►Original Musical Compositions and Select Covers

►Fiction and Non-Fiction

►Special Projects

►Essays

FEATURED ARTIST  

Welcome to a Links at RARWRITER Featured Artist page.  

This edition's spotlight is on Links favorite HAPPENIN' HARRY. You probably don't know him unless you are familiar with the L.A. hard rock scene, or possibly are from his hometown Chicago, but Harry's got it going on. As a rock singer he has won the Rock City News Outstanding Rock Vocalist Award for the past two years. And as a band leader/impresario, his bi-weekly shows at The Cat Club and The Joint provide a solid center for a certain high profile contingent of the L.A. music community. Harry is one intriguing dude. Musician, marketer, business man, philanthropist and community leader, he is extraordinarily open about himself, a guy who seems comfortable in his own skin. And in surprising ways, he embodies qualities that are polar opposite of his rock image, in fact are distinctly Middle American. The guy who presides over "Harry's Hell Hole" every Sunday night at The Cat Club has established and maintained his position in one of the world's toughest arenas through ingenuity, tenacity, talent and a natural  social ability.

HAPPENIN' HARRY

by RAR

One tip-off to Happenin' Harry's success on the competitive L.A. music scene is that he picks up the phone and makes the call. Woody Allen penned that great insight that "80 percent of success is showing up." In an e-mail age, when people (myself included) default to digital communications, Harry makes the call. He shows up. That's how we finally got together on an interview, after a few earlier abortive tries. He had responded to my e-mail request with, what I would learn, was the standard Harry e-mail response: "Hahaha." On the phone he is professional and polite, all business, and from his call developed an e-mail interview format, the transcript for which is provided below.

* * * * *

I first asked Harry a set of background questions. Like high school transcripts, background is usually a pretty good predictor of who a person will be, and in Harry's case it is illuminating. The leather-clad, bird-flipping, gonzo prince of Harry's Hell Hole is a former Catholic school boy who comes from a family of cops and showbiz folk from the "City that Can" and the home of make believe. He had been on a path to become a priest and an English teacher, but show business stole his interests.

Where are you from?

My Mommy. Hahaha! Just kidding. I was born in CHICAGO! And, proud of it ;)

When were you born?

When? Somewhere around 10am. hahahaha

What is your family background – ethnicity, etc? Working class? Son of privilege?

Great grandparents, on both sides, came to America in the early 90's. 

Note: Presumably Harry means the 1890s, which gets us back to the "when were you born" question. Only people born before 1970 foreshorten references to 19th century dates.

My great Grandparents on my mother's side settled in Chicago...Great Grandparents on my Father's side settled in New York. My Grandparents on my Father's side settled in Chicago after my father was born in Hollywood. 

I'm basically a mutt. Hahaha. Czech, Russian, Slavic, French, English, Croation.....backgrounds. My Grandfather was a Chicago Policeman, Grandmother was a teacher. My mother was a Chicago Policewoman (one of the first ones I might ad), and the entire side of my father's family was in Show Biz. Not the reason I ended up here by the way. Hahaha. Many people don't know this, but I was going to be a Priest / English Teacher. No lie. BUT...the Entertainment Industry found me ;)

How were you educated?

Went to private Catholic Schools my whole life. Ended up not going to College 'til I was 25, after I moved to L.A.. It seemed like the thing to do at the time. Hahaha.

Are you married? Do you have a family?

Never married. Don't think I have any kids???

What kind of a kid were you?

I was an indoors type of kid. I was WAY into action figures, and would ALWAYS find a way to hang them from the most expensive items my family owned. Hahaha. Then, they would save the world, etc etc ....I was very imaginative. Didn't really care for the outdoor life, gettin' dirty, etc.. The only friends I really had were the kids on my street, or at camp.

When did you start with music?

I remember being at camp when I was a kid pretending I was Peter Chris of KISS. Singin' with a few other kids rockin' out to kids songs as I played drums on the bus seat. The kid who pretended he was Paul Stanley was actually a drummer. So, one day a few years later he called remembering he liked my voice when I sang Beth (hahaha) and asked if I'd audition for his band. I went down, sang some UFO songs...and, the rest is history. I was 12 years old when I joined that band.

Who were you influenced by musically as a kid?

Easy question.....
UFO, Black Sabbath, Michael Schenker, The Scorpions, Ronnie James Dio, AC/DC, Def Leppard (before anyone knew who they were...On Through The Night era), MSG, Riot, PARADOXX (Chicago band, THEY RULED!), Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Accept, Van Halen, Talas (Hi Billy! Hahaha), UFO (with Paul Chapman), Journey, The Spinners (AMAZING!), The Bee Gees (Barry Gibb is an amazing songwriter), Andy Gibb, Alan O'day, Chicago (BEFORE Peter Cetera. ROBERT LAMB is The King!), Kool And The Gang, Steve Dahl & Teenage Radiation (BRING BACK CHICAGO FEST!), Off Broadway, Deluxury, and anything that was played on WMET, WLS, or WLUP in Chicago back in the day.

When did you start to find yourself as a singer? How did that happen? Have you received any formal training?

As soon as I started singin' when I was 12 I knew. Been in bands ever since. The funny thing is, I didn't think I was really that good....But, everyone else thought I was great? Hahaha. 

When I came to Hollywood, no one would give me the time of day. I basically created my own scene, my own audience, and I had no idea way back then that I would be who I am today. And, please don't take that the wrong way. What I mean is.....

I kinda beat the odds, ya know? When ya come to Hollywood people expect to be noticed for their talent. Hahaha WRONG! Everyone has to pay dues, even the best of the best. Some go further than others. But, if ya hang in there long enough....Your Time Comes! Just be humble enough to not fuck up "a shot" if ya have been blessed with one. Because it may be the only one ya get. Talent is ONLY a part of success.

