Continuing on with the Madonna Blond Ambition World Tour blog series, I interview long time Madonna collaborator Niki Haris.
Who is Niki Haris? (Did you really just ask that?)
Okay, I get it, some of you that aren't familiar with the Madonna stratosphere, you may not know of Niki's work and others will, but you will have an "oh yes" moment when you read on (for the fans, please skip to the next section).
Niki Haris who originally set out to become a History Teacher and due to her gift of singing, found herself providing backing vocals for many heavy weight pop artists like Whitney Houston and of course Madonna (obviously there are a long list of other artists but I’m cutting to the chase here), helping to enhance all their records. Niki also performed alongside Madonna on 4 energetic world tours, collaborated with Euro Dance producers Snap, released her own Dance, Jazz and Inspirational album becoming A Queen of Genres in my opinion. For Niki Haris, it’s all about the singing and not the limelight.
Let's dive in!
Jonny - Hi Niki, it's great to have the opportunity to interview you for Your Scene and take a look back through your musical career.
Lets rewind time and go back: You first toured with Madonna in 1987 for the Who’s That Girl World Tour as a backup singer and dancer. With not being an actual fan of Madonna’s material at that point in time as you had your own musical tastes, did this tour cement your admiration for the type of reach Madonna and her music had across the world?
Niki - I was floored by the extreme physical output that was required to pull off her concerts and impressed by the work ethic that was presented by the entire team! Just amazing!!! Madonna had some of the best musicians in the music business at that time and I was so grateful to play with musicians of that calibre.
The Blond Ambition Tour Era
After performing with Madonna and Donna De Lory for an iconic MTV Awards Show performance of Express Yourself in 1989 (when Madonna fans began to relate to you all as a trio), you began rehearsals for the Blond Ambition World Tour. A different kind of tour that would shape productions for future pop concerts on many levels. As well as striking poses, it would strike up much media controversary. From the threat that Madonna and her performers would be arrested in Toronto after a show to the Pope calling for a boycott in Italy leading to show cancellations.
Jonny - Did you get a sense during rehearsals that this was going to be a ground-breaking pop concept compared to the previous tour? And was there ever a moment when you thought “oh I’m unsure we can actually do this live on stage”?
Niki - I was never afraid or unsure of the choices that were being made during that stage performance. I trusted Vince Patterson and I was excited to stretch the ideas of choreography that he brought to stage.
Jonny - What was your most enjoyable and least enjoyable segment to perform each night? For example, with such high intense chorography beneath those hot stage lights, I would imagine certain routines would seem daunting?
Niki - There were many enjoyable moments during that concert!! It was all GREAT! Most enjoyable for ME was “Like A Prayer” for obvious reasons (I loved being able to BRING the HEAT in the Gospel element) and “Keep it Together” as I loved dancing with the chairs and loved pushing the body to do choreography that was challenging, as well as the OVERALL theme of the song!! Really beautiful, and WE NEED MORE of THAT in THIS CRAZY WORLD!!
Jonny - As well as back-up singer and dancer, you became known to emcee and get the crowds pumped during performances. Was this a spontaneous style with you or did Madonna have to approve it? Ya know, to share the mic so-to-speak.
Niki - I was very blessed in the fact that Madonna trusted me and KNEW that I KNEW what I was doing onstage. She trusted My choices and let ME have FUN !! I believe SHE knew I was ONLY there to make the show BETTER and lift the crowd whenever possible. Grateful SHE was generous onstage with ME.
Jonny - I admit here, that over the years when out at a club dancing with friends and whoever else I end up grinding with, I still shout during climatic dance moments "LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED", "RELEASE YOURSELF" or "NOW DO YOUR THING". Thanks for that Niki!
Jonny - What show during this tour stands out to you the most?
Niki - It’s been a while and soon many concerts ago, so individual shows are challenging to disseminate… Certain countries that stand as my favourites for their crowds and enthusiasm were ITALY and JAPAN.
Jonny - We know from the documentary that your Mother attended a show? Did your father, Gene Harris? And were they proud of you? Did you have to prepare them and explain that the show was “artistic expression” and to cover their eyes during Like a Virgin?
Niki - My mother did enjoy the show and I never had to warn her of anything. SHE’S seen it ALL!! My Dad never came to the performance but, DID see the videos and they both very proud of the performances and of ME (I believe). Guess I should ask her. My dad has made his transition so, its a question that never came up…
Truth or Dare Niki?
