Damon Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Damon Harris
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Harris in 1971 with The Temptations
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Otis Robert Harris Jr. |
| Born | July 17, 1950 Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Died | February 18, 2013 (aged 62) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Genres | R&B, pop, soul, |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1966–1978 |
| Labels | T-Neck, Motown, Atco, Fantasy |
| Associated acts | The Temptations, The Young Tempts/The Young Vandals, Impact |
Otis Robert "Damon" Harris Jr. (born July 17, 1950 – died February 18, 2013) was an American soul and R&B singer. He is best known for being a member of the famous group The Temptations from 1971 to 1975. When he joined, Damon was only 20 years old, making him the youngest member of the group at that time.
As a teenager, Damon loved The Temptations. He even started his own tribute band called The Young Tempts. This group later had some smaller hits under the name Impact. After his music career, Damon Harris started The Damon Harris Cancer Foundation. This foundation helps people learn about and get treatment for prostate cancer.
Contents
Biography
Early Days and The Young Tempts
Damon Harris grew up in Baltimore, Maryland. He was a huge fan of The Temptations, especially their singer Eddie Kendricks. Eddie was known for his high-pitched singing style called falsetto. Damon learned to sing like Eddie.
With his friends John Quinton Simms, Charles Timmons, and Donald Knute Tighman, Damon formed a singing group. They called themselves The Young Tempts. This name was a shorter version of "The Temptations." In 1970, they recorded cover songs for The Isley Brothers' T-Neck Records.
However, Motown Records, which was The Temptations' label, took legal action. They said the name The Young Tempts was too similar. So, the group had to change their name to The Young Vandals. Their song "Too Busy Thinking About My Baby" became a minor hit. After a few more songs, the group broke up. Damon decided to focus on college instead of music for a while.
Joining The Temptations
In April 1971, Damon got a chance to audition for The Temptations. The group was looking for a new singer. Damon sang for Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, and Dennis Edwards first. Then he auditioned for the group's leader, Otis Williams.
Otis Williams was not sure about hiring Damon because he was much younger than the other members. But the other three Temptations voted to accept him. A few weeks later, Damon Harris joined the group. He became their first tenor and falsetto singer.
In 1973, Damon married Christina Combs. They had two children, Otis Robert Harris III and Dominique Chris-Ann Harris.
Damon sang with The Temptations for four years. He sang lead on many popular songs. These included "Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are)" (1971) and "Take a Look Around" (1972). He also sang on the number one pop hit "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (1972). This song won three Grammy Awards. Other hits he sang on were "Masterpiece" (1973) and "Plastic Man" (1973). Damon left The Temptations in 1975.
After The Temptations
After leaving The Temptations, Damon Harris started a new group. He brought back his old friends from The Young Vandals. They renamed the group Impact. In 1976, they signed with Atco Records.
Impact released some soul and disco songs. Their song "Give a Broken Heart a Break" was a top 5 disco hit. They released one album called Impact. Later, they signed with Fantasy Records and released another album, The Pac is Back. After these albums didn't sell well, the group broke up. Damon then released a solo album called Silk in 1978.
Later Life and Legacy
Damon Harris decided to take a break from music. He moved to Reno, Nevada to finish college. In the 1990s, he returned to singing. He toured with his own show called The Temptations Review Starring Damon Harris. Sometimes, another former Temptation, Richard Street, would perform with him. Damon also briefly toured with other ex-Temptations like David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, and Dennis Edwards.
Illness and Foundation
When Damon Harris was 47, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. After getting treatment, he decided to help others. In 2001, he started The Damon Harris Cancer Foundation. This group works to teach people about prostate cancer. They want to help people get diagnosed and treated early.
The foundation especially focuses on Black men. This is because Black men are more likely to get prostate cancer. They are also more likely to die from it compared to white men.
On May 5, 2001, a radio host named Tim Marshall organized a benefit gala. This event honored Damon Harris for his charity work. Damon received an award from the New Jersey Legislature. He also often co-hosted a radio show called R&B Showcase Radio Show.
Damon Harris passed away on February 18, 2013, in Baltimore. He was 62 years old. He died from prostate cancer.
Discography
Impact albums
- 1976: Impact
- 1977: The Pac is Back
Solo albums
- 1978: Silk
