Shakey Jake Harris

James D. "Shakey Jake" Harris (April 12, 1921 – March 2, 1990)[2] was an American Chicago blues singer, harmonicist and songwriter. He released five albums over a period of almost 25 years. He was often musically associated with his nephew Magic Sam.[1]

Shakey Jake Harris
Birth nameJames D. Harris
Also known asShakey Jake
Born(1921-04-12)April 12, 1921
Earle, Arkansas, United States
DiedMarch 2, 1990(1990-03-02) (aged 68)
Forrest City, Arkansas, United States
GenresChicago blues[1]
Occupation(s)Singer, harmonicist, songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, harmonica
Years activeLate 1940s–late 1980s
LabelsArtistic, Bluesville, World Pacific

Life and career

James D. Harris was born in Earle, Arkansas, and relocated with his family to Chicago, Illinois, at the age of seven. He played in several Chicago blues ensembles in the late 1940s.[3] He also worked as a mechanic and as a professional gambler (his nickname came from a dice players' expression, "shake 'em").[4] His debut recording was the single "Call Me if You Need Me", backed with "Roll Your Moneymaker", released by Artistic Records in 1958, featuring Magic Sam and Syl Johnson on guitar and produced by Willie Dixon.[1][3] Harris was not paid for the session, but he won $700 shooting craps with label owner Eli Toscano.[5]

In 1960, Bluesville Records teamed Harris with the jazz musicians Jack McDuff and Bill Jennings for the album Good Times. His later recording of Mouth Harp Blues returned to a more traditional blues style.[1] Harris toured and was part of the American Folk Blues Festival tour in 1962.[4]

Throughout the 1960s Harris and Sam appeared regularly in concert together around Chicago. Harris's patronage of younger musicians helped secure Luther Allison's recording debut. Harris moved on in the late 1960s, recording with Allison in Los Angeles on Further On up the Road.[3] He also played with other harmonica players, such as William Clarke.[6]

Harris subsequently recorded for World Pacific. He also owned a nightclub and a record label, but ill health eventually led him to return to Arkansas, where he died, at the age of 68, on March 2, 1990.[1][3]

Selected discography

Singles
  • "Call Me if You Need Me" / "Roll Your Moneymaker" (1958), Artistic
  • "Respect Me Baby" / "A Hard Road" (1966), The Blues[7]

Albums
  • Good Times (Bluesville, 1960)
  • Mouth Harp Blues (Bluesville, 1961)
  • Further on Up the Road, billed as Shakey Jake and the All Stars (World Pacific, 1969)
  • The Devil's Harmonica (1972), Polydor
  • The Key Won't Fit (1984), Murray Brothers[8]

With Magic Sam

See also

References
  1. Dahl, Bill. "Shakey Jake Harris: Biography". AllMusic.com. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  2. Doc Rock. "The Dead Rock Stars Club 1990–1991". TheDeadRockStarsClub.com. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
  3. Archived January 3, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  4. Herzhaft, Gérard (1997). Encyclopedia of the Blues (2nd ed.). Fayetteville: University of Arkansas Press. p. 184. ISBN 1-55728-452-0.
  5. Rowe, M. (1981). Chicago Blues: The City and the Music. New York: Da Capo Press. p. 180.
  6. Russell, Tony (1997). The Blues: From Robert Johnson to Robert Cray. Dubai: Carlton Books. p. 101. ISBN 1-85868-255-X.
  7. Leadbitter, M.; Fancourt, L.; Pelletier, P. (1994). Blues Records 1943–1970. London: Record Information Services. Vol. 2, pp. 468–469.
  8. "Shakey Jake Harris: Discography". AllMusic.com. Retrieved January 28, 2014.
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