peppermint harris

Biography

Peppermint Harris, born Harrison Demotra Nelson, Jr. on July 17, 1925, in Texarkana, Texas, was a prominent American rhythm and blues and jump blues singer and guitarist. He began his musical journey in Houston in the late 1940s, performing professionally at venues such as the Eldorado Ballroom and recording under the name Peppermint Nelson. His stage name 'Peppermint' was inspired by the trend of catchy nicknames among local blues musicians, and his friend Lightnin' Hopkins played a pivotal role in helping him secure his first recording opportunity.

Harris's breakthrough came in 1951 after moving to Los Angeles, where he signed with Modern Records and recorded for Aladdin Records. His single "I Got Loaded" became a major hit, reaching number one on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart in November 1951. Despite releasing several more tracks, none matched the success of his signature song. Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Harris continued recording for various smaller labels in Southern California, and later in Shreveport, Sacramento, and New Jersey. His final album was released in 1995. Harris's blend of blues, rhythm and blues, and jump blues helped shape the genre's development, and he remained active in music until his passing in Elizabeth, New Jersey, on March 19, 1999, at age 73.

Fun Facts

• Peppermint Harris's stage name was the result of a recording label mix-up—his real surname, Nelson, was forgotten, and 'Harris' was used instead.
• His biggest hit, 'I Got Loaded,' reached number one on the Billboard R&B chart in 1951 and has been widely covered by other artists.
• Harris earned a Bachelor's degree in English while performing in blues clubs after World War II.
• He continued recording and performing into the 1990s, releasing his final album in 1995.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Lightnin' Hopkins - Friend and mentor who helped Harris get his first recording opportunity and influenced his blues style. (Early Houston recordings, Gold Star label sessions) [Late 1940s]

Key Collaborators

• Henry Hayes - Led the band that accompanied Harris on his early hit 'Rainin' in My Heart.' ('Rainin' in My Heart' (Sittin' In With label)) [1949-1950]
• Bob Shad - Record label owner who produced Harris's early recordings and inadvertently gave him his stage name. (Sittin' In With label sessions) [1950]

Artists Influenced

• Los Lobos - Covered Harris's hit 'I Got Loaded,' demonstrating his influence on later blues and roots musicians. ('I Got Loaded' (cover version)) [1980s]
• Terry Evans - Recorded 'I Got Loaded' with Ry Cooder, showing Harris's enduring impact on blues and R&B artists. ('I Got Loaded' (1996 recording)) [1996]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. I Got Loaded (Greatest Blues Licks)
2. I Got Loaded (Jump Blue: Rockin' The Jukes)
3. Wait Until It Happens to You (The Northern Soul Of Jewel-Paula-Ronn)
4. I Got Loaded - Remastered (Golden Selection (Remastered))
5. Cadillac Funeral
6. I Got Loaded
7. Married Woman
8. Angel Child
9. Wait Until It Happens To You
10. Need Your Lovin' (The Mojo Man Special, Vol. 5 - Party Time)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #jump-blues, #r&b