Gene Harris, Classic jazz Artist

Gene Harris (September 1, 1933 – January 16, 2000)

Gene Harris (born Eugene Haire) was a jazz pianist known for his warm sound of blues and gospel infused style that is known as soul jazz. Two jazz pianist who influenced his playing style were Oscar Peterson and Junior Mance. From 1956 to 1970, he played in The Three Sounds trio with bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Bill Dowdy. During this time, The Three Sounds recorded regularly for Blue Note and Verve.

Born: Benton Harbor, Michigan, U.S.

Genre: Jazz, blues, soul jazz

Gene Harris retired to Boise, starting in the late 1970s, although he performed regularly at the Idanha Hotel there, however Ray Brown convinced Harris to return to touring in the early 1980s. He played with the Ray Brown Trio and then led his own groups, recording mostly on Concord Records, leading the Philip Morris Super Band until his death in 2000. Gene Harris is survived by his 3 daughters, Tracy Haire, Beth Haire- Lewis and Gina Haire (Niki Haris), and a son Eugene Haire. One of his most popular numbers was his “Battle Hymn of the Republic,” a live version of which is on his Live at Otter Crest album, published by Concord.

Biographical Information courtesy of Wiki; for more reading see link below.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Harris