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Wonga Philip "Phil" Harris (June 24, 1904 – August 11, 1995) was an American actor, comedian, bandleader, and musician. He was an orchestra leader and a pioneer in radio situation comedy, first with The Jack Benny Program, then in The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show in which he co-starred with his wife, singer-actress Alice Faye, for eight years. Harris is also noted for his voice acting in animated films. As a voice actor, he voiced Baloo in The Jungle Book (1967), Thomas O'Malley in The Aristocats (1970), Little John in Robin Hood (1973), and Patou in Rock-a-Doodle (1991). As a singer, he recorded a number one novelty hit record, "The Thing" (1950).

Key Information

Early life and career

[edit]

Harris was born in Linton, Indiana, on June 24, 1904[1] and grew up in Nashville.[2] He identified as a Southerner. His hallmark song was "That's What I Like About the South". He had a trace of a Southern accent and in later years made self-deprecating jokes over the air about his heritage. His parents were circus performers. His father, a tent bandleader, gave him his first job as a drummer with the circus band.[3]

Harris' unusual first name "Wonga," is said to derive from a Cherokee word meaning "messenger of fleet" or, perhaps more accurately translated, "fast messenger".[4] He began his music career as a drummer in San Francisco, in the mid-1920s playing drums in the Henry Halstead Big Band Orchestra. He formed an orchestra with Carol Lofner in the latter 1920s beginning a long engagement at the St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco.[a] In the 1930s, Lofner and Harris recorded swing music for Victor Records, Columbia Records, Decca Records, and Vocalion Records. The partnership ended by 1932, and Harris led a band in Los Angeles for which he was the singer and bandleader.

Harris in The High and the Mighty

In 1933, he made a short film for RKO called So This Is Harris!, which won an Academy Award for best live action short subject. He followed with a feature-length film, Melody Cruise. Both films were created by the same team that produced Flying Down to Rio, which started the careers of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. He also starred in I Love a Bandleader (1945) with Leslie Brooks. He played a house painter who gets amnesia and then leads a band. He recorded Woodman, Spare That Tree (by George Pope Morris and Henry Russell) in 1947. His nickname was "Old Curly".

In 1950, Harris recorded a hit novelty song, the million-seller, "The Thing", which hit number one on the U.S. chart.[7] Additionally, he appeared in The Wild Blue Yonder (1951), alongside Forrest Tucker and Walter Brennan. He made a cameo appearance in the Warner Bros. musical, Starlift, with Janice Rule and Dick Wesson, and was featured in The High and the Mighty with John Wayne in 1954.[3] Harris made two feature films with Jack Benny for Paramount Pictures, Man About Town (1939) and Buck Benny Rides Again (1940). Both films also featured Eddie "Rochester" Anderson.

External audio
audio icon Best of Jack Benny Spotlight Podcast! October 4, 1936 – Phil Harris's First Show
audio icon The Fitch Bandwagon/The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show, 102 episodes
Harris, Faye, and their two daughters, Alice and Phyllis, in 1948

Radio

[edit]

In 1936, Harris became musical director of The Jell-O Program Starring Jack Benny singing and leading his band, with Mahlon Merrick writing much of the show's music. When Harris exhibited a knack for saying snappy one-liners, he joined the cast, portraying himself as a hip, hard-drinking Southerner whose good nature superseded his ego. He gave the others nicknames, such as "Jackson" for Jack Benny.[4] Addressing a man as "Jackson" or sometimes "Mr. Jackson" became popular slang in the early 1940s.[8] His signature song was "That's What I Like About the South". Many of his vocal recordings were comic novelty "talking blues", similar to the songs of Bert Williams, which are sometimes considered a precursor to rap.[citation needed]

In 1942, Harris and his band joined the U.S. Merchant Marine and served for 16 weeks. In 1946, he and his wife Alice Faye began co-hosting The Fitch Bandwagon, a comedy-variety program which followed the Jack Benny show on Sunday nights. On The Fitch Bandwagon and its later incarnation as The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show, Harris played a vain, stumbling husband, while Faye played his sarcastic but loving wife. Gerald Nachman has written that Harris was a soft-spoken, modest man off the air. In On the Air: The Encyclopedia of Old-Time Radio John Dunning wrote that Harris's character made the show popular.[9] The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show appeared until 1954. Harris continued to appear on Jack Benny's show from 1948 to 1952.

Recording career

[edit]

Harris was recording songs as early as 1931.[10] He sang with a deep baritone voice. Songs by Harris include the early 1950s novelty song, "The Thing".[7] The song describes the hapless finder of a box with a mysterious secret and his efforts to rid himself of it.

Film and Disney work

[edit]

In 1956, Harris appeared in the film Good-bye, My Lady. He made numerous guest appearances on 1960s and 1970s television series, including The Steve Allen Show, the Kraft Music Hall, Burke's Law, F Troop, The Dean Martin Show, The Hollywood Palace, and other musical variety programs. He appeared on The American Sportsman which took celebrities on hunting and fishing trips around the world.

