The Untold Story of Norman Lee Harris’ Surprising Net Worth Revealed: How Did He Amass Such Wealth?
Norman Lee Harris was an American guitarist, songwriter, and record producer who achieved significant success in the music industry during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Despite his numerous contributions to the music world, Harris’ wealth remained a mystery to many.
This blog post will unveil the untold story of Norman Lee Harris’ surprising net worth and explore how he amassed such a significant amount of wealth.
Introduction
Norman Lee Harris, born on November 14, 1947, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a self-taught musician who started his career as a session guitarist at Philadelphia International Records (PIR). He became part of the house band, MFSB, and later became a record producer, songwriter, and performed solo. Harris’ contribution to many musical compositions and hit singles was crucial. He is widely known as the co-writer of the 1979’s hit disco anthem, “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” by Michael Jackson. Norman Lee Harris had an infectious personality, and his talent drew many artists to work with him. However, despite his successful career, his net worth continued to remain a mystery.
Below we uncover the secrets behind Harris’ net worth.
Section 1: Early Music Career
Harris’ early music career began when he joined Philadelphia International Records (PIR) as a session guitarist in the late 1960s. Harris’ talent as a guitarist and his ability to read music fluently made him an asset to the PIR house band, MFSB. He quickly rose to the position of guitarist, arranger, and composer.
During his time at PIR, Harris worked on several hit records, including “The Rubber Band Man” by The Spinners, “Love TKO” by Teddy Pendergrass, and “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead. He was popular for his guitar parts and bandleading skills. His music career continued to grow, and his importance within the industry became increasingly evident.
Section 2: The Birth of Gold Mind Records
In 1977, Harris started his record label, Gold Mind Records, which was affiliated with Salsoul Records. The label was created to allow Harris to produce his music and work with other artists. Under Gold Mind, Harris produced his most significant hits, including his solo work, “I Want Your Lovin’,” “High on Your Love,” and “In Search Of Peace Of Mind.” He also produced popular hits like “The Player” by First Choice and “Love Sensation” by Loleatta Holloway.
Gold Mind Records contributed greatly to Harris’ wealth, especially after he sold the record label in 1979 to Salsoul Records.
Section 3: Songwriting Career
Norman Lee Harris’ contribution to the music industry as a songwriter is unparalleled. Harris’ co-wrote many hits, including “Love T.K.O.,” by Teddy Pendergrass, “The Rubber Band Man,” by The Spinners, and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” by Michael Jackson.
His co-writing credit for “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” earned him considerable royalties. The song was a global hit, sold millions of copies, and even won a Grammy Award in 1980. Harris’ income from songwriting royalties alone significantly contributed to his overall net worth.
Section 4: Record Producer Career
Norman Lee Harris’ producing career is impressive. He produced hits for many artists, including Loleatta Holloway, First Choice, and Eddie Holman, among others. He was also responsible for discovering the talent of Phyllis Hyman.
His significant contribution to various artists’ hits earned him a reputation as one of the best producers of his time. Harris’ production work, combined with his talent as a songwriter and guitarist under his Gold Mind Records label, contributed significantly to his net worth.
Section 5: Collaborations with Other Artists
Harris was recognized as a brilliant collaborator by many in the music industry. He worked on hits like “Bad Luck” and “Anthem” by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes, “The Love I Lost” by Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes and “Working My Way Back To You/Forgive Me Girl” by The Spinners.
Harris played a significant role in adding his musical touch to these hits. His collaborations with various artists and his ability to bring out the best in other musicians have played a significant role in his meteoric rise to success.
Section 6: Business Ventures Outside of Music
Outside his music career, Harris searched for different ventures to supplement his income. He owned a daycare center in his hometown of Philadelphia. The daycare center was a stable business for Harris, and he invested well in stocks, bonds, and other investments options.
Harris’s ventures outside of the music industry contributed significantly to his overall net worth.
Section 7: The Surprising Net Worth of Norman Lee Harris
Estimates of Harris’ net worth vary, but he is thought to have been worth over $20 million at the time of his death, due to his vast sources of income from his music career, business ventures, and other investments.
The songwriting royalties alone made Harris a lot of money, and the fact that he was a record producer and owned a record label under Salsoul Records only added to his substantial wealth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1) How did Norman Lee Harris get his start in the music industry?
A1) Harris began his music career as a session guitarist at Philadelphia International Records in the late 1960s.
Q2) What contributions did Norman Lee Harris make as a songwriter?
A2) Harris co-wrote many hit singles, including “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson, “The Rubber Band Man” by The Spinners, and “Love T.K.O.” by Teddy Pendergrass.
Q3) What contributions did Norman Lee Harris make as a record producer?
A3) Harris produced hits for many artists, including Loleatta Holloway, First Choice, and Eddie Holman, among others.
Q4) How did Norman Lee Harris amass such wealth?
A4) Harris’s sources of income included his music career, business ventures, and other investments, which all contributed significantly to his overall net worth.
Q5) How much was Norman Lee Harris worth at the time of his death?
A5) Harris is estimated to have been worth over $20 million at the time of his death.
Q6) What other business ventures was Norman Lee Harris involved in?
A6) Harris was a savvy investor and owned a daycare center in his hometown of Philadelphia.
Q7) How did Norman Lee Harris become such a successful collaborator?
A7) Harris’s ability to bring out the best in other musicians and add his musical touch significantly contributed to his meteoric rise to success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Norman Lee Harris’ surprising net worth can be attributed to his vast sources of income from his music career, business ventures, and other investment opportunities. His contributions to the music industry as a session guitarist, songwriter, record producer, label owner, and collaborator are unparalleled, and his infectious personality drew many artists to work with him. Harris will continue to remain an icon in the music industry.