From Stage to Soul. The Artistic Journey of Two Iconic Voices
Niki Haris & Donna De Lory
For decades, Niki and Donna’s voices have lifted hearts, stirred souls, and inspired audiences across the globe. As longtime backing vocalists and dynamic performers alongside the Queen of Pop, Madonna, Niki Haris and Donna De Lory helped shape the soundscape of some of the most iconic tours and performances in music history. Their harmonies, energy, and undeniable stage presence became synonymous with an era of bold artistic expression and empowerment.
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Yet their brilliance extends far beyond the spotlight of pop stardom.
Individually, both women have forged deeply meaningful paths rooted in authenticity, spirituality, and service. Niki Haris, multifaceted, has made her mark in jazz, gospel, and dance music while using her platform to advocate for health, justice, and creative freedom. Donna De Lory has evolved into a celebrated solo artist, known for her ethereal fusion of world music and devotional chants, which touch hearts with her message of inner peace and conscious living.
Together again, united not only by history but by heart, Niki and Donna continue to radiate light, reminding us of the healing power of music, friendship, and purpose.
In this exclusive conversation with The Eden Magazine, they open up about their shared journey, the lessons of the past, and the beauty of what lies ahead.
Niki Haris:
Growing up with Gene Harris as your father—how did his artistry shape your musical path?
Growing up with my father, Gene Harris, meant Music was always part of my life. He taught me that Music is about emotion, not just notes.
What are some of your most memorable moments touring and recording with Madonna?
Working with Madonna was like stepping into a masterclass in performance and perseverance. Also, that fame isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.
Several of your songs have been featured in film soundtracks. What does it mean to hear your voice on the big screen?
Hearing my voice in a film is surreal. One moment that stands out was watching Whoopi Goldberg and Ray Liotta dance to my voice in Corrina Corrina. That was surreal.
What was it like touring with your father, and how did it shape your approach to performance?
Touring with my dad was a continuous reminder of humility and excellence. He treated every performance with reverence and expected nothing less from me. He also instilled in me the importance of honoring the elders. I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me, and I stand humbly, gratefully, and respectfully on those shoulders. As the gospel hymn states: “I sing because I’m happy; I sing because I’m free.”
You support causes such as AIDS and Cancer Research, as well as Camp Harmony. What drives your commitment?
AIDS and Cancer research are personal—I’ve lost loved ones to both. Supporting these causes is a way to honor their memory. Music can heal and unite, and I use my platform to inspire change and raise awareness for those who need it most.
Your performances at benefit concerts are deeply meaningful. Is there one event that stands out as especially powerful or transformative for you?
One benefit of The HRC (Human Rights Campaign) was particularly powerful. I sang Let’s Stay Together, and the whole room was dancing and singing along; I started to see and feel all of this raw emotion. People were crying and embracing one another. It reminded me again of the power of a song and Music’s ability to heal.
As a passionate advocate for music education, why is supporting programs like Music In The Classroom so important to you personally and professionally?
Music gave me a voice and confidence, and I want every child to have the same opportunity. Music education nurtures creativity, discipline, and teamwork—qualities that extend beyond the Classroom and shape future leaders. As we see educational programs being removed from schools and stories erased, its my responsibility to use my platform whenever possible.
You’re also involved with Rockers Against Drunk Driving. What message do you hope to convey through your work with that organization?
My message is simple: one choice can save a life. Music brings people together, and through Rockers Against Drunk Driving, I want to inspire people to celebrate “responsibly” and make life-saving decisions. I experienced the tragic consequences of a person driving under the influence.
You’ve participated annually in the Season for Nonviolence. What does this movement represent to you, and how do you incorporate its values into your Music and life?
The Season for Nonviolence reminds me that peace is strength. I had the opportunity to travel all over the world, from India to Africa, China to Russia, and I have come to know the healing power of Music. Whether you speak the local language, Music is universal. Though we are nurtured from different plants, we all come from the same garden, and Music is something that makes us all grow.
How has the landscape of television and media exposure influenced how you share your Music and message?
The rise of Social Media and Streaming has made it easier to connect directly with fans. It’s empowering but also a responsibility. I can now share my Music and messages of love, justice, and self-expression with people globally in real-time.
What message or feeling do you hope your next work will leave with your audience?
