Mike Harrison (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mike Harrison
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Mike Harrison in 1969
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| Background information | |
| Born | 30 September 1942 Carlisle, Cumberland, England |
| Origin | Carlisle, Cumberland, England |
| Died | 25 March 2018 (aged 75) Carlisle |
| Genres | Psychedelic rock Progressive rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, musician |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1963 — 2018 |
| Associated acts | The V.I.P.'s, Art, Spooky Tooth, Hamburg Blues Band |
Mike Harrison (born 30 September 1942 in Carlisle, England – died 25 March 2018 in Carlisle) was an English musician. He was best known as the main lead singer of the band Spooky Tooth. He also had a successful career as a solo artist. Mike Harrison was also the lead singer for other bands like The V.I.P.'s, Art, and the Hamburg Blues Band.
Contents
Mike Harrison's Musical Journey
Starting with The Ramrods
Mike Harrison began his music career with a band called The Ramrods. This band was from Carlisle, in what was then Cumberland. This early experience helped him build the skills for his future in music.
From The V.I.P.'s to Spooky Tooth
Mike Harrison later joined a band called The V.I.P.'s. Other members included Mike Kellie, Luther Grosvenor, and Greg Ridley. Another famous musician, Keith Emerson, was also in this band.
When Keith Emerson left in 1967, the band changed its name to Art. They released one album. The record label owner, Chris Blackwell, liked the band. He encouraged them to work with Gary Wright. With Gary Wright joining, the band became known as Spooky Tooth.
The Unique Sound of Spooky Tooth
Spooky Tooth released several albums between 1968 and 1970. The band had a very special sound. They had two keyboard players, Mike Harrison and Gary Wright. Their singing style often involved them taking turns singing. This was similar to how groups like the Righteous Brothers sang.
Taking a Break from Music
Spooky Tooth broke up for the first time in 1970. Mike Harrison then started his solo career in 1971. He released two solo albums in the early 1970s. After Spooky Tooth broke up again in 1974, he released a third solo album in 1975.
After this, Mike Harrison decided to leave the music business. He found that money from his solo albums was being used to pay off old band debts. He felt he wasn't getting paid fairly for his work. So, from 1975 until 1997, he mostly stopped making music. During this time, he worked different jobs. He was a barman and drove trucks delivering meat and milk.
Returning to the Stage
In the 1990s, Mike Harrison became interested in music again. In 1997, he recorded three songs with original Spooky Tooth members. This led to a new Spooky Tooth album, Cross Purpose, released in 1999. This was the first Spooky Tooth album with Mike Harrison in many years.
In 1999, he also started performing regularly with the Hamburg Blues Band. They released an album together called Touch in 2001.
Later Years and Legacy
Mike Harrison continued to perform. In 2004, he reunited with Gary Wright and Mike Kellie for a Spooky Tooth tour. They released a concert DVD in 2007. In 2006, Mike Harrison released his fourth solo album, Late Starter.
Mike Harrison, Gary Wright, and Mike Kellie kept performing as Spooky Tooth until 2008. Mike Harrison continued to perform occasionally after that. He passed away on 25 March 2018, at the age of 75.
Discography
Mike Harrison released many albums throughout his career. Here are some of them:
- Solo Albums
- 1971 Mike Harrison (Island)
- 1972 Smokestack Lightning (Island)
- 1975 Rainbow Rider (Island)
- 2006 Late Starter (Halo)
- With The V.I.P.'s
- With Art
- 1967 Supernatural Fairy Tales
- With Spooky Tooth
- 1968 It's All About
- 1969 Spooky Two
- 1970 Ceremony (with Pierre Henry)
- 1970 The Last Puff
- 1973 You Broke My Heart So I Busted Your Jaw
- 1973 Witness
- 1999 Cross Purpose
- 1999 The Best of Spooky Tooth: That Was Only Yesterday
- 2001 BBC Sessions
- 2007 Nomad Poets (DVD)
- With the Hamburg Blues Band
- 2001 Touch - billed as "Mike Harrison meets The Hamburg Blues Band"
