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Legend Harry dies aged 85
Wednesday 22nd August 2007, 11:55AM BST.
Legendary Black Country entertainer Harry Harrison has died suddenly after collapsing at home, aged 85.
The self-styled bard of the Black Country died last night at Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, hours after being taken ill at his home in Coseley.
The veteran entertainer and poet was one of the best known faces on the area’s comedy circuit and was one of the founders of the popular Black Country Night Out events.
He was well-known for his odes to the area he grew up in and also wrote a book of humorous tales entitled Off the Cuff Black Country Stuff.
Tributes today poured in for Mr Harrison who had also worked as a newspaper circulation manager.
Legendary comedian Alan Smith, better known as Aynuk, performed with Harry for many years and described him as a “Black Country institution”.
“He was the Godfather of the Black Country comedy scene and will be greatly missed,” he said. “He was very proud to be a Black Country man. He was a wonderful man and a very close mate of mine.
“There’s only Tommy Mundon and myself left now – and we’re in the departure lounge,” he added.
* Leave your tributes to Harry below.
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Sorry to hear this I have shared a drink or two with him in the past and he was a truely great man and a Gentleman.
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Sorry to hear that Harry has died.
I met Harry on numerous occassions but once at a famous “Black Country Night Out” I had a chat with him and what a great character he was. I can remember my late grandmother telling me about when she used to work with him at the Vono in Tipton. “Grand days” she would say. Another Black Country man lost forever,but always remembered.
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God Bless Harry,save us a seat near the Bar,without greens,and wenches,a MANS MAN.
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I’m really sorry to hear about Harry. My Grandad knew him quite well and I had a letter from Harry last year after I wrote to him about the Druid’s Head Pub in Coseley. where both he and my Grandad used to regualrly visit.
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Although i haven’t seen harry for a number of years I knew him at the start of Black Country Night with other legends like Ray Hingley,Dolly Allen and Bian Clift and had good times.Harry was a proper bloke.God has gained a scholar and a gentleman.
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I met Harry once,he was a true gentleman.Rest in Peace me Mon.
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Harry was a great mate and one of the black countries real gentlemen he stood for a lot of the old values and hadn’t got much time for the “saftness “we all have to put up with nowadays. the black country is a bit blacker today. God bless Harry, doh yo goo in the ossroad aar kid .
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stan allen ,as said it all r.i.p. harry yow was bostin .
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Having worked with Harry for a number of years, it was so sad to find out he had passed away. Harry was a complete pro – it was nice to not only have worked with him, but to call him a friend.
Nicky Moran
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I was so saddened to hear about Harry’s sudden death. I often saw him shopping in Asda and we’d exchange words of wisdom and put the world to rights.
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This totally shocked me. I went to one of his events about 2 months ago and he was fabulous. I cant believe he died. He was superb. R.I.P Harry. You will be missed sadly.
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I first met Harry about 20 years ago. After chatting to him for half an hour over a pint at the end of the show, I felt like i’d known him all my life. He was warm,honest and straight. A real gent of the old school. Good night old friend and thank you for your erudition. It was a pleasure and privilege to have known you.
Graham Leddington
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