British musician Terence “Jett” Harris, who was the original bassist in the Shadows, died on Friday, March 18, after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 71.
“Jet was exactly what the Shadows and I needed — a backbone holding our sound together,” said Shadows singer Cliff Richard in a statement.
“Jet, the bass player, will always be an integral part of British rock’n'roll history. Losing him is sad — but the great memories will stay with me. Rock on, Jet.”
Harris enjoyed a string of hits in the late 1950s and early 1960s with the Shadows, including “High Class Baby,” the chart-topping “Apache” and “Guitar Tango.” His final recording with the band was 1962′s “Wonderful Land,” which also made it to number one on the British charts.
After leaving the group, Harris teamed up with former Shadows bandmate Tony Meehan and again topped the U.K. charts in 1963 with “Diamonds.”
During the late 70′s, Harris played with various groups, and released Inside Jet Harris, which was made in Gloucester prison. Following the release, Harris gave up the music business and turned to photography.
Harris began touring again in the 80s and released the Anniversary Album in 1989, followed by 1999′s The Phoenix Rises, 2002′s Diamonds are Trumps with famous session drummer Bobby Graham and 2007′s The Journey.
Over the years, Jet toured with a variety of artists including Shadows’ tribute band the Rapiers, the Local Heroes, Bobby Graham Rock Experience, Mike Berry and the Outlaws, the Bruvvers and Clem Cattini and the Tornado’s.