PHIL HARRIS
Phil Harris (June 24, 1904 – August 11, 1995) was an American singer, songwriter, jazz musician, actor, and comedian. Though successful as an orchestra leader, Harris is remembered today for his recordings as a vocalist, his voice work in animation. Harris was also a pioneer in radio situation comedy, first with Jack Benny, and then in a series in which he co-starred with his wife, singer-actress Alice Faye, for eight years. In 1981, he sang “Back Home Again in Indiana” before the Indianapolis 500. (More from Wikipedia)
Speaking of true oldies, there is also another great 1947 hit song by Tex Williams (co-written by Merle Travis) called “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (that Cigarette)”. The chorus goes: “Smoke, smoke, smoke that cigarette / Puff, puff, puff, and if you smoke yourself to death / Tell St. Peter at the Golden Gate / That you hate to make him wait / But you just gotta have another cigarette.” Phil Harris – best known for his comedic talents and voiceover work these days, if at all – also had a hit with the song in 1947.
(March 2013)