Jonny - How did you truly feel having a camera following you behind the scenes on the Blond Ambition Tour, especially when you are tired and wanting some space?
Niki - I am not a person that has a camera around in my life and I am a somewhat a private person so , I did (and STILL DO) find it curious and yet interesting the effect the CAMERA has on this entire world. I DID understand that a rock documentary and making sure these moments were documented is very important, historically speaking.
Jonny - There you all are (Team Blond Ambition) living out loud expressing yourselves and inspiring those growing up to do the same. Especially during a time before reality TV or social media. Could you get your head around the impact that all of you included within this documentary would have on fans around the world? It was no longer just about Madonna.
Niki - I will refer to my answer in the pervious question… I again, thank Madonna for showing the behind the scenes shenanigans and allowing the team to be SEEN… Again…Very generous of HER!!
Jonny – Was it difficult to know if people had become a fan of Niki Haris or really a Madonna fan trying to latch onto a person close to her at that time? In hindsight can you see how people became fans of you all?
Niki - I never concerned myself with that question… I just did my job and enjoyed the ride. There are perhaps many reasons why I just don’t approach music in those terms and I’m sure there is a therapist somewhere that could help with the analysis. I believe if people like you, they like you, either they stick around or they don’t... but, it is not the job of the artist to curtail their performance onstage or off to make sure other people are FANS… Just do the work… Those who really love what you do, will come around.
Jonny - I like that answer!
Jonny - You arrive at the LA premiere as a trio, looking amazing I may add. How did it really feel to see the finalised version of the movie knowing it was about to hit movie theatres around the world?
Niki - Thanks! That was a wild night!! Loved the movie AND loved the comradery that was expressed and continues to this day!!!
Jonny - Are there any scenes in the movie you feel could have been left out?
Niki - There was so much left on the editing floor so I’m amazed they were able to keep it at the final length. I felt it was all good!!!
Jonny - Has your daughter watched the movie? If so, what’s her thoughts?
Niki - My daughter has never seen the movie.
Niki Haris Hits the Clubs
Jonny - With the tour over you had already moved on to the next project. You hit the USA club scene in 1991 working with Jellybean Benitez, a former producer of Madonna. You released a club hit “What's it Gonna Be”. Unfortunately, we missed out on this in the UK.
You mentioned during an interview in 1991 alongside Jellybean that you were about to work on your own album with some tracks that Madonna had helped co-write. Whatever happened to this album?
Niki - I was on RCA and started doing a film and simply was doing other projects. As I was finding other opportunities and other ways of expressing myself, that particular album project kept being moved to future dates. Before you knew it, We were all on to other things.
Jonny - It wasn’t until 1993 that fans in the UK got excited to see you again when you collaborated with Euro Dance producers Snap and returned for promotional appearances on Top of the Pops to perform the 2 singles Exterminate and Do You See the Light (with the iconic pigtails).
Jonny - How was it working on this collaboration with a new sound and the promotional club tour in Europe?
Niki - Working in Germany for many years was great! I have many long time friends there now and still feel very much at home in Europe!! These years gave me a new perspective on the music business, in general, AND let me know there was ANOTHER way to approach life in this business.
The Girlie Show Era
In 1993 you embark on another outing with Madonna and the trio are back on the road with The Girlie Show World Tour. A more sophisticated production. Yet, the aftermath from Madonna’s book Sex and Erotica album, the media was intent on giving Madonna as much backlash as possible ignoring the artistic direction of the show. However, fans loved it and it became another iconic time in pop culture.
During the 70s Disco party section, we can really see that you are enjoying yourself, just letting those vocals fly and busting the moves. As the party ends with a simulated orgy you all move into an ecstatic performance of “Why’s it So Hard”. This is a fan favourite as it represents the inclusivity we're are all aiming for. We see Donna, Carlton, and yourself together at the end of this segment fading into the light.
Jonny - How did you feel on this tour with the refreshed musical arrangements and sleek choreography? As well as venturing into countries Madonna had not toured before?
Niki - I loved the vision that Christopher Ciccone brought to this production!! I enjoyed the cast and there was a complete feeling of ease on this tour. This was definitely my favourite band, as well!!! Just the funkiest EVER and brought grooves to a new height with their musicianship!! All I can Say is, HELLO RIO!!!!!! SOOOO MUCH FUN!!!!