Harris worked as a voice actor for a number of Disney animated films, providing the voice of Baloo the bear in The Jungle Book (1967), Thomas O'Malley in The Aristocats (1970), and Little John in Robin Hood (1973).[11] In 1989, Harris was considered to reprise his role as Baloo in the animated series TaleSpin, but he was eventually replaced with Ed Gilbert.[12] Harris's final film role was in Rock-a-Doodle (1991), where he voiced Patou, the Basset Hound.[13]

Harris spent time in the 1970s and early 1980s leading a band that appeared often in Las Vegas, often on the same bill with bandleader Harry James.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

On September 2, 1927,[15] Harris married actress Marcia Ralston (then known as Mascotte Ralston) in Melbourne, Australia, where his band had a long engagement. The couple adopted a son, Phil Harris Jr. (1935–2001). Harris and Ralston divorced in September 1940.[16]

Harris and Alice Faye married in 1941; it was a second marriage for both (Faye had been married briefly to singer-actor Tony Martin) and lasted 54 years, until Harris's death.

Harris was a lifelong friend of singer and actor Bing Crosby. He appeared on telecasts of Bing's Pro-Am Golf Tournament from Pebble Beach, California, [citation needed] and appeared in an episode of ABC's short-lived sitcom The Bing Crosby Show. After Crosby died in 1977, Harris replaced him as commentator for the annual Bing Crosby Pro-Am Golf Tournament.

Harris was a resident and benefactor of Palm Springs, California, and was active in many local civic organizations.[17]

Death and legacy

[edit]

Harris died of a heart attack at age 91 in his Rancho Mirage home on the night of August 11, 1995.[4] He is interred at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Cathedral City, California.[18]

Harris was a benefactor of his birthplace of Linton, Indiana, establishing scholarships in his honor for promising high school students, performing at the high school, and hosting a celebrity golf tournament in his honor every year. Harris and Faye donated most of their show business memorabilia and papers to Linton's public library. Harris was inducted into the Indiana Broadcasters Hall of Fame.[19]

In 1994, a Golden Palm Star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars was dedicated to him.[20]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1929 Why Be Good Drummer in band at The Boiler Uncredited
1933 Melody Cruise Alan Chandler
So This Is Harris! Himself Short
1936 Double or Nothing Himself Short
1937 Turn Off the Moon Himself
Harris in the Spring Himself
1939 Man About Town Ted Nash
1940 Buck Benny Rides Again Himself
Dreaming Out Loud Peter Atkinson
1945 I Love a Bandleader Phil Burton
1950 Wabash Avenue Mike Stanley
1951 Here Comes the Groom Himself Uncredited
The Wild Blue Yonder Sgt. Hank Stack
Starlift Himself
1954 The High and the Mighty Ed Joseph
1956 Anything Goes Steve Blair
Good-bye, My Lady A.H. "Cash" Evans
Saturday Spectacular: Manhattan Tower Billy Television film
1960 The Big Sell Salesman
1963 The Wheeler Dealers Ray Jay Fox
1964 The Patsy Chic Wymore
1967 The Cool Ones MacElwaine
The Jungle Book Baloo (voice) [21]
1970 The Aristocats Thomas O'Malley (voice) [21]
1971 Tom Jones: Movin' Up the River Himself
The Gatling Gun Luke Boland
1973 Robin Hood Little John (voice) Voice[21]
1991 Rock-a-Doodle Patou (voice) Final film role[21]

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1957 This Is Your Life Himself
1964 Ben Casey Clarence Simmons Episode: "The Only Place Where They Know My Name"
1966 The Milton Berle Show Himself Episode #1.7
1966-1970 The Dean Martin Show Himself 8 episodes
1967 F Troop Flaming Arrow Episode: "What are you doing after the massacre"
1968 The Lucy Show Phil Stanley Episode: "Lucy and Phil Harris"
1969 The Johnny Cash Show Himself Episode #1.15
1970 This Is Tom Jones Himself Episode #2.19
1975 Dinah! Himself Episode #2.43
1978 Fantasy Island Will Fields Episode: "Carnival/The Vaudevillians"
1978 NBC Salutes the 25th Anniversary of the Wonderful World of Disney Himself Documentary
1980 The Love Boat Harvey Cronkle Episode: "Y' Gotta Have Heart"
1982 Hee Haw Himself Episode #14.10
1984 This Is Your Life Himself
1985 The Disney Family Album Himself Episode: "Voice Actors"
1989 TaleSpin Baloo (Unaired; Original Dub Only) 4 Episodes (“I Only Have Ice For You”, “Time Waits For No Bear”, “A Touch Of Glass”, “A Bad Reflection On You” (Part 1))