I hope my next work empowers listeners to embrace their truth and find joy and strength within themselves. Music has the power to heal and transform, and I want my audience to walk away feeling uplifted and connected to something greater than themselves.
You’ve devoted much of your time to charitable work. What has been the most personally meaningful cause for you, and why? How do you feel Music can catalyze social change and healing?
Music has always served as a catalyst for change, from the Freedom Riders, Arlo Guthrie, Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, and Kendrick Lamar. Music has always been a directive and mandate for change in my life. I pray my Music can do the same.
As a passionate advocate for Music Education, why is supporting programs like Music in the Classroom so important to you personally and professionally?
Music education shapes young minds—it fosters creativity, discipline, and confidence. Personally, it gave me a voice, and professionally, I see it as vital for nurturing the future leaders and artists who will shape our world.
Fans are excited about your upcoming collaboration with Donna De Lory. Can you share some insights into the project and what we can expect?
I am super excited as well! This collaboration with Donna is truly special. We teamed up with long-time friend Grammy Award-winning DJ/Producer/Composer Tracy Young. This collaboration has been years in the making. “T N D” Tracy, Niki, & Donna, The Next Dimension, I can only say that we’ve been working really hard and having a lot of fun creating. What can you expect? Expect the unexpected.
You and Donna share a long history of performing together. How has your friendship and creative partnership evolved?
We’ve shared so much history, both on and off stage. There is this shared deep musical connection between us. We were kids in our early twenties when we met. We’ve worked and traveled the world together more than a few times. We were pregnant and gave birth to our first child together. Our friendship and creative partnership have deepened over the years. We’ve grown through challenges and successes, and now there’s an even greater level of trust and understanding. Our music feels more aligned with who we are today, both as individuals and as a duo.
You’ve balanced a career in mainstream entertainment with a strong commitment to humanitarian causes. How do you stay grounded and maintain that balance?
Staying grounded comes from remembering that I am a vessel, my true purpose being to use my platform to create change. I prioritize self-care and stay connected to my roots. When I stay true to my mission of making the world better, the balance comes naturally.
Donna De Lory:
Your Music blends pop, world, and devotional influences beautifully. How do you approach creating a sound that resonates both spiritually and emotionally?
The sound that I create is a natural evolution after having done Pop Music and wanting to incorporate my spiritual path into the Music. Much of the sound that people find spiritual in my Music comes from the ambient textures and
diverse instrumentation that I use. I began playing the harmonium, an Indian devotional instrument, in the mid-1990s. At that time, I also started collaborating with a cellist. Additionally, I began to incorporate a wide range of world percussion and other traditional instruments used in devotional Music, such as tablas, tamboura, esraj, and African drums. With all of my production, there are many layers, including hypnotic electronic beats, as well as acoustic instruments.
Having toured with Madonna and built a successful solo career, how has your journey in the Music Industry shaped your artistic vision?
Touring with Madonna all those years gave me the inspiration and confidence to write and produce my Music.
Having had an experience signed to a major label in the early 90s, I realized that I needed to leave the big company and find my unique sound as an artist.
All of these experiences in the Music Industry led me to a place of being an empowered independent artist. At that time, when I was working on my own independent Music, the rapid growth of the internet made it possible for independent artists to release Music without major labels. This gave me the freedom to make Music that was truly coming from my heart and soul, not trying to please a record company. When you’re signed to a company like that, there is so much pressure to have “hits.” You get one chance with your first or second single if you’re lucky. If you don’t have a radio hit, the company often loses interest.
What inspires the themes and messages behind your Music?
Personal experiences that I’m going through in my life inspire many of the songs that I write. I also discovered Sanskrit mantras in the mid 90’s. The repetition of the mantras with Music can be a great meditative tool for bringing people together in community, stilling the mind, and opening the heart. I was initially drawn to the mantras by their powerful sound vibration. Before I knew what the mantras meant, I could intuitively and physically feel the effect they have on the body. I first began incorporating mantras into my pop songs, and that’s how I started creating this eclectic Music. In 2004, I released my first album of mantras.
How has your spiritual practice of yoga and mantra chanting influenced your approach to songwriting and performing?
