Charlie Harris(1916-2003)
Jazz bassist, a member of the Nat King Cole ensemble on television and
recordings ("Unforgettable", "Mona Lisa", "Ramblin' Rose", and albums
"Penthouse Serenade" and "After Midnight"). He grew up in Baltimore,
Maryland, one of eight children born to a steelworker and a homemaker.
In high school he studied violin before switching to bass, and studied
education at what is now Coppin State College while playing
professionally in the area. Following his graduation, he played in the
house band at the Royal Theatre in Baltimore and joined the Lionel
Hampton band (1941-1949) but also recording with Dizzy Gillespie during
that time. He joined Cole in 1951, becoming one of his consistent
support musicians along with guitarist John Collins and drummer Lee
Young, Sr. After leaving Cole, he sold furniture at a Baltimore store,
and also gave music lessons while playing with local groups.