Gene Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gene Harris
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Eugene Haire |
| Born | September 1, 1933 Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | January 16, 2000 (aged 66) Boise, Idaho |
| Genres | Jazz, blues, soul jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Piano, keyboards, Hammond B3 |
| Years active | 1955–2000 |
| Labels | Blue Note, Concord Jazz |
| Associated acts | The Three Sounds, Ray Brown, The Philip Morris Super Band, Niki Haris |
Gene Harris (born Eugene Haire, September 1, 1933 – January 16, 2000) was an American jazz pianist. He was famous for his warm piano sound. His music often mixed blues and gospel styles, which is called soul jazz.
Gene Harris played the piano for many years. He started his career in the mid-1950s and continued until his life ended in 2000. He made many recordings and performed in concerts around the world.
Contents
Early Days with The Three Sounds
From 1956 to 1970, Gene Harris was part of a popular jazz group called The Three Sounds. He played piano, Andy Simpkins played bass, and Bill Dowdy played drums. This trio made many albums with famous record labels like Blue Note and Verve. They were known for their cool and soulful jazz sound.
Taking a Break and Coming Back
In the late 1970s, Gene Harris decided to take a break from touring. He moved to Boise, Idaho, and mostly performed there at the Idanha Hotel. But a famous bassist named Ray Brown convinced him to start touring again in the early 1980s.
After that, Gene Harris played with the Ray Brown Trio. Later, he started leading his own music groups. He recorded many albums, mostly with Concord Records, until he passed away in 2000.
His Popular Music
One of Gene Harris's most well-known songs was his version of "Battle Hymn of the Republic." A live recording of this song can be found on his album Live at Otter Crest. He released many albums as a leader and also played with other great musicians.
Gene Harris's daughter, Niki Haris, is also a talented singer and actress.
A Look at His Albums
Gene Harris released many albums throughout his career, both with The Three Sounds and as a solo artist or band leader.
Albums with The Three Sounds
The Three Sounds recorded many albums, especially with Blue Note Records. Some of their popular albums included:
- Introducing the 3 Sounds (1958)
- Bottoms Up! (1958–59)
- Blue Hour (1960), which featured saxophonist Stanley Turrentine
- Moods (1960)
- Live at The Lighthouse (1967)
Albums as a Leader
After leaving The Three Sounds, Gene Harris continued to make his own music. He recorded many albums where he was the main artist. Some of these include:
- Live at Otter Crest (1981)
- Tribute to Count Basie (1988), where he played with a big band
- Listen Here! (1989)
- At Last (1990)
- Gene Harris at Maybeck (1992), a solo piano album
- Funky Gene's (1994)
- In His Hands (1996), which featured his daughter, Niki Haris, on vocals
- Alley Cats (1998)
Playing with Other Musicians
Gene Harris also played piano on many albums for other artists. He worked with famous jazz musicians like Nat Adderley, Milt Jackson, Ernestine Anderson, and Benny Carter. He often played with the Ray Brown Trio, contributing to albums like Soular Energy and The Red Hot Ray Brown Trio. He also played with blues legend B.B. King on his album Live at The Apollo.
See also
In Spanish: Gene Harris para niños
