Norman Harris

Guitarist/producer/arranger/songwriter Norman Harris can be heard on countless Philly soul sessions of the '60s, '70s, and '80s. He was a founding member of Mfsb, the rhythm/strings/horns aggregation that was the house band for Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International label. As one third of the production trio of Baker-Harris-Young, he produced hits on First Choice, Eddie Holman, The Salsoul Orchestra, and Love Committee for Salsoul Records, as well as Atlantic Records acts The Trammps. He also had hits with Gloria Gaynor ("Honey Bee"), The Delfonics ("La La Means I Love You," "Didn't I Blow Your Mind"), Jerry Butler ("Hey Western Union Man," "Only the Strong Survive"), Wilson Pickett ("Engine Number 9," "Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You"), Joe Simon ( "Drowning in the Sea of Love," "Power of Love"), and The Spinners ("I'll Be Around," "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love"), among many others. Beside fellow Mfsb members drummer Earl Young and bassist Ron Baker, Harris' frequent songwriting partners were Allan Felder and Bunny Sigler. He came up with his unique string and horn arrangements by composing the parts on his guitar.

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