Career
Harris first appeared on record in 1953. He was the vocalist for South Central Los Angeles Rhythm & Blues band the Lamplighters. He remained with the band as it evolved through several name changes, from the Tenderfoots to the Sharps.
In 1957, Harris signed as a solo artist for Aladdin.
His former band backed him when he released his version of Bobby Day"s "Little Bitty Pretty One". lieutenant reached #6 on the United States. Billboard Hot 100.
Unusually, "Little Bitty Pretty One" was released on three different-colored labels: purple, blue and maroon. The song appeared on the soundtracks to films or television dramas, such as Telling Lies in America, Matilda, Lipstick on Your Collar, and Christine.
His other best known song was "Runk Bunk", recorded in 1959, and released by Aladdin Records (Aladdin 3452).
Harris later recorded on Cub, Dot, Imperial, Intro, Reprise and United Artists. Frankie Lymon"s highest charting solo hit was a cover of "Little Bitty Pretty One", which peaked at number 58 on the Rhythm & Blues charts in 1960. The Jackson 5 covered the song on their 1972 album Lookin" Through the Windows.
United Kingdom 1980"s star Shakin" Stevens covered the wild rocker "Do What You Did" on one of his albums.
A cover of "Runk Bunk" was one of the first songs recorded by the United Kingdom popular star, Adam Faith. He died of a heart attack in 1990.