June 18, 2025

Sugarcane Harris

Don Francis Bowman “Sugarcane” Harris (June 18, 1938 – November 30, 1999)was an American blues and rock and roll violinist and guitarist. He is considered a pioneer in the amplification of the violin. Harris was born and raised in Pasadena, California, United States. His parents were carnival entertainers. As a youth, he studied classical violin, and learned additional instruments including harmonica, piano and guitar.

Harris began performing with a doo-wop group, The Squires, which included his childhood friend, the pianist Dewey Terry. The Squires recorded for Vita Records.[3]Harris performed in Little Richard‘s band in the 1960s.