Cornbread Harris

Self-taught bluesman Samuel James "Cornbread" Harris Sr. reflects on his lifetime of playing gigs in the Twin Cities.

Orphaned at age three, James Samuel “Cornbread” Harris Sr. grew up in foster care until moving to Saint Paul to live with his grandparents at age 11. Though he didn’t take to his forced childhood piano lessons, Cornbread realized the unifying power of music while serving in WWII, and began to finesse his piano skills after the war. Since then, Cornbread has played with many groups around the Twin Cities including Augie Garcia and Cadillac Kolstad. Well into his 80s, he continues to keep several weekly gigs around the metro area.   Additional Media Church of Saint Bernard Minnesota Historical Society Peter Myers Special Thanks Charlie Deutsch Joe Henkin Capri Theater Pillsbury United Communities Loring Pasta Bar Joe Henkin The Ordway Center for the Performing Arts More Info Cornbread Harris

Air Date 1/4/15