Jonny - What are your most meaningful memories from being on stage during this tour?
Niki - Well, that’s an easy one, I LOVED simply singing with Madonna and Donna on the stools in the black gowns!! It was a time when you could REALLY HEAR US and Feel the JOY we had Singing together, AS well as the GREAT ARRANGEMENT OF “RAIN”!!!
Jonny - With no cameras following you all this time, was it still as adventurous as what we seen on Truth or Dare? Or was everyone more grown up on this tour?
Niki - Whereas, We were older and had travelled together for years by then (speaking of Madonna , Donna and Myself), the FUN continued and the excitement for each show was electric!! Christopher allowed me to bring my choreography for “Holiday” and arrangement ideas for the band. It was a very creative time… AND as far as adventure, I’LL just say, WHAT HAPPENS IN RIO… STAYS IN RIO!!!!!!
HA! HA!!!!
Jonny - I hope I find out what happened in Rio in a follow-up interview :)
Jonny - Mid 90s and you are all doing your thing. You are continuing with Jazz which is in your DNA and performing with your father Gene Harris. a Grammy Nominated Jazz Pianist.
Did you enjoy the contrast from performing in stadiums to more intimate moments at Jazz venues?
Niki - Singing in intimate settings is still my favourite way to perform no matter what type of music I do, I LOVE the Spectacle of a large concert and I am grateful to know what that feels like, as well. I simply like to be able engage with my audience and that is less challenging in a more intimate setting… LOVE the RUSH of a large crowd when performing simply more challenging to be personal
Niki Haris - The Accident
In the late 90s you had a horrific accident in Catalina Island when a golf cart your friend was driving tippled at a sharp bend on a hill resulting in you and the golf cart tippling and falling a 150 foot drop!! Your foot was literally torn off and your thigh snapped in half (I’m in shock as I type this). Basically, you had to be rebuilt!
Major rehab followed and somehow in the year 2000 you managed feature in Madonna’s new video for “Music”, unknown to fans your leg is in a plaster cast. It was not long after we see you on the Music promo tour DANCING like a bionic woman!!
Jonny - How on earth did you manage to do all this? I now feel ashamed for complaining about sore knees!
Niki - I owe the fact that i still have the ability to walk (let alone DANCE) to an amazing Surgeon “Dr. Kenneth Klapper” in Los Angeles and an infectious disease doctor “Dr. Irving Posalski“ As my foot was off my leg for a while and he made sure the infections were at a minimal AND many GREAT trainers that kicked my butt daily!! Especially, David Gray, miss them all… and grateful for their amazing help.
Drowned World Tour Era
Jonny - We hit the Drowned World Tour in 2001 and unfortunately for us fans, it would be your last outing with Madonna.
With Madonna exploring new sounds and new ways of expressing herself. How was your experience during this tour?
Niki - I loved some of the music on this tour, I believe “MUSIC” is one of the funkiest tunes she’s ever done to this date!!!
Jonny - How the hell did you manage to perform each night and do 15 of those lunges after such an injury? I can only imagine the pain!
Niki - Well, I have to admit, while nursing an injury and trying to learn to simply walk and dance, THIS TOUR was NOT pain free!!! I call it “My Muhammad Ali” Tour as it reminds me of those films that you see of Ali fighting when he is CLEARLY not at his best and YOU KNOW He is doing damage to his body, THIS is how I felt many nights on THAT tour. It’s one thing to sing and dance with 18-19 year olds but, another to do it when you are 20 years older than them and Injured… OH WELL, I got through it!
Jonny - You are all a bit older on this tour, as too are the fans. Was life calmer on the road now that you had done it many times or was there an excitement of still doing it and fans enjoying it?
Niki - For ME, that tour consisted of lots of rehab and loads of massages and hot baths!!! I went out a few times and ONLY When I HAD to. As well as performances I had to do of my own, I had plenty to do and it wasn’t partying!! The show was still exciting but, I looked forward to the last song each night!!!
Jonny - Do you realise how much you have been missed by the fans every time Madonna embarks on a new tour? Even to this day, fans in Madonna groups are always missing Niki and Donna! As much as her concerts remain top notch, there is always that something missing and it’s you guys.
Niki - I am grateful for the kind words and continued interest in my life and music. The support the fans continue to show is unbelievable to me. My heart is filled with gratitude.
The Rumour
Jonny - Can you clarify & squash the years of rumours that circulate Madonna platforms, that there had been no fall-out between you and Madonna?
