Niki has made several television appearances in 2008 & presently in 2009 including: The Democratic National Convention 2008, CNN, Fox Network & Fuse TV.

Collaborations

Haris has collaborated with many artists including, Michelle Branch, All Saints, Whitney Houston, Kylie Minogue, Anita Baker, Ray Charles, Karyn White, Prince, Mick Jagger, Julian Lennon, LeAnn Rimes, Luther Vandross, Jessica Simpson, Pussycat Dolls, Santana, The Righteous Brothers, Rufus, Enrique Iglesias, Marilyn Manson, Madonna, Tom Jones, Snap!, Joe Henry, Michael Bernard Beckwith and Ani DiFranco. Niki appeared on Donna De Lory's 2013 album on a track called 'Kinder'.

Choreography and acting career

Haris choreographed the MTV Awards for Madonna as well as providing some additional choreography on The Girlie Show, and for the television series Melrose Place. She helped stage scenes for Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct.

Haris has performed in lead appearances in ', was featured artist on the HBO special Sandra After Dark, and had a role in the film Heat.