Radio appearances

[edit]
Year Program Episode/source
1951 Suspense Death on My Hands[22]

Partial discography

[edit]
  • "That's What I Like About The South" (RCA Victor 20-2089, 1946)
  • "Loaded Pistols, Loaded Dice" (RCA Victor 20-2575, 1947)
  • "Is It True What They Say About Dixie" (RCA Victor 20-3524, 1949)
  • "The Thing" (RCA Victor 20-3968, 1950)[23]
  • "Hambone" (RCA Victor 20-4584, 1952)[24]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]

Bibliography

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Phil Harris

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Phil Harris (June 24, 1904 – August 11, 1995) was an American , , , and comedian renowned for his smooth voice, humorous persona, and contributions to radio, , and animation. Born Wonga Phillip Harris in , to vaudeville performers Harry and Dollie Harris, he began playing drums professionally by age nine and formed his first band, the Dixie Syncopators, in the 1920s. His early career included leading orchestras in Nashville and a long engagement at San Francisco's St. Francis Hotel with the Carol Lofner orchestra, where he gained prominence as a bandleader and vocalist, recording for labels such as Victor (1931), Columbia (1933), Decca (1935), and Vocalion (1936–1937). Harris achieved widespread fame in radio during as the musical director and a comedic cast member on The Jell-O Program Starring , where his laid-back Southern drawl and on-air antics became staples. He later co-starred with his second wife, actress , in the successful sitcom The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show (1948–1954), which highlighted their real-life marriage and family life through humorous sketches. In film, Harris debuted in the Oscar-winning short So This Is Harris! (1933) and appeared in features like Melody Cruise (1933) and Goodbye, My Lady (1956), often playing affable, music-loving characters. His musical hits included novelty songs such as "That's What I Like About the South" and "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)", which showcased his jazzy style and Southern roots. Harris's legacy in animation endures through his voice work for , most notably as the carefree bear in (1967), a role that captured his signature charm and earned critical acclaim. He reprised similar voicing in (1970) and (1973), with his final performance in (1991). Personally, Harris was married to actress from 1927 to 1940, with whom he adopted a son, Phil Jr., before wedding in 1941; their 54-year union produced daughters Phyllis and Alice. He received two stars on the in 1960 for recording and radio, and supported charitable causes, including a Palm Springs golf tournament. Harris died of a heart attack in , at age 91, leaving a lasting impact on American entertainment.

Early life

Birth and family background

Phil Harris was born Wonga Philip Harris on June 24, 1904, in a coal-mining camp near , though some accounts, including the 1995 Los Angeles Times obituary, cite the birth year as 1906, possibly due to inconsistencies in early records or self-reported ages. His unusual first name, of origin meaning "messenger of fleet," was bestowed by an Indian chief during his parents' time working in circuses. Harris's parents were performers in the traveling circus and circuits, with his father, Harry Harris, serving as a and , and his mother, Dollie Wright, also involved in circus work. The family relocated to , when Harris was five or six years old, where he spent much of his childhood and adopted a Southern identity that defined his persona, despite his Indiana origins. Growing up in a modest environment shaped by his parents' itinerant profession, Harris was frequently exposed to performances and music, often staying with his grandmother while his family toured. This background in traveling shows fostered his early affinity for and contributed to his distinctive performative flair. He acquired the "Old Curly" during his youth.

Initial steps in music

Phil Harris began learning the drums in his early teens, starting at age 12 by playing in his father's band amid Nashville's vibrant music scene, which shaped his initial rhythmic skills and appreciation for Southern musical traditions. Growing up in Nashville, he further honed his abilities in the orchestra of a local , drawing from the city's emerging and influences that informed his laid-back performance approach. During his school years, Harris formed a five-piece Dixieland band called the Dixie Syncopators, with which he performed locally and on a tour to . In the mid-1920s, Harris relocated to and secured his first professional role as a drummer with the Henry Halstead Orchestra, where he contributed to recordings such as "Under the Ukelele Tree" in 1926. By 1928, he had advanced to frontman status, co-leading the Lofner-Harris Orchestra with pianist Carol Lofner; the group debuted at the Rendezvous Ballroom in Balboa, , before becoming the house band at 's St. Francis Hotel, where they performed for three years and built a regional following through energetic dance sets. Seeking expanded opportunities, Harris moved to in the late , transitioning to prominent hotel and theater venues that allowed him to refine his unique style of drumming while delivering comedic, relaxed vocals that blended humor with swing rhythms. The Lofner-Harris ensemble toured widely during this period, performing in upscale ballrooms and theaters across the West Coast, which helped solidify Harris's reputation as a versatile entertainer. His initial recordings emerged in with Victor Records, including six sides like "I Got the Ritz from the One I Love," where his vocal phrasing and drum work first showcased the playful, drawling persona that would define his sound.

