Harry Hippie

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Bobby Womack

About Harry Hippie

"Harry Hippie" is a 1972 song written by Jim Ford, who wrote it for singer Bobby Womack as a dedication to his brother, bass guitarist Harry Womack, that became a top ten R&B hit for Womack when issued as a single in 1973 reaching number eight on the chart. The song was loosely based on Bobby's brother's carefree behavior and was originally recorded as a funny tribute to his brother, that turned tragic when Harry Womack was killed by his girlfriend during a fight in 1974. From then on until his death, Bobby Womack sung the song as a dedication to his fallen late brother. Womack explains the story behind the song and its aftermath: Harry was the bass player and tenor for the brothers when we were the Valentinos. He lived a very carefree life. As a child he always said he wanted to live on an Indian reservation. We used to joke about it, but when we got older he was the same way. He always thought I wanted the materialistic things and I said, 'I just want to do my music. My music put me into that comfortable territory.' He didn't want the pressure. We used to laugh and joke about the song when I'd sing it. When he was brutally killed in my home, it was by a jealous girlfriend who he'd lived with for five years. She fought a lot, violence. And in our home it was considered to be worth less than a man to fight a woman, so he didn't fight back and she stabbed him to death. At the time I was in Seattle doing a gig and he was going to join me when we got back. Previously I had hired a new bass player because I felt it would help Harry's relationship with his spouse if he wasn't on the road. And that turned out to be very sour. He ended up losing his life behind it. At that time, "Harry Hippie" wasn't a joke anymore; I had lost a brother. I still do that song in his honor today. 


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Bobby Womack

Robert Dwayne "Bobby" Womack ( /ˈwoʊmæk/; born March 4, 1944 - June 27 2014) was an American singer-songwriter and musician. An active recording artist since the early 1960s where he started his career as the lead singer of his family musical group The Valentinos and as Sam Cooke's backing guitarist, Womack's career has spanned more than 50 years and has spanned a repertoire in the styles of R&B, soul, rock and roll, doo-wop, gospel, and country. more »

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10 facts about this song

Genre Classification
"Harry Hippie" is a song that broadly belongs to the R&B (Rhythm and Blues) and Soul genre of music.
Artist History
The song is by Bobby Womack, an American singer-songwriter with a major influence in the R&B, soul, rock and roll, doo-wop, and gospel genres.
Release Date Fact
"Harry Hippie" was released in 1972 as a single from Bobby Womack's studio album "Understanding."
Chart Performance
The song reached number 8 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart and number 31 on the Hot 100 chart, increasing Bobby Womack's popularity.
Inspiration behind the Song
"Harry Hippie" was inspired by and written about Bobby Womack's brother, named Harry, who led a carefree, laid-back lifestyle, contrasting greatly with Bobby's ambitious and driven personality.
Tragic Connection
In a tragic turn of events, Harry Womack was stabbed to death by his girlfriend in 1974, only two years after "Harry Hippie" was released. This tragic event adds a haunting layer to the song.
Songwriting Credit
The song is credited to Jim Ford, a country-soul singer-songwriter who regularly collaborated with Bobby Womack but achieved less commercial success.
Cover Versions
Over the years, "Harry Hippie" has been covered by many artists across different genres demonstrating its enduring relevance and popularity. Some notable artists include Tom Petty, who performed the song as part of the "In the Shadow of a Legend" tribute album to Womack.
Cultural Significance
The song is often interpreted as a commentary on the counterculture and hippie lifestyle of the 1960s and early 1970s. As such, it serves as a cultural reflective piece and a piece of social commentary.
Recognition
Despite it not being his highest charting hit, "Harry Hippie" is considered a significant part of Bobby Womack's legacy, recognized often in discussions around his most impactful songs.

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    Harry Hippie

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1973

    Billboard #31


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