William G. Harvey (October 1918 – October 6, 1964)[1] was an Americanrhythm and blues saxophonist and bandleader.
Born inWinona, Mississippi, he moved with his mother toMemphis, Tennessee, as a child.[1] He became the leader of one of the most successful performing bands in Memphis immediately afterWorld War II, establishing a residency at Mitchell's Hotel onBeale Street. In 1950, he signed a deal withDon Robey'sPeacock Records inHouston, Texas, and his band featured on many of the successfulR&B records released by Peacock andDuke Records during the 1950s, including those byMarie Adams,Big Mama Thornton,Bobby "Blue" Bland, andLittle Junior Parker.[2] He also ledClarence "Gatemouth" Brown's touring band.[3] In 1952, he signed withB.B. King to become theblues singer and guitarist's bandleader, a role he continued for the next four years.[4][5][6]
Harvey suffered fromdiabetes and, after having both his legs amputated, died in Memphis in 1964, aged 46.[1]
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