Biography
The search results reveal multiple individuals named Alfred or Albert Harris, making a definitive biography challenging. The most prominent figure is Albert Harris (13 February 1916 – 14 February 2005), an English musician and composer who spent most of his career in Hollywood. Born in London, Harris demonstrated early musical talent, studying piano from age 6 and becoming a self-taught guitarist. During the mid-1930s, he established himself as a session musician in London, notably performing as a guitarist with the Lew Stone band, where his improvisations enhanced numerous recordings between 1934-35.
Harris relocated to New York in 1938, where he played piano in big bands across the United States before pursuing formal music education at New York University's College of Music, earning a doctorate in music in 1944. He moved to Los Angeles in 1942 and studied composition with Mary Carr Moore and Eugen Zador, and conducting with Richard Lert. Over 30 years, Harris worked as an orchestrator, arranger, and composer for major film studios and collaborated with prominent artists including Barbra Streisand, Roberta Flack, and Cher. He served as Assistant Musical Director for NBC from 1946 to 1949 and was a professor of orchestration at UCLA.
Harris's later career included founding Music Service Incorporated (MSI) with Nelson Riddle and others, which produced music for television shows including the Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Tyler Moore, and Andy Griffith Show. He composed and conducted for Quinn Martin Productions, creating scores for television series such as Cannon, Barnaby Jones, and Streets of San Francisco. Harris retired from film and television work in 1990, married Diane Smith from New Zealand in 1986, and relocated to New Zealand in 1992, where he died in Auckland on 14 February 2005.
Fun Facts
- Harris's harmonic language was described by composer Ned Rorem as sounding 'like the great outdoors,' drawing comparison to Aaron Copland's compositional style.
- He co-lectured at a composer's workshop with Henry Mancini while serving as president of the American Society of Music Arrangers (1989-1991).
- Harris's Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel was recorded by legendary classical guitarist Andrés Segovia, demonstrating his skill in composing for the instrument.
- He was born on 13 February 1916 and died exactly 89 years later on 14 February 2005, one day after his birthday.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Mary Carr Moore - Composition teacher in Los Angeles (Composition studies) [1942 onwards]
- Eugen Zador - Composition teacher in Los Angeles (Composition studies) [1942 onwards]
- Richard Lert - Conducting teacher in Los Angeles (Conducting studies) [1942 onwards]
- Darius Milhaud - Invited Harris to speak at Santa Barbara Academy of the West (Academic engagement) [Later career]
Key Collaborators
- Nelson Riddle - Co-founder of Music Service Incorporated (MSI) (Television music for Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Tyler Moore, Ray Bolger Show, Danny Thomas Show, Andy Griffith Show) [Mid-career]
- Barbra Streisand - Music director for television special (Barbra and Other Instruments TV special) [Career]
- Cher - Music orchestrator and arranger (Bittersweet Moonlight album) [Career]
- Roberta Flack - Music arranger for Hollywood appearances (Hollywood performances) [Career]
- Frank deVol - Conductor who recorded Harris's compositions (Bacchanal album (15 pieces named for Greek gods)) [1959]
Artists Influenced
- Andrés Segovia - Recorded Harris's guitar composition (Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Handel) [Later career]
- Aaron Copland - Nominated Harris for the National Composer's Award; shared harmonic language (Concerto de California (guitar and String Quartet)) [Career]
Connection Network
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
ALFRED HARRIS has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 5, 2026 | 14:57 | MY LIFE BLUESfrom HARMONICA BLUES KINGS | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe |