The Reverend Rylan André Harris, hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, embodies the essence of musical versatility, composing, and scholarly acclaim. With a career spanning performances across the United States, he now calls Georgia home. Holding a Master of Religious Leadership with a concentration in Worship and Music from Emory University's Candler School of Theology, Harris currently serves as a Minister of Worship & Arts, blending a variety of traditional and contemporary gospel, anthems, spirituals, and music of the Western canon. In addition to his ministerial role, Harris serves as The Director of Chapel Music at Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA. He has contributed as an associate editor of the Soul Echoes Edition. Harris's musical journey commenced at the age of four with the piano, later evolving to collaborations with renowned performers like Apollo's Ray Chew & the Crew, Melba Moore, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Richard Smallwood, and more.

Graduating with a bachelor's degree in English from Hampton University, Harris distinguished himself as a student director of Hampton Choirs, showcasing his leadership ability across various ensembles. In his sophomore year, Harris’s dedication and musical talent earned him a hired position as chapel pianist for the historic Hampton University Memorial Church. Notably, during his tenure at Hampton, he played the pipe organ at commencement, mere feet away from the 44th President of the United States, Barack H. Obama. From humble beginnings as a student music staff member at the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference, Choir Directors’ and Organists’ Guild Workshop, he has served as an organist, panelist, workshop clinician, and assistant to the Executive Director and Treasurer. Harris was interned for the James Abbington Church Music Academy (2014-2015), conference pianist (2019), and morning song leader (2023). Harris also serves as the Assistant Minister of Music and organist for the Greater Georgia Chapter of Gospel Music Workshop of America, Inc. He has held posts such as accompanist for the Children's Division of GMWA and participant in the Robert J. Fryson Chorale, respectively.

Reverend Rylan A. Harris's influence extends beyond music as a sought-after preacher, speaker, licensed and ordained minister, and advocate for preserving the essence of Blackness in Gospel Music. This commitment is evident in his impactful single, 'In Spite of Me,' and his celebrated LIVE Recording debut in July 2017. In the same year, he established his singing group GLORY, and their collective efforts bore fruit with the release of their inaugural project 'Hide Me Behind the Cross: LIVE In Philadelphia' in November 2019, a testament to their dedication to preserving the cultural heritage of gospel music.

Harris has had the honor of being selected to serve as Music Director, accompanist, and consultant for scholarly conferences and conventions to include the Progressive National Baptist Convention in 2022, and the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference, in 2023. In April of 2022, Yale University sought Harris's expertise, inviting him to serve on an expert panel where he presented alongside other scholars, researchers, and musicians at the esteemed "In The Sanctuary: Symposium on Music and the Black Church." In like manner, Harris’s insight and engagement was welcomed as Dr. Henry Louis Gates interviewed him for the 2024 PBS Documentary "The Black Church." Harris's research interests span a broad spectrum, from exploring lesser-known African American female composers to preserving the rich soundscapes of the African American church. His creative genius is not confined to musicianship; it radiates through his preaching, teaching, writing and narration, as demonstrated in the inaugural performance of Margaret Bonds, Simon Bore The Cross at Ray of Hope Christian Church. He has also showcased his talents as a guest pipe organist, worship leader, and director at various churches, including the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church of Atlanta, The First United Methodist Church of Atlanta, The Saint Philip AME Church, Providence Missionary Baptist, Candler School of Theology at Emory University, and more recently, the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. 

Apart from his musical endeavors, Harris remains an active member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc., and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His engagements extend to conducting workshops and delivering guest lectures, enriching all with his profound insights and passion for music, worship, and arts.