Shakey Jake Harris | |
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 Harrisc. 1960 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | James D. Harris |
| Born | (1921-04-12)April 12, 1921 Earle, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Died | March 2, 1990(1990-03-02) (aged 68) Forrest City, Arkansas, U.S. |
| Genres | Chicago blues |
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| Years active | Late 1940s–late 1980s |
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| Relatives | Magic Sam (nephew) |
James D. "Shakey Jake" Harris (April 12, 1921 – March 2, 1990)[1] was an AmericanChicago blues singer,harmonicist and songwriter. He released six albums over a period of almost 25 years. He was often musically associated with his nephewMagic Sam.[2]
James D. Harris was born inEarle, Arkansas, and relocated with his family to Chicago, Illinois, at the age of seven. He played in several Chicago bluesensembles in the late 1940s.[3] He also worked as a mechanic and as a professional gambler (his nickname came from a dice players' expression, "shake 'em").[4] His debutrecording was the single "Call Me if You Need Me", backed with "Roll Your Moneymaker", released byArtistic Records in 1958, featuringMagic Sam andSyl Johnson on guitar and produced byWillie Dixon.[2][3] Harris was not paid for the session, but he won $700 shootingcraps with label owner Eli Toscano.[5]
In 1960,Bluesville Records teamed Harris with thejazz musiciansJack McDuff and Bill Jennings for the albumGood Times. His later recording ofMouth Harp Blues returned to a more traditional blues style.[2] Harris toured and was part of theAmerican Folk Blues Festival tour in 1962.[4]
Throughout the 1960s Harris and Sam appeared regularly in concert together around Chicago. Harris's patronage of younger musicians helped secureLuther Allison's recording debut. Harris moved on in the late 1960s, recording with Allison in Los Angeles onFurther On up the Road.[3] He also played with other harmonica players, such asWilliam Clarke.[6]
Harris subsequently recorded forWorld Pacific. He also owned anightclub and a record label, but ill health eventually led him to return to Arkansas, where he died, at the age of 68, on March 2, 1990.[2][3]
WithMagic Sam
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