I realized that people want this experience of connecting with one another where they feel safe singing together. I feel like I’m there to facilitate this experience by playing expansive Music that can allow them to discover their own divine nature. For me, Music is an excellent tool for connecting with my heart and soul. As an artist who uses Music as a healing tool, it helps the people at my concerts to reach that same place, allowing us to have a shared experience such as celebrating life, being more grateful, more forgiving, and feeling more compassion. I realize that when I’m taking a yoga class, the Music that I’m hearing is such a great tool to take me deeper into my practice. I’m so happy to be creating this Music for others.
How do you balance honoring your past work while continuing to grow and explore new creative directions?
First and foremost, I am a singer and songwriter. I open myself up to different styles and collaborations, knowing that my greatest joy is to be able to sing. My greatest gift is to sing and to share my joy. I am currently working with Niki, and we have a long history of making Music together. When we sing, it always flows with ease and grace. Niki and I have a beautiful history of touring the world, singing, and dancing, and I feel like we’ll always collaborate because we share the same intention.
Your Music has touched listeners worldwide. Is there a particular fan interaction or story that stands out as especially meaningful to you?
I was back East on tour, and a man came up to me to share that his son was killed in an accident and that they had played my Music nonstop for a year. It helped them find a place of peace to help them get through their sadness and loss.
Is there a particular artist you hope to work with someday? And why?
I love Trevor Hall. He’s a great songwriter and a fellow truth seeker on a spiritual path, and he incorporates those experiences into his Music. I would love to collaborate with him!
How do you hope your listeners feel after experiencing your songs?
I hope listeners feel more at peace, more grateful, more forgiving, more kind, more open, and more vulnerable. I always say that when I play Music it helps me to be more at peace with the uncertainties in life. No matter what happens, it’s all good; we are always taken care of.
How do you see the role of Music in fostering unity and understanding in today’s world?
I feel that Music and film can help us remember where we came from when we were children – our innocence, our joy, our playfulness, and our inclusive nature.
As life goes on, we can become too heavy-hearted and too serious. Music and film are such great tools for people to wake up now to what’s most important. Last night, I watched a new film about the Dalai Lama. His message of compassion is so powerful. Today, I’m thinking about it, and I’m still feeling that message, still hearing the beautiful Music from the film, and how much hope there is for humanity.
As you look ahead, what is next for you in terms of new projects, collaborations, or personal growth?
I continue to work on collaborations with other artists. One of the places where I find inspiration and take personal retreats is the Esalen Institute in Big Sur. This is a very special place for me to step away from my daily life and focus on my personal growth. I feel healed while bathing in the natural hot springs there. I always say this is Heaven on Earth.
Although home for you is California, is there another place that you’ve traveled to or lived in that holds special meaning and inspires you?
I spent a lot of time in Taos, New Mexico, many years ago. I’d love to go back there for a creative writing retreat. I’d also like to spend time in Tuscany, Italy and experience the quality of life there.
Besides Music, what are some of your other passions?
Being in nature! I love being active, playing tennis, skiing, bike riding, doing hot yoga, and swimming. I love to read spiritual books by Thích Nhất Hạnh, Joseph Campbell, and Louise Hay. I’m also really into autobiographies of other artists and the extraordinary lives they have lived.
Is there an artist from any era with whom you would like to collaborate to perform in a Hologram duet? Who would that be?
Peter Gabriel! I love his Music. He’s been one of my biggest influences, incorporating world music instrumentation into his sound. I discovered world music in the 1980s and 1990s through the records he released on his private label. I share the same intention to explore consciousness with sound.
As our conversation with Niki Haris and Donna De Lory comes to a close, we’re left with a resonant reminder that music is far more than entertainment; it is a bridge between souls, a vessel for healing, and a voice for truth. Their bond, born from shared stages and spiritual growth, is a testament to the power of authenticity, sisterhood, and unwavering faith in the transformative power of art.
Through their continued creative paths, both individually and together, Niki and Donna invite us to listen more deeply- not just to the world around us, but to the voice within. Their stories echo a timeless truth: when we lead with love and align with purpose, harmony will always find its way.
At The Eden Magazine, we celebrate the light they share and the inspiration they continue to offer. May their journey remind us all to sing our own truth, with courage, compassion, and grace.
Special Thanks to:
Niki Haris
Donna De Lory
Photography: Nick Spanos
Editing: Dina Morrone
Artist Liaison: Amanda Jo Nagle
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