Charlie Harris, 87; Jazz Bassist for Nat ‘King’ Cole
Charlie Harris, 87, a jazz bassist with Nat “King” Cole, died of cancer Sept. 9 at a Baltimore hospital.
Harris was with Cole from 1951 until shortly before the singer’s death in 1965, appearing on Cole’s television show and playing on such hit recordings as “Mona Lisa,” “Unforgettable” and “Ramblin’ Rose.”
He also played on Cole’s albums “Penthouse Serenade” and “After Midnight,” which included versions of “Sweet Lorraine,” “It’s Only a Paper Moon” and “Route 66.”
Born in Alexandria, Va., Charles Pervis Harris, one of eight children of a homemaker and a steelworker, grew up in Baltimore, and studied violin before switching to bass in high school.
After graduating from what is now Coppin State College, he taught elementary school during the day and played in local bands at night.
From 1941 to 1949, he toured with Lionel Hampton’s big band. Harris also recorded with trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie.
Tired of the travel that working with bands required, Harris remained in Baltimore after his tenure for Cole ended.
He made a living selling furniture, giving music lessons and performing with local groups.
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