Ray Harris - rockabilly legend recorded for Sun, Hi Records founder

Mississippi-born Ray Harris (1927-2003) was a first generation rocker who recorded for Sun Records and later opened the Hi Records studio.

Hi Records specialized in rockabilly and soul music. Their commercial peak was in the 1960s and 1970s, due to the success of Al Green's recordings. O.V. Wright and Ann Peebles also recorded for Hi Records. At Hi Records, Harris produced a number of artists such as Bill Black, Ace Cannon, Willie Mitchell, Gene Simmons, Jerry Jaye, Maury Kellum and Charlie Rich. Harris cut other artists such as Chuck Berry, Ike and Tina Turner, Bobby "Blue" Bland and Slim Harpo, which were rental sessions.

Ray's energetic rockabilly version of 'Greenback Dollar' featured Roy Orbison as one of the background vocalists

The Ray Harris recording 'Greenback Dollar' (alternate version) was featured on Vol. 17 of the "That'll Flat Git It" compilation series released by Bear family Records.


Despite retiring from the music business as a recording artist and having not gigged since the early 1960s, Ray Harris later returned to create a handful of new recordings. His final album "Raw N Rockin" featured some re-recorded and re-worked versions of hits and favorites. During the same year of his new release, Harris passed away on November 13, 2003.

 

'Come On Little Mama' as written and recorded by Ray Harris

Ray Harris in his early years

In 2003, Ray Harris sits in the studio working on his final album, "Raw N Rockin'

Ray Harris (far right) with a team of rock legends

The album "Raw N Rockin'

 

Impressive stuff, another guy I know little about....
Thanks for the heads up on this guy.

 

In my mind, Ray never died.

 

A powerful recording entitled 'Foolish Heart'