Charlie Harris

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.