Do YOU remember Wee Willy Harris?

16/11/2009

 The musicians you remember say a lot about your age as well as your taste. So do you remember Wee Willie Harris?

 

The diminutive (5’ 2”) entertainer played a big part in the birth of English rock and roll back in the 50s… and is still knocking them out at venues up and down the country and still making records (although these days we’re supposed to call them ‘CDs’).

 

Part of the same generation that produced Cliff and the Shadows, Tommy Steele, Adam Faith and Screaming Lord Sutch, he was resident pianist at the famous ‘2 I’s’ coffee bar in Old Compton Street before making a name for himself as a singer and appearing on programmes like the Six Five Special.

 

While Willie never made it big in the charts, his live performances were legendary – and he was particularly noted for his wildly coloured hair, oversized jackets and (of course) drainpipe trousers.

 

Now one of his many long-standing fans is writing a biography of Willie – and has asked for our help. “I’d love to hear from anyone who remembers him and may have a story to tell,” says Andrew Ings. “Even the smallest thing would be very welcome.”

 

You can email Andrew at Andrew.ings@talk21.com or write to him a 83 Notley Road, Braintree, Essex CM7 1HE.

 

And while we’re on the subject, we would always welcome readers’ 

recollections of meeting famous people – especially if they are entertaining. email editorial@maturetimes.co.uk