Professional career

Radio performances

Phil Harris joined The Jack Benny Program in 1936 as the orchestra leader, initially serving as the musical director for the NBC and later CBS broadcast. His role quickly expanded beyond conducting, evolving into a prominent comic character known for portraying a boastful, hard-drinking Southerner with a lovable, exaggerated persona that blended hipster slang and self-aggrandizing humor. This transformation from bandleader to cast regular highlighted Harris's quick wit and Southern charm, making him a standout alongside host Jack Benny. Harris's contributions to the show included signature elements that became hallmarks of his radio style, such as his theme song "That's What I Like About the South," which opened segments with its jaunty tune celebrating Southern life, and catchphrases like "Hiya, Jackson!" directed at Benny in playful jabs. His banter often featured lively interplay with the cast, including Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, where Harris's brash character would trade quips on topics like nightlife and mishaps, adding to the show's ensemble dynamic and comedic rhythm. These interactions helped fuse music and comedy, with Harris leading the orchestra through songs that transitioned seamlessly into sketches. In 1948, Harris and began starring in the situation comedy The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show on (preceded by their co-hosting of The Fitch Bandwagon in 1946–1948), which ran until 1954 and produced 297 episodes centered on domestic humor. In the series, Harris played a bumbling, conceited and husband to Alice Faye's sharp-witted wife, navigating family life in with supporting characters like bandmate Frank Remley (Elliott Lewis) and the mischievous Julius (). The format emphasized relatable marital antics and lighthearted sketches, building on Harris's established persona while showcasing Faye's vocal talents. Harris's radio career included interruptions for service, when he joined the U.S. Merchant Marine in 1942 for 16 weeks, temporarily halting his appearances on . He also made guest spots on other programs, such as the May 10, 1951, episode of titled "Death on My Hands," where he and Faye starred in a thriller parody. Overall, Harris's work pioneered the blend of and music on radio, earning him substantial for his endearing, character that resonated with audiences during the era.

Recording achievements

Phil Harris began his recording career in 1931 as a vocalist with the Lofner-Harris Orchestra, initially releasing sides for Victor Records that featured his emerging voice in and band contexts. Early efforts included tracks like "Sleepy Time Down South" and "River, Stay 'Way from My Door," which showcased his smooth delivery alongside orchestral arrangements. By the mid-1930s, after the band's dissolution, Harris transitioned to solo work and various labels, including Columbia, Decca, and Vocalion, building a foundation in swing and before aligning with RCA Victor in the 1940s, where his commercial peak occurred. Harris's breakthrough as a recording came in the late and early with novelty singles that capitalized on his and distinctive style, often infused with humorous, Southern-themed narratives. His 1947 cover of "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)" reached No. 8 on Billboard's Best Sellers chart, blending elements with satirical lyrics about addiction. The signature tune "That's What I Like About the South," first recorded in 1937 but reissued by RCA Victor in 1946, became a staple of his , evoking through witty depictions of regional life and customs. His biggest success arrived with the novelty "The Thing," a quirky tale of a mysterious discovery that topped Billboard's Best Sellers chart for four weeks and held the No. 1 spot across multiple charts simultaneously, exemplifying his flair for absurd, rhythmic storytelling. Over his career, Harris released more than 70 singles across labels, with 11 charting entries that emphasized lighthearted, comedic tunes delivered in his resonant baritone, often drawing on Southern motifs for broad appeal. Post-1940s radio fame, he focused on solo RCA Victor releases, producing humorous tracks like "The Preacher and the Bear" and "Woodman, Spare That Tree," which highlighted his self-deprecating persona and roots without orchestral complexity. These recordings, promoted occasionally through his radio broadcasts, established him as a key figure in the novelty genre, influencing subsequent comic songsters with their blend of and accessibility. Harris's commercial legacy in recordings included multiple top-10 hits that sold steadily in the pre-rock era, though his style waned in popularity by the late 1950s amid shifting musical tastes toward youth-oriented rock and roll. Despite this, tracks like "The Thing" endured as holiday novelties and cultural touchstones, underscoring his impact on American popular music's humorous side.

