Wynonie Harris

Pioneering Rhythm and Blues Singer

American rhythm & blues vocalist with a hot-n'-raunchy rock and roll style and dance skills. Born 24 August 1915, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. Died 14 June 1969, Los Angeles, USA. Harris started as a comedian and dancer. He began his musical career touring with Lucky Millinder's band, eventually cutting his first recording with them in May 1944. After quitting the band, he signed up to Leo & Edward Mesner's Philo label in the spring of 1945, with Johnny Otis leading his line-up. He recorded on other labels, gaining popular success on the King label in the late 1940s. By the mid 1960s he was recording on Chess and performing with artists such as T-Bone Walker and Big Mama Thornton. Harris died of throat cancer, aged 53. His work has subsequently been honored by inductions into several "Halls of Fame", including the Blues Hall of Fame in Memphis, Tennessee.