Cornbread Harris shares stories and songs from his seven-decade career

Topics | Arts & Culture | Types | Interviews | Performances | Special Collections | Minnesota Musicians | Black life in Minnesota | Black music in the North Star State | Music | People | Cornbread Harris: A Profile |
December 27, 2017
Tom Weber - Host and Interviewer, Andrea Swensson - Interviewer, James "Cornbread" Harris, Sr. - Interviewee and Performer, Julie Siple - Producer
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MPR News with Tom Weber presents a full program dedicated to James "Cornbread" Harris, Sr. Earlier in 2017, the 90-year-old rock 'n' roll pioneer (also known as Jimmy "Jam" Harris, Jr.'s dad) visited The Current's studios to record an in-studio session with Local Show host Andrea Swensson and MPR News host Tom Weber to kick off their Summer Music Series. Program includes song performances and sharing stories of his life and career.

Cornbread got his start playing in Augie Garcia's band back in the 1950s. He explains the origins of their 1955 hit song "Hi Yo Silver,” the first rock 'n' roll record to come out of Minnesota. He also plays a newer song he wrote for Jimmy Jam, "Cool Rider;" tells the story behind his personal anthem, "Cornbread;" and debuts a poignant and timely tune called "Put the World Back Together."

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