It is with sadness that we announce the passing of longtime musician Rockin' Bobby Harris (Robert Edward Harris). He died on August 24, 2023. Our condolences to his family, friends and fans.
From Discogs.com:
Born in 1937 in Simcoe, Ontario, Rockin' Bobby Harris began his musical career at the age of 16 when he bought his first acoustic guitar and began playing rockabilly, with both originals and covers.
Although his main gig was driving a big rig, Bobby still whooped and hollered whenever he could. He was a big fan of Carl Perkins, Johnny Horton, Buddy Holly and Johnny Cash. In 1960 he finally met Johnny Cash face to face, and was blown away by that meeting. Bob also released a single during his younger years. Once Bobby retired from trucking, he had more time to play.
From 1997 to 2007 Bobby joined 'Two Dollar Bill And His Bad Pennies' playing gigs all over Ontario. When he realized his health was starting to hold him back from playing, Bobby cut a CD in 2005 with producer Andy Magoffin so he'd have a viable recording of his style and music. Two different version of this CD exist. When Two Dollar Bill broke his band up, Bobby began singing with Bernie Demmery's band in Port Dover for two years.
Bobby stopped actively playing after 2009, but still lives down in Tillsonburg, ON, where music is still his life. Bob is also a very skilled artist, and one of his drawings is on display at the Simcoe Art Museum.
Social Media Reaction
Local Legend “Rockin” Bobby Harris has been liberated from the trials of his earthly body.
An original in the early golden days of the true Norfolk Sound, he never quit, often resorting to taping a pick to his hand because he could no longer grip one. Rockin’ Bob was a treasure to those of us old enough to remember as well as the generations to follow.
He was very kind to me and I’m embarrassed at the number of years that have disappeared since our last visit.
Our hearts go out to his dear ones.
Video above courtesy of Rockin' Bobby Harris
Video above courtesy of Rockin' Bobby Harris
Video above courtesy of Rockin' Bobby Harris
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