Film and animation roles

Phil Harris began his film career in the early 1930s with a series of musical shorts and features that showcased his bandleader persona and comedic timing. His debut came in the RKO short So This Is Harris! (1933), where he portrayed a version of himself leading a band aboard a cruise ship, blending songs and sketches in a format that earned the film the Academy Award for Best Short Subject (Comedy). This success led to his first feature role in Melody Cruise (1933), a romantic comedy directed by Mark Sandrich, in which Harris played the suave orchestra leader Alan Grant, navigating romantic entanglements on a transatlantic voyage alongside stars like Charles Ruggles and Helen Mack. He followed with another lighthearted musical, Harris Against the World (1934), a short that highlighted his humorous struggles as a performer fending off romantic and professional rivals, further establishing him as a charismatic on-screen musician. In the mid-1940s and , Harris expanded into more varied roles, mixing comedy with occasional dramatic turns while often drawing on his radio fame. He took the lead in the Columbia musical comedy I Love a Bandleader (1945), directed by , playing , a house painter who amnesiacally assumes the role of a big-band leader, complete with song-and-dance numbers featuring Eddie "Rochester" Anderson and . Later, he ventured into drama with supporting parts, such as the affable co-pilot Ed Joseph in 's ensemble thriller The High and the Mighty (1954), where his easygoing delivery provided levity amid the high-stakes airplane crisis involving and . In Good-bye, My Lady (1956), a heartfelt family drama directed by , Harris portrayed the jovial storekeeper A.H. "Cash" Evans in a rural setting, supporting the story of a boy's bond with his dog alongside and . Harris's most enduring film contributions came through voice acting for Walt Disney Productions starting in the late 1960s, where his gravelly, laid-back baritone perfectly suited roguish, fun-loving animal characters. He voiced the carefree bear in the animated classic (1967), delivering iconic lines and songs like "" that captured the character's hedonistic charm opposite Mowgli's adventures. This role paved the way for similar performances, including the street-smart alley cat Thomas O'Malley in (1970), a suave mentor to stray kittens in Parisian high society, and the loyal bear in (1973), an anthropomorphic sidekick to the fox hero in a medieval tale. His final animation credit was a brief appearance as the sheepdog in Don Bluth's (1991), providing comic relief in the musical fantasy. Throughout his two-dozen-plus film appearances, Harris frequently embodied charming rogues, affable musicians, or figures, seamlessly integrating his musical talents with acting to create memorable, personality-driven portrayals. As he aged into his , Harris transitioned primarily to voice work, leveraging the distinctive persona honed on radio to bring warmth and humor to animated roles without the physical demands of live-action performance.

Personal life

Marriages and family

Phil Harris's first marriage was to Australian actress on September 2, 1927, in , , where his band was performing a long engagement; the couple had met during his concert appearances there. They adopted a son, Phil Harris Jr., known as "Tookie," born in 1935. The marriage ended amicably in divorce in September 1940, with no public acrimony reported. In 1941, Harris met fellow entertainer while both were regulars on the The Jack Benny Show, leading to their marriage on May 12 in , , followed by a church ceremony later that year in . The union, which lasted 54 years until Harris's death in 1995, produced two daughters: Alice, born in 1942, and Phyllis, born in 1944. Faye largely retired from film acting after the marriage to prioritize family life and homemaking, though she continued in radio alongside Harris. The couple's blended family, including Harris's son from his first marriage, inspired the comedic portrayal of domestic life on their radio series The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show (1948–1954), where exaggerated mishaps highlighted Harris's carefree persona against Faye's stabilizing influence. In later years, Harris and Faye maintained close family ties, with their daughters occasionally appearing at entertainment events alongside them but pursuing limited involvement in the industry themselves; Alice settled in New Orleans, and married a rancher. At the time of Harris's death, the family included four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Friendships and hobbies

Phil Harris maintained a close lifelong friendship with entertainer , with whom he frequently partnered in tournaments, including the annual National Pro-Am at Pebble Beach, where Harris won the amateur title in 1951 alongside professional Dutch Harrison. The two shared a bond rooted in shared interests and humor, often serving as co-commentators for the event's broadcasts. Following Crosby's death in 1977, Harris stepped in to replace him as the tournament's , continuing to contribute his witty insights until his own later years. An avid golfer, Harris regularly participated in Pro-Am events and owned property near golf courses in the Palm Springs area, where he became a longtime resident starting in the . His other hobbies included and , pursuits he showcased on episodes of the television series , reflecting his early experiences with outdoor activities in . Harris also enjoyed Southern-style cooking, often preparing meals at home as a relaxing pastime later in life. Harris demonstrated philanthropy through support for his hometown of , where he helped establish a scholarship fund for local high school students and contributed to the naming of a in his honor in Linton. In Palm Springs, as a resident of the Thunderbird Country Club community, he and his wife hosted an annual golf tournament to benefit local charities, fostering community ties without seeking the spotlight. His overall lifestyle was marked by a relaxed, humorous demeanor, favoring solitude and low-key gatherings over Hollywood's high-drama social scene, a preference he shared with Faye through family-oriented hobbies.

Death and legacy

Final years and passing

In the later stages of his career, following the 1970s, Phil Harris largely stepped back from prominent live performances and major productions, transitioning to selective roles in . His final on-screen contribution was voicing the bumbling sheepdog in the 1991 Don Bluth film , marking the end of his active professional engagements. Harris's health deteriorated in his advanced years, culminating in a brief hospitalization approximately two years prior to his death due to unspecified complications. On August 11, 1995, he suffered a fatal heart condition at his home in , at the age of 91; his wife and daughter Phyllis were by his side. A private funeral service was conducted at Palm Springs Mortuary shortly after his passing. Harris was cremated, and his ashes were placed in an outdoor garden niche at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in , later joined by those of his wife.

