Redd Harper 1948

 

Redd was a part of a concert band that became more and more successful until they were invited to join an Oklahoma City radio station in 1924. From there, his career took off and his music was in greater demand. In 1931 he joined a larger radio station in Des Moines, found more success, and then decided to head to Hollywood, California. However, he arrived at the end of the Western Jazz era and the beginning of the Great Depression, thus finding it hard to find work and was not as successful as he had been. He struggled to find work in the city. When World War II started, he joined the Coast Guard for three years.  After the war, Redd was doing shows for AFRS.

After the war he found success again in Hollywood as he began working with other big name artists of the time from both radio and movies. During this time he also found success in the movie industry and starred in several films, including The Strawberry Roan.

Redd Harper Hollywood Roundup 1948

Redd Harper 1948

Redd Harper with Carolina Cotton

Redd Harper (1903-1992) was raised in Oklahoma, gigged around the midwest with a Western Jazz band.  He moved to Los Angeles.  World War II started and he did his time in the Coast Guard.  After the war Redd had a very popular show on AFRS.  The Hollywood Roundup focused on the music and the movies.  Here's a 1948 visit with Gloria Henry.

Redd Harper 1948

Redd had his own Hollywood credits appearing the 1948 The Strawberry Roan and 1947s Under Colorado Skies (uncredited role as stagecoach driver).  His final bigscreen appearance was in Oiltown USA in 1955.

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