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American jazz saxophonist, composer, and experimental musician known for blending jazz with funk, soul, and electronic innovations.Chicago-born jazz innovator who achieved crossover success with his 1961 hit 'Exodus to Jazz'. Pioneered the electric saxophone, created hybrid instruments, and explored jazz-funk fusion. Recorded over 70 albums across Vee-Jay, Atlantic, and other labels while facing criticism from purists.

• Harris became the first jazz musician to receive a gold record for his album 'Exodus to Jazz' (1961), which featured a jazz rendition of Ernest Gold's movie theme.
• He invented the reed trumpet (trumpet with saxophone mouthpiece) and saxobone (saxophone-trombone hybrid), though neither gained widespread adoption.
• His 1969 album 'Silver Cycles' featured the pioneering Varitone electric saxophone, amplifying and modulating his sound through early effects processors.
• Faced significant backlash from jazz critics for his funk-oriented albums like 'Plug Me In' (1968) and collaborations with Les McCann ('Swiss Movement', 1969), though these became his most commercially successful works.
• Struggled with health issues later in life; died of bone cancer and kidney failure at 62, with some attributing his decline to frustration with the music industry.