Wee Willie Harris dead – Brit rock and roll star who inspired The Beatles dies age 90 as Dusty Springfield pays tribute | The Sun
04/28/2023BRIT rock and roll star Wee Willie Harris has died at age 90.
The musician, who inspired John Lennon and Paul McCartney, passed away yesterday.
Wee Willie, who was just 5ft 2ins, was famous for his bright pink hair and energetic shows and TV performances.
In the 1950s Willie, who was from Bermondsey, South London, was dubbed "Britain's wild man of rock and roll".
His wife of 47 years, Shelia, told The Sun: "He was a lovely man. A lovely husband. But it was music all the way with him.
"He was just such a brilliant man. He inspired so many – including Paul McCartney.
"He was an absolute sensation. He will be so, so missed by so many.
"He could still sing right up until the end and was always a perfect gentleman."
Legendary singer Dusty Springfield this morning led tributes to her pal, who she once sang backing vocals for.
She wrote: "Sorry to hear of the death of Wee Will Harris on April 27.
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"Back in 1966 Wee Willie recorded this song and had the best backing vocals ever, Dusty and Madeline.
"He came to Dusty Day in 2013 and entertained us with his stories and songs."
His former bandmate Tony Thorpe added: “Willie was a brother, father, teacher, therapist and friend to me and I miss him dreadfully.
"God bless you, guv, as I'm sure he is doing.”
Willie was mentioned in Paul McCartney's biography, where he recalls queuing up outside the Liverpool Empire for his autograph.
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