I grew up with the Blind Boys' music. My family owns a music store in Claremont, California, called The Claremont Folk Music Center. I grew up with a heavy diet of gospel, folk, and blues because those are kind of the cornerstones of traditional American music.

In this quote, Ben Harper reflects on his musical upbringing, explaining that he grew up surrounded by a rich blend of gospel, folk, and blues music. He attributes this to his family's ownership of The Claremont Folk Music Center in Claremont, California, which likely exposed him to a wide variety of traditional American music from a young age. Harper emphasizes that these genres—gospel, folk, and blues—form the cornerstones of American music, shaping his musical tastes and influences.

Harper's mention of his family’s music store highlights the significant role that music played in his early life. Being immersed in such a diverse range of genres allowed him to develop a deep connection to American musical traditions, which would later influence his own music career. This upbringing provided him with a solid foundation in the history and evolution of American roots music.

The origin of this quote lies in Harper’s personal experiences growing up in a musical environment. The combination of his family's involvement in music and the constant exposure to gospel, folk, and blues through his father’s music store helped shape his career as a musician and songwriter. His understanding of music's roots is evident in his work, which often incorporates elements from these genres.

Ultimately, Harper’s quote serves as a tribute to the rich musical heritage that influenced his career and shaped his artistic identity. By acknowledging the role of traditional American music, he emphasizes the importance of musical heritage in his own creative journey. His quote also highlights how growing up surrounded by music can have a profound impact on an artist's style and the direction of their career.