Enduring influence and awards

Phil Harris received the Academy Award for Best Short Subject () for his starring role in the 1933 film So This Is Harris!, directed by , which highlighted his comedic talents early in his career. In 1994, a Golden Palm Star was dedicated to him on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, recognizing his contributions to entertainment and his longtime residency in the area. He was inducted into the Golf Hall of Fame in 1993, honoring his roots as a native of , and his lifelong enthusiasm for the game. He was later inducted into the Broadcast Hall of Fame in 2005 for his achievements. Harris's voice work for Disney has left a profound legacy, particularly through his portrayal of Baloo in (1967), which influenced the laid-back, jazzy style of subsequent animated characters like Little John in (1973) and Thomas O'Malley in (1970). His raspy, affable delivery as Baloo has been revived in modern media, including references in Disney's live-action (2016) and ongoing tributes in fan animations and documentaries that emphasize his role in shaping Disney's comedic animal archetypes. This influence extends to broader animated comedy, where Harris's blend of Southern charm and inspired a more relaxed, personality-driven voicing approach in Disney productions. Harris's contributions to radio helped define the sitcom format, particularly through his boisterous character on and his self-titled show with , which popularized domestic comedy sketches blending music and humor for mass audiences in the 1940s and 1950s. His novelty songs, such as "The Thing" (1950), paved the way for later comedic musicians, directly inspiring artists like , who has cited Harris's playful style and performed tributes to his work in interviews and recordings. Harris embodied the Southern humor with his and self-deprecating wit, influencing portrayals of affable, roguish Southerners in American entertainment. Despite his radio stardom, Harris remains underappreciated in film circles compared to his broadcasting fame, with roles like So This Is Harris! often overshadowed by his voice acting and live performances. His Disney contributions hold potential for expanded tributes amid 2020s remakes and reboots, such as renewed interest in The Jungle Book adaptations that could highlight his original Baloo as a foundational influence. In recent years, honors have included the Phil Harris Scholarship, established in 1998 through the Greene County Foundation to support Linton-Stockton High School seniors, awarding multiple recipients annually in his memory. The 2020s have seen streaming revivals of his radio shows on platforms like and old-time radio archives, with new recreations by groups such as Project Audion introducing his comedy to younger audiences.

Media credits

Film appearances

Phil Harris's film appearances span from uncredited bit parts in the late 1920s to prominent voice roles in animated features in the late 20th century. Below is a chronological list of his credited film roles, including shorts and animated works where applicable.
  • 1929: Why Be Good? - Drummer in band at The Boiler (uncredited)
  • 1933: So This Is Harris! - Phil Harris
  • 1933: Melody Cruise - Alan Chandler
  • 1936: Double or Nothing - Himself
  • 1937: Turn Off the Moon - Phil Harris
  • 1939: Man About Town - Ted Nash
  • 1940: Buck Benny Rides Again - Himself
  • 1940: Dreaming Out Loud - Peter Atkinson
  • 1945: I Love a Bandleader - Phil Burton
  • 1950: Wabash Avenue - Mike Stanley
  • 1950: Texas Tom - Tom (singing voice)
  • 1951: The Wild Blue Yonder - Sgt. Hank Stack
  • 1951: Here Comes the Groom - Himself (uncredited)
  • 1951: Starlift - Himself
  • 1954: The High and the Mighty - Ed Joseph
  • 1956: Anything Goes - Steve Blair
  • 1956: Goodbye, My Lady - Mr. Cash
  • 1963: The Wheeler Dealers - Ray Jay Fox
  • 1964: The Patsy - Chick Wymore
  • 1967: The Cool Ones - MacElwaine
  • 1967: The Jungle Book - Baloo (voice)
  • 1970: The Aristocats - Thomas O'Malley (voice)
  • 1973: Robin Hood - Little John (voice)
  • 1991: Rock-A-Doodle - Patou / Narrator (voice)

