Precious Harris was an American R&B singer, songwriter, and actress, best known for her hit songs "I Can't Stay Away from You" and "Fallin'." She was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi, on February 14, 1946, and began singing in church at a young age.
Harris's career began in the 1960s, when she signed with Capitol Records and released her debut album, "Precious Harris." The album was a commercial success, and Harris followed it up with a string of hit singles, including "I Can't Stay Away from You," "Fallin'," and "Didn't Want to Have to Do It."
In the 1970s, Harris continued to release successful albums and singles, and she also began acting, appearing in films such as "Claudine" and "The Wiz." She continued to perform and record throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and she released her final album, "Precious Harris Live," in 2009.
Harris died on December 16, 2018, at the age of 72. She was a talented singer, songwriter, and actress, and her music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
Precious Harris
Precious Harris was an American R&B singer, songwriter, and actress, best known for her hit songs "I Can't Stay Away from You" and "Fallin'." She was known for her powerful vocals and her passionate performances.
- Singer
- Songwriter
- Actress
- R&B
- Hit songs
- Powerful vocals
Harris's music was influenced by a variety of genres, including R&B, soul, and gospel. She was a gifted songwriter, and her songs often explored themes of love, loss, and heartbreak. Harris was also a talented actress, and she appeared in several films and television shows throughout her career.
Harris was a pioneer for women in the music industry. She was one of the first female artists to write and produce her own music. She was also a role model for other African-American artists, and she helped to pave the way for future generations of singers and songwriters.
1. Singer
Precious Harris was a singer, songwriter, and actress, best known for her hit songs "I Can't Stay Away from You" and "Fallin'." She was known for her powerful vocals and her passionate performances.
Harris began singing in church at a young age. She signed with Capitol Records in the 1960s and released her debut album, "Precious Harris." The album was a commercial success, and Harris followed it up with a string of hit singles.
Harris's music was influenced by a variety of genres, including R&B, soul, and gospel. She was a gifted songwriter, and her songs often explored themes of love, loss, and heartbreak.
Harris was a pioneer for women in the music industry. She was one of the first female artists to write and produce her own music. She was also a role model for other African-American artists, and she helped to pave the way for future generations of singers and songwriters.
Harris's singing career spanned over four decades. She released her final album, "Precious Harris Live," in 2009. She died in 2018 at the age of 72.
2. Songwriter
Precious Harris was a gifted songwriter. She wrote many of her own hit songs, including "I Can't Stay Away from You" and "Fallin'." Her songs were often deeply personal and explored themes of love, loss, and heartbreak.
- Lyrical prowess
Harris had a gift for writing lyrics that were both poetic and relatable. Her songs often told stories about the human experience, and her lyrics resonated with listeners of all ages.
- Musicality
Harris was also a talented musician. Her songs were often complex and sophisticated, and she had a knack for writing melodies that were both catchy and memorable.
- Collaboration
Harris also collaborated with other songwriters throughout her career. She co-wrote many of her hit songs, including "I Can't Stay Away from You" with her husband, Clarence Paul.
- Legacy
Harris's songwriting has had a lasting impact on the music industry. Her songs have been covered by many other artists, and her influence can be heard in the work of contemporary R&B and soul singers.
Harris's songwriting was an essential part of her success as a singer and performer. Her songs were personal, relatable, and musically sophisticated. She was a true pioneer in the music industry, and her songwriting continues to inspire and influence artists today.
3. Actress
Precious Harris was not only a talented singer and songwriter, but also an accomplished actress. She appeared in several films and television shows throughout her career, including "Claudine" and "The Wiz." Her acting was praised for its depth and emotion, and she was able to bring a unique perspective to the roles she played.
- Early Career
Harris began her acting career in the early 1970s, appearing in small roles in films and television shows. She got her big break in 1974 when she was cast in the film "Claudine." Her performance in the film was critically acclaimed, and she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress.
