Background
Harley was born on September 26, 1963 in Washington District of Columbia His father, Frank Harley, sang in a band called Bell Chorda. He grew up playing guitar, but soon grew enamored by the trumpet.
Harley was born on September 26, 1963 in Washington District of Columbia His father, Frank Harley, sang in a band called Bell Chorda. He grew up playing guitar, but soon grew enamored by the trumpet.
Based Go-go band Rare Essence. "I saw this guy playing a horn in the parking lot and told him, "Let me see that thing. How do you play this?"" He said.
Harley was a senior in high school when go-go music emerged on the scene.
Washington District of Columbia Go-go gained widespread attention in the late 1970s with the song "Bustin" Loose." After Brown went on tour, other bands popped up in and around the District of Columbia area. Harley joined Rare Essence in 1974, who were originally called The Young Dynamos.
Harley"s band, Rare Essence, was one of the most notable go-go bands and is considered to be an influential force in the genre. "When you look at go-go from a historical standpoint, Little Benny, he stands out as one of the founding fathers.
Little Benny & The Masters had one huge go-go hit "Who Come To Boogie" in 1984, and one album "The Cat In The Hat" in 1987.
Harley was known for his energetic stage presence, his powerful voice, and the ability to play two trumpets at once. Harley left Rare Essence in the mid-1980s to form another group called Little Benny and the Masters. Later in life, he played often with Chuck Brown, including a show in Washington the night before his death.
He died on May 30, 2010 at his brother"s home in Washington District of Columbia
He later played with the go-go band Proper Utensils and had several reunions with original members of Rare Essence.