Chicago saxophonist/composer (born October 20, 1936) has been unjustifiably dismissed by jazzmen for his early mainstream commercial success. Harris briefly studied the piano and sang, before taking up the vibes, clarinet and tenor saxophone in High School. He toured (as a pianist) with Gene Ammons, and then (during the '50s) with the 7th Army Symphony Orchestra in its performances in France and Germany. Returning to Chicago, he recorded a million-selling movie theme ("Exodus"), which unexpectedly tarnished his jazz credentials.
In addition, he experimented with electronics, rock rhythms, and a reed-based trumpet and flugelhorn, and wrote an influential series of saxophone books.
Among his recordings are The Electrifying Eddie Harris/Plug Me In (1967/8; Rhino/Atlantic), Artist's Choice: The Eddie Harris Anthology (Atlantic), and Les McCann's Swiss Movement.
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