On this day, June 24, 1904, Wonga Philip Harris was born. Okay, Phil Harris.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

Phil Harris



Harris in 1956

Born: Wonga Philip Harris; June 24, 1904; Linton, Indiana, U.S.
Died: August 11, 1995 (aged 91); Rancho Mirage, California, U.S.
Resting place: Forest Lawn Cemetery, Cathedral City, California
Other names: Wonga Harris, Wonga P. Harris

Wonga Philip Harris (June 24, 1904 – August 11, 1995) was an American actor, comedian, musician and songwriter. He was an orchestra leader and a pioneer in radio situation comedy, first with The Jack Benny Program, then in The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show in which he co-starred with his wife, singer-actress Alice Faye, for eight years. Harris is also noted for his voice acting in animated films. As a voice actor, he played Baloo in The Jungle Book (1967), Thomas O'Malley in The Aristocats (1970), Little John in Robin Hood (1973), and Patou in Rock-a-Doodle (1991). As a singer, he recorded a #1 novelty hit record, "The Thing" (1950).

{snip}

Sat May 10, 2014: Phil Harris & Johnny Cash - That's What I Like About the South

The first hit at YouTube is for the clip from Phil Harris's 1945 movie I Love a Bandleader, but I thought I'd go with the duet with Johnny Cash instead.

Wait: his first name was Wonga? What was the origin of that?

Ask, and ye shall receive.

I know I've posted this before, but I can't find it now.

Phil Harris - That's What I Like About The South

pappyredux
3.99K subscribers

The original Dixie Hipster lays out the Andy Razaf classic, that's been covered by Bob Wills, Cliff Bruner and many more...

Phil Harris - "Preacher and the Bear" (1961)
37,234 views Jun 5, 2013

vintage video clips
55.4K subscribers

Phil Harris performing "Preacher and the Bear" (1961)
from the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas.

[rurallib]

1. I listen to old time radio as I go to sleep at night

His radio show with his wife, Alice Faye was hilarious.