Wynonie Harris

(1913-1969) born in Omaha. Singer, drummer, dancer, became known as “Mr. Blues” for his rhythm and blues songs with bands in Hollywood, had 15 songs that ranked as Top 10 hits between 1946 and 1952; generally recognized as one of rock and roll’s forerunners, with an early influence on Elvis Presley. Consult Omaha World Herald, September 10, 1972, p. E-6 and September 1, 1998, p. 29 and Tony Collins, Rock Mr. Blues: The Life and Music of Wynonie Harris (Big Nickel Publications, 1995) and The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, 2nd ed, Vol 2 (2002) 183-184 and Crete /NE/ News, December 1, 2004, p. B-6.

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