Bill Harris "I am the Blues"

This promotional video for bluesman Bill Harris was produced shortly before his death in 1988 at the age of 63. Bill Harris was a classical guitar virtuoso and consumate blues musician based in Washington D.C. In the 1950s, he was a member of the legendary vocal group THE CLOVERS, who had a string of R&B hits throughout that decade. He also had a prolific solo career and released several albums. Harris owned and operated Pigfoot, a restaurant-nightclub-art gallery in Washington D.C., which is featured in the video. Narrated by Joe Pinkney.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Bill
• Harris
• rhythm
• and
• blues
• classical
• guitar
• Clovers
• R&B
• Washington
• D.C.
• Maury
• Povich

[40DollarFine]

I met Bill in the early to mid '80s through a guy named Jack Towers. Bill and I took many of his LP's and mastered them for the cassette format and I would make copies for him to sell at his shows. Little did I know he wouldn't be around much longer. What a warm and approachable man, and I still think of him to this day. Somewhere I think I still have the reel to reel transfers! What a pleasure to have known him - thanks for uploading this.

[jacoleroy]

@glennmdaniels

Hi Glenn, I studied with Bill for about a month, I didn't practice and he would just roll his eyes, he was really into the Segovia scales,I remember Noble & Alonzo! I went on to study at Howard U, I remember his show on wpfw and the PIGS FOOT,he will always be the man!

my best to you,

Pat Lampel

[crownpropeller]

Very nice vid! I have put up an illustrated discography of Bill Harris' work. As Youtube does not allow links, google for "Bill Harris - a master guitar player" and you'll find it.

[powerinformation]

brilliant guitarist

[NoVARon2]

What a wonderful person Bill was.

[glennmdaniels]

I had the pleasure of studying at his studio on Hamlin St. in DC in the 70's as a teenager. I remember being slipped into his club the "Pig Foot" for my 13th birthday just long enough to watch him play! I met some of the finest musicians while taking lessons there. Nobel Jolly, Alonzo, et al. Good Times!!! Especially the summer cookout/studio jam sessions......R.I.P. Mr. Harris and Mrs. Fannie Harris. A true class act!!!

[tymjar]

Hey John. I remember your outstanding playing from the brief time we played together in the Univ. of Maryland Big Band, George Ross, director. I did a few fill-in, drum spots, at The 'Foot myself. There, Bill hooked me up for gigs with guitarist Kenny Definis (youtube clips viewable), and Bill's influence prepared me for accompanying country(?)-blues...bless! him for ALL those gigs, years later, with Ben Andrews.

Glad to hear you've such got great gig. It's well-deserved.

Tim Jarvis

[johnnycchops]

I'm John Colianni, a piano player (I'm in Les Paul's band). I played in Bill's club when I was a kid in the 70s.

[crownpropeller]

Just great!

[JosABeasley]

What a wonderful, wonderful tribute to the incomparable, DC's own master guitarist, Bill Harris. Thank you so much for keeping his memory and works alive.