Television work

Phil Harris transitioned to television in the mid-1950s, leveraging his radio fame for guest spots on variety programs and specials, where he typically performed songs, led comedic sketches, and occasionally hosted. His TV work emphasized his baritone singing and laid-back humor, often drawing from his bandleader persona, with around 20 documented appearances spanning four decades, primarily in musical and comedic formats. In the 1950s, Harris hosted and guested on anthology-style variety shows. For instance, in 1957, he hosted an episode of Shower of Stars, featuring musical performances and celebrity guests in a format blending entertainment and light drama. He also appeared as a guest on The Jack Benny Program in 1958, contributing comedic banter and songs alongside the regular cast. These early spots established him as a reliable entertainer on live broadcast television. The 1960s marked Harris's most active period on TV, with frequent guest roles on major variety series. He made multiple appearances on , including hosting duties on December 5, 1964, with , where he sang standards like "This Could Be the Start of Something," and on March 23, 1968, featuring . On , Harris guested in at least eight episodes across the decade, often dueting with Martin on tunes like "Oh, Mr. Gallagher; Oh, Mr. Shean" in a November 24, 1966, installment alongside . Other notable 1960s spots included a dramatic turn as Chief Flaming Arrow, a 147-year-old Hekawi leader, on in 1967's "What Are You Doing After the Massacre?," blending with Western tropes, and a guest role as songwriter Phil Stanley on in 1968. Harris continued his variety work into the 1970s, appearing on shows like Kraft Music Hall for musical segments and on February 5, 1970. He reprised his entertaining style on in 1974's "Lucy and Phil Harris Strike Up the Band," playing himself as a mentoring Lucy's eclectic ensemble. Later in the decade, he ventured into episodic drama with a guest spot on on December 2, 1978, as a nostalgic visitor seeking a revival. In the 1980s, following semi-retirement, Harris made select cameos, including on The Love Boat on January 26, 1980, where he portrayed a cruise passenger in comedic subplots involving romance and music. These appearances highlighted his enduring appeal as a lighthearted performer, even as his schedule lightened.
YearShowRole/Notes
1957Shower of StarsHost; musical variety special
1958The Jack Benny ProgramGuest; comedic sketches and songs
1964The Hollywood PalaceHost; with Ginger Rogers, performances of standards
1966The Dean Martin ShowGuest; duet with Dean Martin, alongside Alice Faye
1967F TroopChief Flaming Arrow; comedic Western role
1968The Lucy ShowPhil Stanley; songwriter character
1970This Is Tom JonesGuest; musical performance
1974Here's LucyHimself; bandleader mentoring talent
1978Fantasy IslandGuest; big band-themed story
1980The Love BoatPassenger; comedic cruise antics

Radio episodes

Phil Harris gained prominence in radio through his recurring role as the band's boisterous leader on , appearing in most episodes from 1936 to 1952, where his jive-talking, hard-drinking character often clashed humorously with Jack Benny's stingy persona. His debut episode on October 4, 1936, marked the introduction of this dynamic, setting the tone for his contributions to the show's comedy and musical segments. From 1946 to 1954, Harris co-starred with his wife Alice Faye in The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show, a domestic comedy series sponsored initially by Fitch and later by Rexall, featuring their real-life daughters and a cast including Elliott Lewis as bandmate Frankie Remley. Approximately 250 episodes survive from the series' run of over 300 broadcasts, many preserved through old time radio archives. Notable examples include:
  • October 2, 1949: "Frankie Borrows Phil's New Car" – Remley takes Harris's new car on an ill-fated joyride, leading to a series of escalating mishaps involving the family and the band.
  • December 15, 1946: "Present for Phil" – Harris receives an unexpected gift that sparks comedic family misunderstandings and band antics during the holiday season.
  • December 18, 1949: "Getting Christmas Tree in Mountains" – The family embarks on a chaotic trip to chop down a Christmas tree, highlighting Harris's bumbling leadership.
  • December 23, 1951: "Stolen Christmas Presents" – Harris scrambles to recover pilfered holiday gifts amid suspicions falling on his unreliable bandmates.
Harris also made guest appearances on other programs, such as the anthology series Suspense. On May 10, 1951, he and Faye starred in "Death on My Hands," a thriller parody where Harris's character faces a lynch mob after a comedic mix-up, blending their sitcom style with suspense elements. Many of these episodes, including full sets from both series, are accessible via digital archives like the Internet Archive's Old Time Radio collection, allowing preservation and study of Harris's radio legacy.

Discography

Key singles

Phil Harris's key singles emphasized novelty tunes with humorous, folksy themes, often backed by his orchestra and promoted via radio airplay on programs like the Jack Benny Show. These recordings captured his distinctive drawling vocal style and contributed to his reputation as a entertainer blending music and comedy. Between 1931 and 1960, Harris released over 20 singles, several of which charted on Billboard's various pre-Hot 100 lists, including Best Sellers in Stores and Most Played by Jockeys. His most successful single, "The Thing," a percussive novelty track about a mysterious box, topped the chart for four weeks in 1950 and became a million-seller. Other standout releases included signature songs like "That's What I Like About the South," a jaunty to Southern life recorded in 1947 for RCA Victor, which became closely associated with his persona despite not reaching the top ranks. "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)," a cover of the Merle Travis-penned anti-smoking novelty, peaked at #8 in 1947. Notable early entries highlighted his swing-era roots, while later tracks such as "Woodman, Spare That Tree," a comedic take on the 19th-century poem set to music, appeared in 1946. These singles exemplified Harris's focus on lighthearted, accessible material that resonated through radio promotion. The following table summarizes select key singles with available chart data:
YearTitleLabelPeak Chart Position (Billboard)
1933How's About It?-#10
1946One-Zy Two-Zy (Phil Harris & his )-#2
1946The Dark Town Poker Club (Phil Harris & his )ARA 116#10
1947Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette) (Phil Harris & his )-#8
1947That's What I Like About the SouthRCA VictorSignature hit (no peak listed)
1950Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy (Phil Harris & his )-#8
1950Woodman, Spare That Tree-
1950The ThingRCA Victor 47-3968#1
1950Simple MelodyRCA Victor 47-3781#30
1968But I Loved YouColiseum 2711#23 AC

