Jimmy Mack-Johnson Harrison

Jimmy Mack Johnson Harrison was born on January 14, 1938, the 8th child born unto the union of James and Nancy Harrison. Jimmy has always had a passion for beating drums, starting with pots and pans as a child growing up. He loved the story of Noah & the Ark, and as a very small child he preached that as a sermon. He loved eagles and admired their biblical symbolism which stands for majesty and power. He graduated from West Charlotte in 1959 and went on to play drums for his brother Wilbert “Kansas City” Harrison.

A melodious marital union occurred on Saturday, June 21, 1997, when Pastor John P. Kee united in Holy matrimony Jimmy and Darlene Hogan at Garr Memorial Baptist Church.

Jimmy Mack's unique vocal styling and musical talents placed him in high demand throughout the 60's and 70's. He has also performed with such recording artists as Sam Cooke, Mary Wells, The Drifters, Ben E. King, Wilson Pickett, Joe Tex, The Isley Brothers, Ruth Brown, The Shirells, The Orions, Jerry Butler, and many, many more. In the 1960's, he was a member of RCA's recording label, the famed Fabulous Fiestas, which enjoyed great success with their hit record, “So Fine”.

Jimmy also made recordings under the names --Geronimo and The Apaches and Lenny Curtis. He also sang with his brother Robert under the names of Jim & Bob and The Harrison Brothers. Sir Shambling’s Deep Soul Heaven made the following remarks about Jimmy’s recordings:

“Lenny Curtis was one of the last artists to find a release on George Goldner's New York based End label. While the pounding "Nothing Can Help You Now" has attracted all the attention from dance fans, I much prefer the gentle rhythm of "Who You Gonna Run To". This chugging beat ballad has some fine chord changes and a superb arrangement, but the best part is Curtis' wholehearted vocal. Straight out of the Sam Cooke school of phrasing, he adds enough grit into his tone to satisfy purists like me; and of course, his sense of dynamics is flawless. The following year Curtis took on a new persona as Geronimo and backed by the Apaches. He made another stunning recording. "Too Late For Tears" is deep soul at its finest. A superb singer who brings all the emotion in the world to a heartbreak lyric over a small band backing. No wonder this has been a favorite track for so many enthusiasts.”

Jimmy was also a writer/arranger with Motown Records. He continued his venture and was featured on Tyscot Record label with his cousin, the renowned 'Prince of Gospel', Pastor John P. Kee. Their recording of the song, “Be Ready” was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2000.

For the past 11 years, Jimmy and his wife Darlene have been performing old Motown classics. They began recording under their Manager, Tim Eaton at the Legendary Studio East in Charlotte, NC. Most recently, Jimmy’s recording of “Too Late For Tears” is featured on the NetFlix hit series “STRANGER THINGS” and his recording of “Oh Yes Baby, I Love You So” is featured on the Zillow Real Estate Television Ad.

When not singing, writing, traveling, or composing, Jimmy was an avid recreational carpenter and church activist. He loved worshipping at New Life Fellowship Church. One of his favorite pastimes was watching old Western Classics such as "Cheyenne" and "The Lone Ranger". Jimmy’s favorite colors were purple, black and white; and his favorite songs were "Change Is Gonna Come" (Sam Cooke); "Always Remember Jesus" (Andrae Crouch); "The Anointing", "Be Ready", "He’ll Welcome Me Home", and "I Believe" (all by John P. Kee). Jimmy absolutely loved spending time with his grandsons –Isaac, Joseph, and Jacob (his heart).

Jimmy’s Father {James}; Mother {Nancy}; Sisters {Dorothy, Matilda, Elfreda, and Elizabeth}; Brothers {Wilbert, Judge, Reese, and Harold}; Sons {Jimmy, Jr. and Joel Gregory} all preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish special memories: 2 daughters: Elfreda Harris Desvignes and Jennifer Perry, 2 sons: Mack Johnson Harris and Daniel Gregory, 4 sisters: Bernice Coleman and Mary Hall, Charlotte; Dr. Alice Lucinda Howard {James}, Dumfries, VA; and Roxie Curtis, Sterling, VA; 7 brothers: Johnny (Vicki), Alfred (Michelle), Gilbert, Willie (Sharon), Zeb (Sharon), Charlotte, NC; Robert (Evangeline), New York, NY; and Wade (Lavonne); Atlanta, GA; Sister-in-Law Harriett Harrison; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Jimmy and his melodious voice will be truly missed, but his recordings will continue to be heard over the airwaves, and his legacy will live on forever in the hearts, minds, deeds and singing voices of those that he left behind.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the New Life Fellowship Church in remembrance of Jimmy.

*MASKS ARE REQUIRED TO ENTER THE CHURCH FOR SERVICES*

A memorial gathering for Jimmy will be held Saturday, March 18, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at New Life Fellowship Church, 1337 Samuel Street, Charlotte, NC 28206. Following the memorial gathering will be a celebration of life at 1:00 PM at New Fellowship Life Church, 1337 Samuel Street, Charlotte, NC 28206.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mcewenderitachapel.com for the Harrison family.