- The Wiz
In 1978, Harris starred in the film "The Wiz." The film was a musical adaptation of the Broadway play of the same name, and Harris played the role of Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West. Her performance in the film was both menacing and charismatic, and she helped to make the film a success.
- Later Career
Harris continued to act throughout the 1980s and 1990s, appearing in films such as "The Five Heartbeats" and "Life." She also guest-starred on several television shows, including "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "ER."
- Legacy
Harris's acting career was marked by her versatility and her ability to bring complex characters to life. She was a talented actress who was able to connect with audiences of all ages. Her work continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.
Harris's acting career was an important part of her overall success as an entertainer. She was able to use her acting skills to bring her music to life and to connect with her fans on a deeper level. She was a true pioneer in the entertainment industry, and her work continues to be celebrated today.
4. R&B
R&B, short for rhythm and blues, is a genre of popular music that originated in the African-American community in the 1940s. It is characterized by its strong vocals, often improvisational, and its use of syncopated rhythms and bluesy melodies.
- Origins and Influences
R&B has its roots in African-American spirituals, work songs, and blues. It was also influenced by jazz and gospel music.
- Characteristics
R&B songs typically feature strong vocals, often with improvisational elements. The music is often characterized by its syncopated rhythms and bluesy melodies.
- Precious Harris and R&B
Precious Harris was a pioneering R&B singer who helped to define the sound of the genre in the 1960s and 1970s. Her songs were known for their soulful vocals and catchy melodies.
- Legacy of R&B
R&B has had a profound impact on popular music. It has influenced a wide range of genres, including soul, funk, and hip-hop. R&B continues to be a popular genre today, with many contemporary artists drawing inspiration from its rich history.
R&B is a vibrant and diverse genre of music that has played a major role in American culture. Precious Harris was one of the most influential R&B singers of her time, and her music continues to inspire and entertain audiences today.
5. Hit songs
Precious Harris was known for her hit songs, which helped to define the sound of R&B in the 1960s and 1970s. Her songs were known for their soulful vocals, catchy melodies, and timeless appeal.
- "I Can't Stay Away from You"
This song was Harris's breakthrough hit, and it remains one of her most popular songs today. The song is a classic example of Harris's soulful vocals and catchy melodies.
- "Fallin'"
This song was another major hit for Harris, and it helped to solidify her status as one of the top R&B singers of her time. The song is a beautiful ballad that showcases Harris's vocal range and emotional depth.
- "Didn't Want to Have to Do It"
This song was a more upbeat number that showcased Harris's versatility as a singer. The song was a commercial success, and it helped to further Harris's career.
- "I Don't Wanna Lose You"
This song was a later hit for Harris, and it helped to keep her career going strong in the 1970s. The song is a powerful ballad that showcases Harris's vocal prowess.
These are just a few of the many hit songs that Precious Harris released during her career. Her songs have stood the test of time, and they continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
6. Powerful vocals
Precious Harris was known for her powerful vocals, which were a major factor in her success as a singer. Her voice was strong and clear, with a wide range and a natural vibrato. She was able to use her voice to convey a wide range of emotions, from joy to sorrow, and her performances were always passionate and engaging.
Harris's vocal power was evident from the beginning of her career. Her debut album, "Precious Harris," was released in 1969 and featured several songs that showcased her vocal abilities, including "I Can't Stay Away from You" and "Fallin'." These songs were both critical and commercial successes, and they helped to establish Harris as one of the top R&B singers of her time.
Throughout her career, Harris continued to release songs that showcased her powerful vocals. Some of her most popular songs include "Didn't Want to Have to Do It," "I Don't Wanna Lose You," and "Love is a Hurtin' Thing." These songs were all, and they helped to keep Harris's career going strong for over two decades.
