Bassist Charlie Harris played for Lionel Hampton in the mid-’40s. Recordings on Hampton’s Hamp-Tone label included a single by Gladys Hampton’s Quartet “For Squares Only” b/w “Star Time” (Hamp-Tone 105). The group also included guitarist Billy Mackel.
In 1951 Harris joined Nat King Cole’s group for whom he played until 1963. Harris then formed his own society band and played many prominent functions around the Baltimore area throughout the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. The group also included guitarist Billy Mackel (during late ‘70s-80s), a Baltimore born guitarist who had played with Hampton’s band for over 30 years.
