Biography
Janice Harrington, born in 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio, is an acclaimed American singer known for her powerful voice and dynamic presence in blues, jazz, gospel, funk, and soul. She began her musical journey singing gospel with her mother in their church choir, a foundation that deeply influenced her vocal style and spiritual approach to music[2][5][6]. Her professional career launched in the late 1960s when she performed for the United States military in USO shows during the Vietnam War, entertaining troops across Southeast Asia, Central America, and Europe[1][3][8].
Harrington's career flourished through the 1970s and beyond, with notable stints as a featured performer at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hotel and lead roles in national tours of theater productions such as 'Norman Is That You' and 'Two Gentlemen From Verona'[1]. She also appeared on the American television series 'Days Of Our Lives.' In the 1990s, after relocating to Germany, she became a prominent figure in European jazz and gospel scenes, organizing the first Gospel Workshop in Lüneburg and producing the North German Gospel and Spiritual Festival[1]. Harrington is celebrated for her warm, expressive vocals and her ability to seamlessly blend genres, maintaining authenticity and emotional depth in her performances[4][7].
Her legacy extends beyond performance to education and cultural exchange, fostering international friendship through music and mentoring emerging artists. Harrington's career is marked by resilience, versatility, and a commitment to sharing the rich traditions of African American music with global audiences[6][8].
Fun Facts
- Janice Harrington performed for US troops during the Vietnam War as part of USO shows, bringing comfort and entertainment to soldiers overseas[1][3][8].
- She appeared in the American soap opera 'Days Of Our Lives' during her early career[1].
- Harrington organized the first Gospel Workshop in Lüneburg, Germany, and produced a major gospel festival that toured 26 cities[1].
- She has lived in several countries, including Norway and Germany, and is known for fostering international friendship through music[5][6].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Her mother - Early gospel singing and spiritual guidance in church choir (Church performances) [1940s–1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Charles May - Partnered to organize the first Gospel Workshop in Lüneburg, Germany (Gospel Workshop, North German Gospel and Spiritual Festival) [1993–1995]
- Rick Cotton - Long-standing accompanist supporting her live performances and ministry (Live concerts, gospel ministry) [1990s–present]
- Werner Gürtler - Husband, trombonist, and piano builder; musical and personal support (Various performances in Germany) [1990s–present]
Artists Influenced
- Workshop Choirs in Germany - Inspired and trained local singers through gospel workshops and festivals (North German Gospel and Spiritual Festival) [1993–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Magic | 2007-04-24 | Album |
| Yesterday Today Tomorrow | 2009-07-31 | Album |
| I Feel the Spirit (Live) | 1998 | Album |
| Christmas in New Orleans (Live) | 1997 | Album |
| Janice Harrington 80 Years of International Friendship | 1988-06-18 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Work Your Magic (Magic)
- You Got Me Running (Magic)
- He's Got the Whole World in His Hands / Amen - Live (I Feel the Spirit (Live))
- Double Dynamite (Magic)
- The Huh Huh (Magic)
- Telephone Blues (Magic)
- C.C. Rider (Magic)
- I Ain't Doin' Too Bad (Magic)
- Seven Days a Week Man Blues (Magic)
- Seven Day a Week Man Blues (Janice Harrington 80 Years of International Friendship)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
Janice Harrington has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 6, 2025 | 06:28 | Old Agefrom 80 Years of International Friendship | The Morning Setw/ Stuart Hall |