Albums and compilations

Phil Harris's recording career with RCA Victor produced a modest but influential body of studio albums, primarily in the late and , blending novelty tunes, standards, and comedic Southern-flavored songs backed by his . These releases captured his signature drawling vocal style and humorous delivery, which had already gained popularity through radio broadcasts. His albums emphasized entertainment value over experimental innovation, often drawing from his hit singles like "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)" and "The Thing." His debut album, On the Record (RCA Victor, 1948), was issued as a four-disc 78 RPM set (later reissued in 1949 as a three-disc 45 RPM ), compiling sixteen tracks of upbeat pop and folk numbers performed with Phil Harris and His . The collection highlighted his early big-band sound, including renditions of "Is It True What They Say About ?" and "After You've Gone," showcasing his rhythmic phrasing and lighthearted banter. In 1954, Harris released You're Blasé (RCA Victor LPM-3203), a 10-inch LP featuring eight tracks with Skip Martin and His Orchestra, focusing on sophisticated and pop standards. Key selections included the title track "You're Blasé," "Washboard Blues," and "I Guess I'll Have to Change My Plan," where Harris's gravelly vocals added a comedic twist to the arrangements. This album marked a shift toward more polished, lounge-oriented material amid his rising radio fame. Harris's final studio album, The South Shall Rise Again (RCA Victor LSP-1985/LPM-1985, 1959), was a full-length 12-inch LP available in both mono and stereo formats, emphasizing novelty songs with Dixieland and country influences. Produced as part of RCA's "Popular Sound Spectaculars" series, it featured tracks like the title song and "The South Rampart Street Parade," reflecting Harris's affinity for Southern humor and brass-heavy ensembles. The album's playful, exaggerated style aligned with his comedic persona, though it received mixed reviews for its overt novelty approach. Posthumous compilations have sustained Harris's musical legacy, aggregating his chart-topping singles from through across labels like Vocalion, Decca, and RCA Victor. These releases often remaster rare tracks and emphasize his comedic hits, making his work accessible to new generations. Notable examples include Southern Comfort... The Best of Phil Harris (Mega Records, 1972), a vinyl compilation spotlighting Southern-themed tracks such as "That's What I Like About the South" and "Woodman, Spare That Tree," which peaked in popularity during his radio heyday. The 1988 double-LP That's What I Like About Phil Harris (BMG/RCA, 1988) drew from his RCA catalog, including selections from earlier albums like You're Blasé and On the Record, with hits like "The Darktown Poker Club" and "Never Trust a ." Similarly, His Original & Greatest Hits (ASV/London, 1999 CD reissue) compiled 23 remastered tracks from 1933–1950, featuring top-charting singles such as "The Thing" (No. 1 in 1950) and "Smoke! Smoke! Smoke!," providing a chronological overview of his crossover appeal in pop and novelty genres. More recent efforts, like The Thing About Phil Harris (1996), focused on his output, while digital platforms have enabled ongoing anthologies such as Old Curly's Anthology (2023 compilation).
Studio AlbumRelease YearLabelFormatKey Themes/Notes
On the Record1948RCA Victor78 RPM set (later 45 RPM)Pop/folk standards with orchestra; 16 tracks
You're Blasé1954RCA Victor10" LPJazz/pop standards; 8 tracks with Skip Martin Orchestra
The South Shall Rise Again1959RCA Victor12" LP (mono/stereo)Novelty/Southern songs; 12 tracks in "Sound Spectaculars" series
Notable CompilationsRelease YearLabelFormatKey Tracks/Notes
Southern Comfort... The Best of Phil Harris1972Mega RecordsLP"That's What I Like About the South"; focuses on 1940s hits
That's What I Like About Phil Harris1988BMG/RCA2x LPDraws from RCA albums; includes "The Darktown Poker Club"
His Original & Greatest Hits1999ASV/LondonCD23 remastered singles; covers 1933–1950, e.g., "The Thing"
The Best of Phil Harris1985RCALPReissue compilation; big band and swing selections

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