Cover photo for Clinton Harris's Obituary
Clinton Harris Profile Photo

Clinton Harris

May 1, 1936 — June 24, 2024

Clinton Harris

Clinton Harris, Sr. was born in Bessemer, Alabama on May 1, 1936, to Janie Harris West and Clinton Johnson. He was adored by his mother and affectionately loved.

He passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024, at UAB Hospital at 11:55 a.m.

Clinton was a product of Bessemer City Schools, where he attended elementary school and high school. He graduated from the famous and most favored class of Dunbar High School, "Class of 1956." He was an allstar basketball player in high school which awarded him scholarships to attend the historically black Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama to further his education.

He was a member of Jerusalem Baptist Church, Bessemer, Alabama. Later, he moved his current  membership to Restoration Revival Tabernacle of Bessemer, Alabama.

Clinton began working in the tobacco industry in sales. His career shifted to the music industry where he found much love and dedication. He was a Promotion Manager for WBUL Radio Station for years. He received numerous accolades for outstanding musical contributions. He later formed H & H Productions on November 9, 1989, where he, as well as George Chavous and son, Clinton Harris, Jr. (Chip) started their own entrepreneurship in music promotion, marketing and recording.

George Chavous was a longtime friend and fellow music promotion pioneer. Michelle Vaughner, the Administrative Assistant, during that time, worked tirelessly to create depth and resonance to enhance productivity. They also, took on the challenge of being hired by many well-known artist and record labels such as CeCe Winans, Howard Hewitt, Phyllis Hyman, Barry White, Janet Jackson and many more.

He established a close working and personal relationship with the late Jesus Garber (Former Head of A&M Records) and did promotions for A&M Records, Malaco Records, Interscope Records, etc.

As things began to pick up rapidly, Sr. and Jr. (Chip) decided to open their own studio and record label ... Chip Records. Many artists began to migrate to the small town of Brighton, just to become a part of the Chip Records Family.

Clinton, Sr. also had a hand in writing music with Frederick Knight. He co-wrote Somebody's Got to Win, Somebody's Got to Lose and Ring My Bell by Anita Ward. Also, he was the first manager of the Soul Controllers. Most people had no idea that most of the songs being played back in the 80's and 90's were played and moved to heavy rotation because of Clinton Harris, Sr. He was well known and respected by all in the music industry. He played a big role in what he did but never bragged about it!

Appointed August 21, 2004, Clinton served until his death, as a prominent member, serving many years as Chairman, on Bessemer Airport Authority. In February 2009, he became an official appointee on the Aviation Council of Alabama.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Sadie Coleman.

Mr. Harris leaves to cherish his memories: Felecia Hooks, daughter, Tywanna Harris (Morris, Jr.) Packer, daughter, Angela Harris (Donald) Moulton, daughter, Clinton, Jr. (Alesia) Harris, son and Antonio Danner, son of Montgomery, AL; ten grandchildren, five great grandchildren, two nieces, Brenda (Walter) Davis and Sherry Moody; Donald Baylor, God son; cousins, extended family and a plethora of friends.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Clinton Harris, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Public Viewing

Friday, June 28, 2024

1:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)

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Graveside Service

Saturday, June 29, 2024

11:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

Highland Memorial Gardens

3115 18th Ave, Bessemer, AL 35020

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