Leigh Harris

Biography

Leigh Harris, best known by her stage name 'Little Queenie,' was born on July 27, 1954, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Raised in Old Metairie, she was immersed in music from an early age—her father was a clarinetist with a passion for Big Band and Dixieland, and her mother was an educator and director of a local school. Harris began singing as a toddler and performed publicly by age 11, quickly developing a love for rock and roll after seeing the Beatles at age 10. By her teens, she was writing folk songs and performing at local festivals.

Harris became a defining figure in the New Orleans music scene in the 1970s, adopting the moniker 'Little Queenie' in 1975. She co-founded the influential band Li'l Queenie and the Percolators with keyboardist John Magnie, performing regularly at legendary venues like Tipitina's and Jimmy's Music Club. The group blended soul, funk, jazz, and New Orleans R&B, and their song 'My Darlin' New Orleans' became an enduring local anthem, later featured in the HBO series 'Treme.' After the Percolators disbanded in 1982, Harris continued her career with a variety of projects, including bluegrass and vocal ensembles, and released four solo albums. She was celebrated for her vocal range, stage presence, and genre-defying artistry, collaborating with many of New Orleans' musical greats.

Throughout her four-decade career, Harris was revered not only as a performer but also as a mentor and inspiration to younger musicians. Her openness, humor, and generosity left a lasting mark on the New Orleans music community. Harris passed away in 2019 at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy as one of the city's most dynamic and influential voices.

Fun Facts

• Leigh Harris adopted the nickname 'Little Queenie' in 1975, inspired by her petite stature and commanding presence.
• She often dyed her hair red and cut it with fingernail clippers, contributing to her memorable stage persona.
• Her song 'My Darlin' New Orleans' was featured in the first episode of HBO's 'Treme,' 30 years after its original release.
• Harris was known for her bawdy sense of humor and hard-partying ways, which became part of her legend in New Orleans music circles.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Allan Joseph Harris, Jr. - Her father, a clarinetist and lover of Big Band and Dixieland, fostered her early musical environment. (Family musical upbringing) [1950s–1960s]

Key Collaborators

• John Magnie - Co-founder of Li'l Queenie and the Percolators; frequent musical partner. (Li'l Queenie and the Percolators) [1970s–early 1980s]
• Emily Remler - Jazz guitarist who played with the Percolators for several months. (Li'l Queenie and the Percolators live performances) [Late 1970s]
• Dr. John - Recorded and performed together as part of the New Orleans music scene. (Various collaborations) [1980s–2000s]
• James Booker - Collaborated in recording and live performance. (Various collaborations) [1980s]
• Irma Thomas - Collaborated in New Orleans music projects. (Various collaborations) [1980s–2000s]
• The Meters - Collaborated in recording and live performance. (Various collaborations) [1980s–2000s]
• The Neville Brothers - Collaborated in New Orleans music projects. (Various collaborations) [1980s–2000s]
• Allen Toussaint - Collaborated in recording and live performance. (Various collaborations) [1980s–2000s]
• Peter Holsapple - Bandmate in Mixed Knots, a bluegrass-style band. (Mixed Knots) [1980s]
• Jimmy Robinson - Bandmate in Mixed Knots and other projects. (Mixed Knots) [1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Numerous younger New Orleans vocalists - Mentored and inspired emerging singers through her openness and generosity. (Personal mentorship, collaborative performances) [1980s–2010s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Fantasmic! - From Fantasmic! (Disneyland)
2. Love's First Kiss(Finale)
3. Pinocchio: When You Wish Upon A Star (arr. R. Hayman): When You Wish Upon A Star (When You Wish Upon A Star)
4. The Fantasyland Darkride Suite - From "Fantasyland"
5. Little Wooden Head
6. The Blue Fairy
7. 星に願いを（ピノキオ） - 『ピノキオ』より
8. Magic Mirror
9. There's Trouble a-Brewin'
10. It's a Girl

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia