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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZHARRIS, Wynonie(b 24 Aug. '15, Omaha NE; d 14 June '69, Oakland CA) R&B vocalist in shouting style, billed as 'Mr Blues'. A farm boy; sang in church; given tap shoes at age twelve, became song-and-dance man in vaudeville; worked in Chicago clubs '30s. Appeared in film Hit Parade Of 1943, then joined Lucky Millinder band as singer; recorded 'Hurry Hurry' and 'Who Threw The Whiskey In The Well' for Decca '44. Went solo '45; tracks that year with Jack McVea and Illinois Jacquet bands on Apollo (incl. 'Wynonie's Blues') compiled on Everybody Boogie! on Delmark (first 27 tracks also on Here Comes The Blues '97). Recorded for Aladdin, Hamp-tone, Bullet etc. Own band '47 incl. Dexter Gordon, Hot Lips Page, Tab Smith. First hit record on King 'Drinkin' Wine, Spo-Dee-O-Dee', cover of Stick McGhee hit (Atlantic), 'Good Rockin' Tonight' '47 subsequently widely covered incl. by Elvis Presley. Records usually dynamic, raucous; hoarse vocals against booting sax, often risqu, titles such as 'Sittin' On It All The Time', 'I Like My Baby's Pudding'. R&B hits on King incl. 'Good Morning Judge' '50, 'Lovin' Machine', 'All She Wants To Do Is Rock', 'Bloodshot Eyes' all '51. Sales fell off with advent of rock'n'roll; opened cafe in Brooklyn mid-'50s, another on West Coast '63, re-making hits on Reprise '63; played Harlem Apollo date '67; worked as bartender. |