Phil Harris
Recorded June 15th, 1988 - 51 min
He had a major musical career with his own big band before joining the Jack Benny cast on radio and later becoming co-star of his own program with his wife, actress Alice Faye. He was born January 24, 1904 and was 83 at the we visited him at the Ironwood Country Club in Palm Desert, California. He spoke fondly of his music days and of his comedy broadcasts. He died August 11, 1995 at age 91.
Phil Harris Alice Faye Show - 1/1/50 - Singing Lessons
Did you enjoy the interview? Listen to Phil Harris on a January 1st, 1950 broadcast of the Phil Harris Alice Faye Show.
June 30, 2012 at 11:24 pm
I just discovered both Nostalgia Digest and your website today. In fact, I discovered your website through the ad on Cover 3. I have to say that I’m delighted. My first experiences with Jack Benny were watching the television show (Yes, I’m old enough to have seen them first run!) and didn’t discover the radio show until listening to KSFO’s replays of old radio (long after I was supposed to be asleep). I first heard of Phil Harris on those radio shows and then, heard his show and much, much later, saw him in Jungle Book. This marvelous interview brought all those memories back and helped sketch in how a band leader became a comedian. I always wondered.
Your site and your contribution to radio history is priceless.
February 1, 2013 at 1:21 pm
Wow, what a great interview! I admit to knowing Phil Harris primarily through the Jack Benny show, and some of his work for Disney, but I’d never known anything about his early career. He sounded a little, well, “grumpy” at first, but slowly warmed up to you. This was very enlightening and enjoyable. Thanks!
July 19, 2020 at 8:58 am
Just discovered you. They sure don’t do shows like Phil Harris and Alice Faye did on the radio anymore. They are funny, stand up well and not overly sexual in any way. I hope to listen to more as they certainly brought back fond memories of Lux Radio Theater and many others. Thanks for returning these to the air. They are just what I like to hear,especially these days.
Darryll V. Wilcox