Norman Harris

Who was Norman Harris?

Norman Harris was an American guitarist, producer, arranger and songwriter, closely associated with Philly soul.

He was a founding member of MFSB, the Philadelphia studio band, and one of the production trio of Baker-Harris-Young. He was a leading arranger for Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Philadelphia International label in its early years during the 1970s and also played guitar on many recording sessions. He later founded his own production company in the late 1970s called The Harris Machine. In 1980, he released his only solo album, "The Harris Machine" on Philadelphia International.

He arranged and produced a host of soul and R&B acts during the late 60s, 70s and 80s, including Eddie Kendricks, Blue Magic, First Choice, The Trammps, The Whispers, The Temptations, Four Tops, Joe Simon, Barbara Mason, The Dells, Curtis Mayfield and his cousin, former member of The Delfonics, Major Harris. He also produced several acts, including Loleatta Holloway, Eddie Holman, the Salsoul Orchestra, Double Exposure and Love Committee, for Salsoul Records, who distributed his subsidiary label, Gold Mind Records.