Norman Ray Harris (October 14, 1947 – March 20, 1987) was an American guitarist, producer, music arranger and songwriter, One of the seminal figures of the “Philly Sound”.
Norman Harris can be heard on countless Philly soul sessions of the '60s, '70s, and '80s. He was the founding member of MFSB, the rhythm/strings/horns aggregation that was the house band for Gamble & Huff's Philadelphia International label. Beside fellow MFSB members drummer Earl Young and bassist Ron Baker, Harris' frequent songwriting partners were Allan Felder and Bunny Sigler. He came up with his unique string and horn arrangements by composing the parts on his guitar.
He produced hits for First Choice, Eddie Holman, the Salsoul Orchestra, and Love Committee on Salsoul Records, as well as Atlantic Records act the Trammps.
Norman also had hits with Gloria Gaynor ('Honey Bee'), the Delfonics ('La La Means I Love You,' 'Didn't I Blow Your Mind'), Jerry Butler ('Hey Western Union Man,' 'Only the Strong Survive'), The Trammps ('Disco Inferno'), Blue Magic ('Sideshow'), Wilson Pickett ('Engine Number 9,' 'Don't Let the Green Grass Fool You'), Loleatta Holloway ('Hit and Run'), Joe Simon ( 'Drowning in the Sea of Love,' 'Power of Love'), and the Spinners ('I'll Be Around,' 'Could It Be I'm Falling in Love') amongst many others. He also worked alongside Allan Felder and Bunny Sigler ('Keep Smilin').
In 2016, Harris was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.
His cousin is guitarist artist.
Cousin of Major Harris and Joseph Jefferson.