Harry Barris
| Harry Barris | |
|---|---|
1932
|
|
| Background information | |
| Born |
November 25, 1905 New York City, New York, United States |
| Died | December 13, 1962 (aged 57) Burbank, California, United States |
| Genres | Jazz |
| Occupation(s) | Vocalist, composer, pianist |
| Instruments | Piano and vocal |
| Associated acts | Gus Arnheim, Duke Ellington, Jimmie Grier, The Rhythm Boys, Paul Whiteman |
Harry Barris (November 24, 1905 – December 13, 1962) was an American popular singer and songwriter, and is one of the earliest singers to use "scat singing" in recordings. Barris, one of Paul Whiteman's Rhythm Boys, along with Bing Crosby and Al Rinker, scatted on several songs, including "Mississippi Mud," which Barris wrote in 1927.
Barris was born to Jewish parents in New York City. Gary Giddins described him as "small, wiry, and moon-faced with glittery eyes, and dark hair slicked back and parted in the middle." He was educated in Denver, Colorado. Barris became a professional pianist at the age of 14. He led a band which toured the Far East at the age of 17.
Barris married Hazelle Thompson in 1925.
The same year, Barris played the piano and occasionally sang in Paul Ash's orchestra. In the same year, Al Rinker and Bing Crosby became members of Paul Whiteman's Orchestra as a singing duo. However, at the Paul Whiteman Club, where there were no microphones, they could not be heard by the audience. They were promptly dropped from the bill. However, a band member who knew Barris suggested that they add him to make a trio. With Barris's help, they were heard, and The Rhythm Boys were formed.
In 1930, Barris divorced Hazelle Thompson. The Rhythm Boys left Paul Whiteman the same year and joined Gus Arnheim's Cocoanut Grove Orchestra. After one recording together, "Them There Eyes" (November 1930), the boys decided to quit, and they went their separate ways. However, Barris changed his mind and returned to the Cocoanut Grove to complete his contract. Barris joined Arnheim's singing group The Three Ambassadors. Barris met Loyce Whiteman, who also sang with the Orchestra, and married her in 1931. They appear together in an episode of Rambling 'Round Radio Row. They had one daughter, Marti Barris, who also became a musician. They divorced in 1946.
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