Anyone who sees Tommie Harris on stage today is witnessing 80 years of living blues, gospel, and jazz history: authentic, honest, and genuine. Tommie Harris was born in 1938 in Bessemer, Alabama. As the child of a musical family, music was in his blood. Even during his high school years, he was drumming on partially homemade drum kits, singing in the gospel choir, and playing 45 rpm blues records at his relatives' parties on the weekends.
In 1959, like many Black people in the US, he joined the Air Force out of frustration with the lack of prospects and persistent racial segregation. His path led him via Korea to Germany. There, he formed his first band in 1964, which soon began touring the American bases with great success. Even after his time in the army ended, it was clear: his future as an independent musician lay in Europe.
Tommie Harris has lived in Germany for 51 years and tours the world. He has played with a wide variety of musicians, including big names like Jimmie Reed and Luther Allison, in whose band he played until Allison's death, and has performed regularly with his own band projects – currently under the name Tommie Harris And Friends. Music is the home that Tommie Harris has maintained for himself.
His blues-infused voice embodies 50 years of German-American musical history. His journey has led from the 'foreign' music of the GIs through the 'wild' 60s and 70s to 'recognized' cultural heritage. His work is now also recognized in the USA. Tommie Harris was inducted into the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame in 1987.
The Bluescats are looking forward to presenting this wonderful musician. On January 12.01.19, XNUMX, they recorded and filmed a concert at Haus Eifgen in Wermelskirchen.
1. Why I Sing the Blues
2. Ride With Mule 5
3. Luther's Blues
4. Take Your Time
5. Caledonia
6. BB King Story
7. The Thrill Is Gone
8. Got My Mojo Working
9. It's a Blues World
10. Night Time Is The Right Time
11. Who's Been Talking
12. Just a Little Bit
13. Georgia On My Mind
