In The News

Shadows bassist Jet Harris passes away

Shadows bassist Jet Harris passes away

Jet Harris, who was the bassist with The Shadows, has died. He was 71.

Born Terence Harris, he became known as Jet because of his speed as a runner.

He joined Cliff Richard’s backing band in 1958 when it was known as The Drifters and it was Mr. Harris’s suggestion that they should be renamed The Shadows.

During his time with the group he played on hits including Apache and Living Doll.

Sir Cliff Richard has paid tribute to Mr. Harris.

He said: “Jet was exactly what The Shadows and I needed – a backbone holding our sound together.

“Jet will always be an integral part of British rock’an’roll history. Losing him is sad, but the great memories will stay with me.”

After leaving The Shadows Mr. Harris enjoyed some success with a solo career. 

He release his last album, The Journey, in 2007. 

In 1998 he received a Fender Lifetime Achievement Award for his role in popularising the bass guitar in Britain.

Mr. Harris, who was made an M.B.E. in 2009 for services to music, had been suffering from cancer.

 

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