Jesse Harris steps into the spotlight

His Grammy-grabbing “Don’t Know Why” might be the smoothest, menthol-cool track to glide… His Grammy-grabbing “Don’t Know Why” might be the smoothest, menthol-cool track to glide over the radio waves this decade, but with seven albums on the shelf and scores of major artists snatching for the songs he’s penned, Jesse Harris’ career is the hottest it’s ever been.

Media eyes darted toward Harris for his writing on Norah Jones’ lauded 2003 debut, Come Away With Me, and he’s proved his staying power since. Feel, Harris’ seventh release, dropped in July. But that’s not all the singer-songwriter has been up to.

Whether it’s working with artists like Feist, Cat Power and Willie Nelson for Ethan Hawke’s book-turned-flick, testing out his on-camera flair in the same movie or touring the country to strum for fans, Harris keeps himself and his music moving. He took some time out of his hectic schedule to chat on the phone from Iowa State University.

“It requires so much,” Harris said of touring. “It requires traveling and good rest and taking care of yourself