Niki - There was NEVER a fallout that I was privy to. I believe Madonna knew it was time for me to move on (for many reasons). She gave me my baby shower and I felt blessed and encouraged in my life with music and my new daughter.
Niki Haris Moves On
Jonny - In 2003 you returned to the dancefloor releasing a club album “Dance” that contained some of your previous dancefloor collaborations. “Total Love” is a track that really stands the test of time, you really know how to get the crowd going!
A standout track for me is “The Fall”, meaningful lyrics and your vocals have a tone of reflection that take the listener into a funky trance with the music. What inspired this song?
Niki - I was feeling that the world was Starting to understand how interconnected we all are. The world is small and many pretend that we don’t need each other. I believe differently and circumstances (EVEN TODAY) are proving how Interdependent we all are on each other to make things GOOD FOR ALL!!! That song was written in Ibiza while I was there working and rented a lovely cottage there!! It was an amazing time in my life!! GREAT MUSIC, GREAT FRIENDS and The Beauty of IBIZA!!! We all cooked together, danced together and made music together!! It was beautiful!!
Jonny - I know you love to perform Jazz and Inspirational music, but would you ever consider experimenting with another club album? Help us dance again Niki!!
Niki - ABSOLUTELY!!! We DO Need to DANCE AGAIN!!!
Jonny - Being an ally of the LGBTQ community would you ever consider touring the major gay clubs? That include the UK and Ireland by the way. I can visualise "Some Day" and “Total Love” getting the bodies moving on the dancefloor!
Niki - AGAIN...ABSOLUTELY!!!! I’M SO GAME FOR THAT IDEA!!!!
Jonny - It was great to see you collaborate with Donna De Lory again and create an EP. Including covering “Rain”. Was this a nostalgic project?
Niki - It's soooooo easy to sing together with Donna and WE BOTH missed it. So Yes, it was nostalgic but, also quite empowering to see how many were and ARE moved when we sing together!! Again Very GRATEFUL And MORE TO COME in the Future!!! YAY!!!
Jonny - What surprises me the most about those of you that I have interviewed from Team Blond Ambition, is that, for you all to have been part of such iconic moments in pop culture alongside a global icon. None of you have an attitude of having an ego stick up your asses! Has this always been a way with you to stay grounded?
Niki - I’m from the Ghetto!!!! No time to have your nose in the AIR!!!! If ya didn’t stay grounded, someone would always be there to set you straight!!! AND I GOT A BLACK MAMA!!!…End of Story!!!!
Jonny - Do you ever look at today’s pop artists and think (respectfully) “we did that years ago”?
Niki - Many times I have seen things in performances, choices of fashion, etc.. And I think “AHHHH Yes, I remember that”… I DO however take it as a form of flattery. I guess they have to get inspired somewhere!!!
Jonny - What does a night in with friends nowadays look like for you now?
Niki - Well… I still take lovely walks with my 3 dogs by the lake and do hikes in nature. And have good food with a small circle of friends. Same as before COVID... Thank GOD!!
Jonny - How do you keep yourself healthy these days after all the years of dancing and then injury?
Niki - Gentle is the way to go for me. As I have done the brutal treatment before, I’m in to stretching, walking, some yoga but, not intense… MEDITATION.
IF you want a “KICK YOUR BUTT” Workout, try Gabi's Fit Club , My old dancer who is now training Viola Davis and changing bodies in Hollywood!!! And After all that…A glass of Wine!!!!!!
Jonny - To end this interview we go out with the beautiful song “Throw it Away”. So, tell us Niki, reflecting at your wealth of experience within the music industry, crossing musical genres and life in general, how do you feel?
Niki - Thank you for the question…
Jonny, I feel grateful for each breath and simply know I am Blessed and watched over and supported by something greater than me. I trust in the Good and Lean into the Kindness and Do my best to Be of Service to the Greater Good… I feel Thankful.
Thank you Niki for this interview! We look forward to see what projects you put out next!!
Love
Jonny McD.
Enjoy the performance by Niki Haris on TOTP performing 'Do You See the Light'
AND! Thanks to Boy Culture, we can see Niki perform with Donna De Lory at a recent gig performing a Madonna fan favourite 'Nothing Really Matters'.
You can keep up to date with Niki Harris and her music here:
Website: https://www.nikiharis.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikiharis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikiharisofficial/
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