Harry Wilkinson
-
Overview
World class drummer Harry Wilkinson grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee where he had the benefit of playing in his high school music program, the Chattanooga Youth Symphony, the Chattanooga Symphony, and music programs at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. As a teenager he worked as a professional musician in local jazz and rock performances.
Harry attended Indiana University at Bloomington studying jazz music with David Baker and percussion with George Gaber. While there, he won the Individual Achievement Award on drum set at the Intercollegiate Music Festival in St. Louis, Missouri. He was also a drummer for the Indiana University Jazz Orchestra, in which he won first place in the University Jazz Quintet competition. As a collegian, he continued to add to his experience by working throughout the mid-west.
Upon moving to New York City, Harry became a drummer for world-renowned guitarist Larry Coryell on Vanguard Records. He has played live at the Village Gate and Offering, as well as many concerts throughout the United States and Canada. While in NYC he played solo percussion for NFL Today on CBS, which aired for 2 years.
While playing drums with Michael Martin Murphey, Harry recorded the hit records Wildfire and Carolina in the Pines, and toured with major acts including the Eagles, Marshall Tucker Band, Seals and Crofts, and the Beach Boys.
As a touring concert musician, Harry has played for Lou Christie, Teri Gibbs, the Crystals, the Platters, Buddy Morrow, Johnny Desmond, Glenn Miller Orchestra, the Thrasher Brothers, Robben Ford, and David Alan Coe.
Having moved to Nashville, Harry played on the Grand Ole Opry for 10 years with the great vocal group The 4 Guys. He has also written and recorded 2 CDs. Harry teaches drum lessons and performs regularly in the Nashville area.