Atlanta Jazz Hero
Georgia
Since making her home in Atlanta, Georgia in 2012, Karla Harris has emerged as a vital force within the jazz community, showcasing her exceptional talents as a vocalist, educator, songwriter and bandleader. With a rich career spanning three decades, Harris’s journey through diverse jazz scenes — from the cozy lounges of Portland, Oregon to the picturesque towns of Provence, France — has enchanted audiences and fellow musicians alike.
Before her transition to Atlanta’s jazz scene, the singer established herself in the Pacific Northwest. Renowned for its dynamic jazz scene, Portland provided a fertile ground for Karla to cultivate her artistry. She quickly gained recognition and became a sought-after performer at various events, including the Sarasota Jazz Festival, Portland Jazz Festival, Oregon Coast Jazz Party, Nantucket Arts Festival and the Atlanta Jazz Party. She’s given a TED Talk, and has three albums to her name, with a fourth on the way.
But Karla’s dedication to jazz extends far beyond performance — her contributions to music education are equally impressive. An artist-in-residence in the Jazz Studies department at Kennesaw State University, she teaches Applied Vocal Jazz, instilling in her students a love for this uniquely American art form and nurturing the next generation of jazz musicians by passing down the heritage and traditions that have shaped the genre. Furthermore, recognizing the importance of early musical education, Karla co-created a children’s music education curriculum entitled “The Land-of-Music,” aiming to introduce young minds to the joys of music and the intricacies of jazz.
In 2022, Karla embarked on a transformative Jazz Road summer tour through North Carolina and South Carolina, supported by a grant from the South Arts Foundation. In 2024, she was honored with Atlanta Magazine’s “Women Making a Mark” award for her impactful contributions to jazz education outreach. Her Jazz Discovery Series is a noteworthy outreach program that offers a hands-on learning experience for students ranging from grade school to adults. Karla teaches the technical aspects of jazz while also such emphasizes essential qualities as cooperation, creativity, collaboration, communication, camaraderie, trust and respect.
Karla Harris’s dedication to performance, education, mentorship and community engagement makes her an inspirational figure in the Atlanta jazz scene. She continues to innovate and inspire, so her influence on jazz and the next generation of musicians is sure to resonate in Atlanta for years to come.
— J. Scott Fugate
Jazz Evangelist