Harris's powerful vocals were a major factor in her success as a singer. Her voice was a natural instrument, and she was able to use it to connect with audiences on a deep level. She was a true vocal powerhouse, and her music continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Precious Harris
Precious Harris was an American R&B singer, songwriter, and actress, best known for her hit songs "I Can't Stay Away from You" and "Fallin'." She was known for her powerful vocals and her passionate performances.
Question 1: What was Precious Harris's vocal range?
Answer: Harris had a wide vocal range, spanning three octaves. She was known for her powerful vocals and her ability to convey a wide range of emotions with her voice.
Question 2: What were some of Harris's most popular songs?
Answer: Some of Harris's most popular songs include "I Can't Stay Away from You," "Fallin'," "Didn't Want to Have to Do It," "I Don't Wanna Lose You," and "Love is a Hurtin' Thing."
Question 3: What was Harris's acting career like?
Answer: Harris appeared in several films and television shows throughout her career, including "Claudine" and "The Wiz." She was praised for her depth and emotion, and she was able to bring a unique perspective to the roles she played.
Question 4: What was Harris's legacy?
Answer: Harris was a pioneer in the music industry. She was one of the first female artists to write and produce her own music. She was also a role model for other African-American artists, and she helped to pave the way for future generations of singers and songwriters.
Question 5: How did Harris die?
Answer: Harris died on December 16, 2018, at the age of 72. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Question 6: What are some of the awards and accolades that Harris received?
Answer: Harris was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "Claudine." She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.
Summary of key takeaways or final thought: Precious Harris was a talented singer, songwriter, and actress who made significant contributions to the music industry. Her powerful vocals and passionate performances helped to define the sound of R&B in the 1960s and 1970s. She was a pioneer for women in the music industry, and her legacy continues to inspire and entertain fans around the world.
Transition to the next article section: Precious Harris was a true icon of the R&B genre. Her music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of singers and musicians.
Tips from Precious Harris
Precious Harris was an American R&B singer, songwriter, and actress, best known for her hit songs "I Can't Stay Away from You" and "Fallin'." She was known for her powerful vocals and her passionate performances.
Harris was a pioneer in the music industry. She was one of the first female artists to write and produce her own music. She was also a role model for other African-American artists, and she helped to pave the way for future generations of singers and songwriters.
Tip 1: Be confident in yourself and your abilities. Harris was a talented singer and songwriter, but she also had the confidence to pursue her dreams and to never give up. She believed in herself and her abilities, and this helped her to overcome the challenges she faced.
Tip 2: Don't be afraid to take risks. Harris was not afraid to take risks in her career. She was one of the first female artists to write and produce her own music, and she also experimented with different genres of music. Her willingness to take risks helped her to achieve success.
Tip 3: Be persistent. Harris faced many challenges in her career, but she never gave up on her dreams. She kept working hard and eventually achieved success. Her persistence is an inspiration to us all.
Tip 4: Give back to your community. Harris was a generous person who often gave back to her community. She performed at benefits and fundraisers, and she also donated money to charities. She believed in using her platform to make a difference in the world.
Tip 5: Be yourself. Harris was a unique and talented artist. She didn't try to be someone she wasn't. She was always true to herself and her music, and this is what made her so special.
Summary of key takeaways or benefits: Precious Harris was a talented singer, songwriter, and actress who made significant contributions to the music industry. Her tips can help us to achieve success in our own lives and to make a difference in the world.
Transition to the article's conclusion: Precious Harris was a true icon of the R&B genre. Her music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world, and her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of singers and musicians.
Conclusion
Precious Harris was a pioneering figure in the music industry, breaking down barriers and inspiring generations of artists with her powerful voice and passionate performances. Her legacy as a singer, songwriter, and actress continues to resonate today, reminding us of the transformative power of music and the importance of pursuing our dreams with unwavering determination.
Harris's journey teaches us the value of authenticity, resilience, and giving back to our communities. By embracing our unique talents, overcoming challenges with persistence, and using our platforms to make a positive impact, we can all strive to leave a lasting legacy like Precious Harris.