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.[1] She attended college in Southern California before pursuing a singing career in amusement parks and clubs in the California area.
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 Madonna: Truth or Dare (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 ShowTour (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 Ciao, Italia: Live from Italy (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.
For the Re-Invention Tour in 2004, Haris was replaced with Siedah Garrett. The official word from Haris was that she "would like to focus on her solo career and family". Haris was also absent from Madonna's subsequent Confessions Tour (2006), the Sticky & Sweet Tour (2008-09), the MDNA Tour (2012) and the Rebel Heart Tour (2015-16), as well as from providing backing vocals on each tour’s respective album.
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.
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