Janice Harrington

Janice and Werner will be sitting in with some of the bands to add a special injection of bluesy goodness to our lineup. If that wasn’t enough, Janice will be sharing some of her stories from an oh-so-very storied career with a Friday lunchtime presentation – don’t miss out!

If you haven’t yet been blessed with her presence, read on for Janice’s bio and a hint at what makes this lady so special.

“Age is only a number. I am 81 years old and still ready to rock the house!”

Described by the international press as warm-hearted and unique, it is hardly surprising that every audience celebrates Janice Harrington’s performance and that at 81 years old she is still active.

Mrs Harrington’s act is a combination of these legends. The Stage Presence of Ma Rainey, The energy of Tina Turner, The naughty girl image of Millie Jackson and the humor of Moms Mabley.

Born in 1942 in Cleveland, Ohio, with a stopover in Norway, she now lives in Germany with her husband, trombonist and piano builder Werner Gürtler. Known as a versatile artist, she masters blues, jazz and gospel singing, as well as acting and music production, and looks back on a decades-long career that has carried her around the world.

Ms. Harrington began her music career in 1967 singing for the US military in USO shows produced by the North American Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and traveled to Vietnam, Southeast Asia, the Panama Canal, Iceland, Greenland, Newfoundland, Scotland and Ireland.

A personal highlight was singing for Bishop Desmond Tutu in Oslo at the award ceremonies of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984. Ms. Harrington has appeared on stage with artists such as Billy Daniels, Nat Adderley, Lloyd Bridges, Frank Sinatra Jr., Big Jay McNeely, Sammy Davis Jr. and Lionel Hampton, and in Oslo as the opening act for Joan Armatrading in 1982 and 1983 for Jose Feliciano. In 1989, together with the Kenn Lending Blues Band, as the opening act for BB King in Copenhagen.

Ms. Harrington is still active as a Jazz Ambassador and State Department Cultural Ambassador during Black History Month, holding Workshops and Masterclasses. From 2000 until the present , she has focused on working with young people and people with disabilities. So she has earned the title “Germany’s Lady of the Gospel” honestly.

Described by the international press as warm-hearted and unique, it is hardly surprising that every audience celebrates Janice Harrington’s performance and that she is still going strong at her age.

At the age of 80, in 2022, Janice formed her record label “Hip and Happy Records” and the music publishing company Guertler Promotions.

Join us in giving Janice a very warm Spoonful welcome!