Role

:

Composer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

November 24, 1905 in New York City, NY

Death

:

December 13, 1962 in Burbank, CA

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Harry Barris was an American composer, pianist, and singer who was born on November 24, 1905, in New York City. He was the son of a vaudeville performer and grew up in a musical family. His father played the piano and his mother sang, and they often performed together in vaudeville shows. Barris began playing the piano at a young age and showed a natural talent for music. Barris attended high school in New York City and then went on to study music at the University of Southern California. While in college, he formed a jazz band with his classmates and began performing at local clubs and parties. The band became popular and was soon playing at larger venues, including the famous Cocoanut Grove nightclub in Los Angeles. In 1929, Barris joined the Rhythm Boys, a vocal trio that included Bing Crosby and Al Rinker. The group became famous for their harmonies and their performances in Crosby's films. Barris also wrote several songs for the group, including "Mississippi Mud" and "I Surrender Dear." After leaving the Rhythm Boys in 1931, Barris continued to write and perform music. He wrote several popular songs, including "Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams" and "I'm Through with Love." He also appeared in several films, including "The Big Broadcast" and "College Humor." Barris was known for his unique style of piano playing, which combined jazz and classical music. He often used complex chord progressions and unusual harmonies in his compositions. His music was popular with both jazz and classical audiences, and he was considered one of the most innovative composers of his time. In addition to his work as a composer and pianist, Barris was also a talented singer. He had a smooth, mellow voice that was well-suited to the romantic ballads he often performed. He recorded several albums of his own music, including "Harry Barris and His Rhythm Makers" and "Harry Barris Sings." Barris continued to perform and write music throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He worked with many famous musicians, including Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, and Tommy Dorsey. He also wrote music for several films, including "The Wizard of Oz" and "Gone with the Wind." In the 1950s, Barris began to focus more on his work as a composer. He wrote several pieces for orchestra, including "Concerto for Piano and Orchestra" and "Symphony in Jazz." He also wrote several chamber music pieces, including "String Quartet No. 1" and "Sonata for Violin and Piano." Barris continued to write and perform music until his death on December 13, 1962. He was 57 years old. Despite his relatively short career, Barris left a lasting legacy in the world of music. His innovative compositions and unique style of piano playing continue to influence musicians today.

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