Wil Harris

A native of Washington, D.C., Wil has performed, or recorded with some of the greatest legends of Funk, Rock, and R&B. To name a few: The Chambers Brothers, The Invisible Mans Band led by Clarence Burke, (of The 5 Stairsteps), Betty Davis’ Band,*Funkhouse*, (she was Miles Davis’ wife), Mutiny led by former P-Funk Drummer Jerome Brailey, Funkadelic, Ricky Fant’e, and Isaac Hayes.

Wil’s father bought his first guitar when Wil was 11 years old. Unfortunately, Wil’s father passed away when Wil was only 13 years of age. However, devastated, Wil and friends in his neighborhood practiced their instruments enthusiastically everyday at each others family’s homes. Wil benefited greatly from this by learning how to play a variety of different instruments. Occasionally, in the summers of those days they would bring their instruments outside and blast the neighborhood, showing off their new self taught skills. Wil considered the entire Wash, D.C. area his neighborhood, therefore, D.C., Southern Maryland, and Northern Virginia received an earful of the young guitarist skills as they were developing. Wil would spend his mid teenage years practicing day and night, this enabled Wil to develop his craft quickly as a young musician. Wil's academic training came from his famous and world renowned uncles: Frank Wess, (from Count Basie's band), jazz guitarist Bill Harris, and his cousin Nina Simone.
After comprehending various guitar techniques, Wil began performing with popular
local bands. At the age of 18, Tiki Fulwood discovered and commissioned Wil as his lead guitarist/musical director. Tiki was the original drummer for Parliament/Funkadelic. After Tiki unfortunately passed away, Jerome Brailey, (who replaced Tiki as P-Funks drummer), befriended Wil and commissioned Wil as lead guitarist for his band called Mutiny. Mutiny was signed with C.B.S. records, and later was signed with Bill Laswells "Black Arc" label, Polystar, and Rycodisk labels. Also, Wil introduced himself to the legendary original Funkadelic guitarist Eddie Hazel. Eddie Hazel, Jimi Hendrix and John Mclaughlin were Wil’s childhood idol guitarist’s. Eddie befriended Wil and admired Wil’s raw ability and persistance very much so that they later performed together in a new rendition of Funkadelic. The band also included original bassist, Billy "Bass" Nelson, and drummer, Jerome "Bigfoot" Brailey. Wil and Jerome produced and co wrote songs for Tyka Nelson. Tyka is Prince Rogers Nelson’s younger sister. She was later signed with Chrysalis records. Wil was also commisioned by Isaac Hayes, to record guitar tracks for Isaac Hayes, before Isaac's unfortunate passing. Today, Wil is rehearsing a new band, in preparation of promoting his first solo CD titled: "A Love Divine". It is a humanitarian message for all. From God!

Musical Influences:
Wil's musical influences varies.
First of all GOD!
Everything from 50' Rock-n-Roll and Doo-Wop,
to these 60's artists listed here:
James Brown, Isaac Hayes, Watts 103rd St. Rythym Band, Sly Stone, The Beatles, Cream, Santana, The Motown Sound, Curtis Mayfield, The Stax Sound, Led Zepplin, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Steppenwolf, Credence Clearwater Revival, Buddy Miles Express, Funkadelic, Miles Davis, Iron Butterfly, Freddy and the Dreamers, The Kinks, The Mama's and the Papa's, The Turtles, Herman's Hermits, Ike & Tina Turner, Jan & Dean. Back when Wil was growing up, radio was not as segregated as it is today. Therefore, he is a well-rounded musician.