Role

:

Performer

Country

:

United States of America

Birth

:

June 24, 1904 in Linton, IN

Death

:

August 11, 1995 in Rancho Mirage, CA

Genre

:

Vocal

 

Phil Harris was an American musician, actor, and comedian who was born on June 24, 1904, in Linton, Indiana. He was the son of Harry and Dollie Harris, and he grew up in a musical family. His father was a drummer, and his mother played the piano. Harris started playing the drums when he was just three years old, and he quickly became a talented musician. Harris began his career as a drummer in the 1920s, playing in various bands in the Midwest. In 1928, he moved to California and joined the band of bandleader Gus Arnheim. Harris quickly became a popular member of the band, and he was known for his comedic antics on stage. He also began singing with the band, and his smooth baritone voice became a hit with audiences. In 1931, Harris formed his own band, the Phil Harris Orchestra. The band quickly became popular, and they had a string of hits in the 1930s and 1940s. Some of their most popular songs included "The Darktown Strutters' Ball," "That's What I Like About the South," and "Woodman, Spare That Tree." Harris was known for his laid-back, easygoing style, and his band was often compared to the music of Louis Armstrong and Bing Crosby. In addition to his music career, Harris also became a popular radio personality in the 1930s and 1940s. He hosted his own radio show, "The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show," which aired from 1946 to 1954. The show was a hit with audiences, and it featured Harris and his wife, actress Alice Faye, in comedic skits and musical performances. Harris also had a successful career as an actor, appearing in several films in the 1940s and 1950s. He appeared in the films "The High and the Mighty," "The Wild Blue Yonder," and "The Jungle Book," among others. He was known for his comedic roles, and he often played characters who were similar to his real-life persona. Throughout his career, Harris received several awards and honors for his contributions to music and entertainment. In 1941, he won a Grammy Award for his recording of "The Thing." He was also inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 1990, and the Indiana Music Hall of Fame in 2007. Harris continued to perform and record music throughout the 1950s and 1960s, but his popularity began to wane in the 1970s. He retired from music in the 1980s, but he continued to make occasional appearances on television and in films. He passed away on August 11, 1995, at the age of 91. In conclusion, Phil Harris was a talented musician, actor, and comedian who had a long and successful career in entertainment. He was known for his smooth baritone voice, his laid-back style, and his comedic antics on stage. He received several awards and honors for his contributions to music and entertainment, and he will always be remembered as one of the greats of the golden age of radio and music.

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