Birth name James D. Harris Associated acts Magic Sam Also known as Shakey Jake Name Shakey Harris | Instruments Vocals, harmonica Role Singer Genres Chicago blues | |
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Born April 12, 1921
Earle, Arkansas, United States ( 1921-04-12 ) Occupation(s) Singer, harmonicist, songwriter Died March 2, 1990, Forrest City, Arkansas, United States Albums Live at Sylvio's, Versastyle Record labels Cobra Records, Bluesville Records, Pacific Jazz Records Similar People Magic Sam, Memphis Slim, Willie Dixon, T‑Bone Walker, John Lee Hooker | ||
Years active Late 1940s–late 1980s | ||
Shakey jake harris good times 1960
Shakey Jake Harris (April 12, 1921 – March 2, 1990) was an American Chicago blues singer, harmonicist and songwriter. He released five albums over a period of almost 25 years. He was often musically associated with his nephew Magic Sam.
Contents
- Shakey jake harris good times 1960
- Shakey jake harris sawed off shotgun ragged and dirty 1971
- Life and career
- Singles
- Albums
- References
Shakey jake harris sawed off shotgun ragged and dirty 1971
Life and career
James D. Harris was born in Earle, Arkansas, and relocated with his family to Chicago, Illinois, at the age of seven. He played in several Chicago blues ensembles in the late 1940s. He also worked as a mechanic and as a professional gambler (his nickname came from a dice players' expression, "shake 'em"). His debut recording was the single "Call Me if You Need Me", backed with "Roll Your Moneymaker", released by Artistic Records in 1958, featuring Magic Sam and Syl Johnson on guitar and produced by Willie Dixon. Harris was not paid for the session, but he won $700 shooting craps with label owner Eli Toscano.
In 1960, Bluesville Records teamed Harris with the jazz musicians Jack McDuff and Bill Jennings for the album Good Times. His later recording of Mouth Harp Blues returned to a more traditional blues style. Harris toured and was part of the American Folk Blues Festival tour in 1962.
Throughout the 1960s Harris and Sam appeared regularly in concert together around Chicago. Harris's patronage of younger musicians helped secure Luther Allison's recording debut. Harris moved on in the late 1960s, recording with Allison in Los Angeles on Further On up the Road. He also played with other harmonica players, such as William Clarke.
Harris subsequently recorded for World Pacific. He also owned a nightclub 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.