Reliving Fond Memories: A Test Pilot from the Man Village: Phil Harris
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The radio shows still exist, and it is no surprise how well they stand up. The writing was witty, and the comic timing of Phil, Alice and Elliot Lewis as Frank was right on target. Some of the recordings include Phil warming up the audience with jokes and anecdotes before the show begins. He was a natural before an audience. I often felt he acted the same way before an audience as he would if he were your dinner guest. His was an exuberant personality, yet a gentleman. This was no act; he was a genuine warm man; the real deal. These recordings are an intriguing doorway into the Age of Radio and showcase Phil Harris’ ability to entertain a wide audience.
"Some say I live off my wife. It ain’t true! I
have my own job. I’m a test pilot for Seagrams!" he jokes. (Audience laughter)
"Oh you fool, you!"
Phil worked both shows for several years, literally running from one studio to another. They were both on Sunday Night, right after each other, and it was an unbeatable combination.
Eventually the strain of doing two shows was too much. After 16 years, Phil left Benny and stayed with his own program until 1958. By then TV had taken the place of radio as the number one piece of furniture in the home.
But it wasn’t over yet for Phil. Jack Benny had made a smooth transition to TV, and Phil appeared on Benny’s program, as well as Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, Dinah Shore, Dean Martin and others. He continued touring with his band, including Frank Remely (Who was really Phil’s guitar player and good friend for years. The real Frank was not a bum and was godfather to Phil’s daughter Alice.)
So Phil was long a veteran of show business before Disney came to him, asking him to lend his humble charm to the role of Baloo the Bear. Until then, Walt was unhappy with the darkness of the story and wanted to liven it up. At first Phil didn’t like the dialog. It didn’t suit his personality. He asked if he could record it his way. The result is a classic.
Alice Harris Regan recalls that whenever her father was introduced to children as Baloo, they would recognize him instantly.
It was the sincerity of Phil’s vocal presence; as well as the jazz soundtrack that gave the movie it’s swing.
Also in the Jungle Book was another big band leader with an unrestrained disposition: Louis Prima. The two musicians became great friends. Both played Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe, visiting each other on and off stage when the other was in town.
Phil collected many awards throughout his career. He received an Oscar for the short film "So This is Harris" and an academy award nomination for supporting actor for "The High and the Mighty" with John Wayne. He received several gold records for hits like "The Thing", "Jabberwocky" and "That’s What I Like About the South"(his signature song).
Though semi-retired in Palm Springs with his wife and growing daughters, Phil remained active. He was an avid sportsman. He regularly appeared on the television show "American Sportsman" fishing with his friends like Bing Crosby.
Phil was also a gourmet cook. He loved the city of New Orleans because of the great restaurants and food there, not to mention the music. I'd have to agree with him on that.
Phil Harris passed on in August of 1993. He left behind an exuberant body of work in movies, music, radio, and television that will be remembered and treasured by new generations of fans for years to come. His was a life well lived, filled with warmth and laughter. My world is richer for having taken the time to meet this wonderful individual. Though the meeting was only through paper and electronics, the radio shows and movies hold this lively entertainer forever in time. I was fortunate to catch a glimpse of the man and his legacy.
Memory is what makes us immortal, someone once said, so Phil Harris must be up there on Olympus, scatting with Louis and joking with Jackson. Frank plays guitar while Alice patiently waits for her man to grow up. I only wish I had the chance to shake Phil's hand.
And now for your homework assignment, class: Read this article again, then watch The Jungle Book.
- My sincerest thanks goes to Alice Harris Regan for taking the time out of her busy life to share some memories of her Father with me!
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-- David Mink
Reliving Fond Memories is posted the third Wednesday of each month.
The opinions expressed by our David Mink, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted May 15, 2002