Jet Harris, best known as bass guitarist in The Shadows, passed away after a two-year battle with cancer. The Shadows, who were Cliff Richard’s backing band, had several hits in the 1950s and 1960s, including “High Class Baby, “Apache,” “Guitar Tango,” and “Wonderful Land.”
Harris, whose real first name was Terence, earned his nickname as a result of being one of the fastest sprinters in his school. He learned to play clarinet in his teens, then built his own bass so that he could play jazz and skiffle. He met Cliff Richard in 1958, and is said to have suggested that Richard’s group change their name from The Drifters to The Shadows. Harris was also instrumental in helping both Jimmy Page, who he hired for a session, and John Paul Jones, who he hired for a tour, begin their professional music careers.
Harris was forced to leave The Shadows in 1962 over personal issues with Richard. He was injured in a car accident, but continued to tour in Europe and to release albums. He continued releasing recordings until 2007.
Harris was awarded a Fender Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998, and an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2010 for music. A biography (Jet Harris — Survivor) was released in 2009.