Rock & roll star Wee Willie Harris ‘sang right to the end’ (Picture: Rick Hardy/Redferns)
The wife of rock and roll legend Wee Willie Harris, ‘the wild man of rock and roll’ has confirmed that the man who inspired The Beatles has died aged 90.
Harris, whose real name was Charlie William Harris, died on Thursday after a career that spanned eight decades and began in London back in 1957.
Known for his energetic live performances, Harris began his music career after becoming the resident piano player at the iconic 2i’s Coffee Bar in Soho.
Harris backed famous performers of rock and roll, including teen idols Tommy Steele and Adam Faith, and eventual politician Screaming Lord Sutch.
After being noticed by TV producers, Harris was put on the big stage, which led to John Lennon and Paul McCartney queuing for his autograph in Liverpool in 1958.
Sheila Harris, the music star’s wife of 47 years, told The Sun: ‘He was a lovely man. A lovely husband. But it was music all the way with him.’
Paul McCartney and John Lennon once queued to get Willie’s signature (Picture: Getty)
She continued: ‘He was just such a brilliant man. He inspired so many – including Paul McCartney. He was an absolute sensation. He will be so, so missed.’
After paying tribute to her late husband, Sheila said Harris ‘sang right up to the very’ and was always a ‘perfect gentleman’ to her in their later years.
Representatives of the late singer Dusty Springfield also expressed their condolences for the man Dusty once sang backing vocals for in 1966.
Willie (left) with Lord Sutch (right) later in their lives in 1989 (Picture: Getty)
They said: ‘Sorry to hear of the death of Wee Will Harris. He came to Dusty Day in 2013 and entertained us with his stories and songs.’
Harris was referenced in Sir Paul’s autobiography and Ian Dury’s Reasons to Be Cheerful Part 3, which reached number 3 in the UK singles chart in 1979.
In return, Harris recorded an album titled Twenty Reasons to Be Cheerful in 1999, releasing the record the following year.
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Though Harris never appeared in the charts himself, he did tour the UK extensively, becoming known for his bright orange and pink hair.
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He also helped launch Dusty Springfield’s career.