Pete Way of UFO told me when I was young..."Meet as many people as you can, and NEVER throw out a phone number."

That's the best advice I've ever had.

So, that' what I did. Networking is key.

I've had some help from friends such as C.C. DeVille, Sam Kinison (RIP), Billy Sheehan....when I was new to L.A. and didn't have much muscle. But, just like anything else....ya gotta work harder than the next person to get ahead. So, that's what I did.

And, "no". I never had vocal training.

* * * * *

There is Harry in a nutshell, a humble kid who created his own playground through the gauntlet of hard work, organization and advice. And note that artifacts of faith reside in his language, along with appreciation. Add in the associations with personalities as large as Sam Kinison's and Happenin' Harry starts to come into view.

How did you become Happenin’ Harry?

I auditioned for a band when I was 15 called "Quasimoto" (Hahaha. That name sucked). Anyway...I went down, sang some tunes, and they liked what I brought. The guitarist "Woody Woodfield" (real name Donny Whitfield) said..."DUDE. You sound great, but your look sucks." (Guess he didn't like my short hair, and Catholic School uniform. hahaha)

Anyway...about six months later I was headed to rehearsal, and REALLY wanted to impress this girl that I invited to meet for the first time, who was friends with the drummer's (Carmine Francais) girlfriend. So, inspired by Twisted Sister's image, I ripped apart a bunch of fabric, and tied it everywhere I could on my pants, shirt and jacket! THEN...I DRIED MY HAIR WITH A BLOW DRIER! OMG! hahaha. I made my hair all wild for the first time after not cutting it once since I joined the band. 

I thought I looked like David Lee Roth, but looking back I looked like a kid who played with lawn mowers and sniffed WAY too much glue. Hahaha. So, I walked into rehearsal and Woody didn't even recognize me. Then he took a step back and said..."DUDE! YOUR HAIR GREW! YOU'RE HAPPENIN'! YOU'RE HAPPENIN' HARRY!" This is a true story. And, the rest is history. 

Before "Happenin' Harry" my nickname was "OZZY HARRISON". In grammar school the kids all called me that because I sang Ozzy tunes with my band at the time, and used to bring rehearsal tapes to school and play them during lunch. I have to give a shout to SEAN McKENNA ! He named me Ozzy. "SEAN ! COME UP ON STAGE AND PARTY WITH THE OZ!" Hahaha!

How did you become so active as a promoter?

Well...in the early 90's, a friend of mine's dad owned The Central On Sunset (now The Viper Room). She had asked me since I knew so many people if I wouldn't mind doing a show every Wednesday night there. They wanted to improve business. So, I said "sure!". So, almost 16 years ago, Happenin' Harry's HellHolle & Happenin' Harry & The Haptones were born (now at The Cat Club on Sunset every Sunday night.) WOW. I wish someone would have warned me about what I was getting in to. Hahaha! I could have been a dentist! Hahaha!

How have you been able to place yourself at the center of L.A.’s music scene?

Well, I never gave up. No matter how bad times were or, how often music changed.....I kept going. I just thought the results would be much better. Hahaha.

What are your connections to The Cat Club and The Joint? How did you become a staple of both?

Well, Steve Scarduzio, and Slim Jim Phantom of The Stray Cats owned a club in the 90's called The Diamond Club (The Spice Club before that). Kenny Merril (GM at The Cat Club) was a bartender at The Diamond Club. So, The Cat Club owners and Kenny have had other club ventures before. 

I started doing a club called Happenin' Harry's SEXFARM at The Diamond Club for a while before I moved back to Chicago to become a marketing guy. When I came back to L.A. I went into The Cat Club and there was Kenny! He asked if I wanted to do a night at The Cat Club, I said "NO" (hahaha). So, after the third time I went in to say "hi", he asked again. I said....."OK. BUT....ONLY if you bartend on my night, and I get the shittiest night of the week." I didn't want the pressure of competing with numbers at the bar, and everything else that goes along with promoting. I was looking to get out of it for good actually. So....Sundays at The Cat Club was reborn as Happenin' Harry's HellHole (formerly at The central years earlier). 

And, as it seems...SUNDAYS at The Cat Club ROCK! Hahaha.

As far as The Joint...Prior to doing Wednesdays at The Joint....I was actually asked to "ALSO" do Wednesdays at The Cat Club after a couple of years. So, I did....giving it a different feel. The Haptones would play every Sunday, so I wanted to do something different. So, I would help put different versions of different resident bands together. The Vagabonds (Joe Leste' of Bang Tango/ Beautiful Creatures), The Kiddie Fiddlers (Maddog, Roxy Michaels (RIP), Joey Image, Tim Tame, Brian Perry), The Dizzy "Fukin'" Reed Band (my pal Dizzy from GnR). You get the idea....

So, after a run where "someone" from The Cat Club was attending my Wednesdays there, and trying to recruit every rock star friend of mine for their Thursday night promotion...the numbers at the bar went down. (GEEE? I wonder why?) So, they basically didn't choose to pay the money I was owed for my efforts, for several months, because of a bad run due to my band mates getting outbid by Thursday's promotion. (Can ya see where this is going?) basically...all my pals were going over to a different night because "someone" whispering in their ear wasn't looking at the "big picture". So...I didn't like that very much and I said "I'm outta here." This was the second time I was asked to do Wednesdays at The Cat Club, and the same thing happened TWICE. I guess loyalty wasn't "someone's" priority. I bust my ass not only for my night, but the club too...and this happens? Wow. So, I finally called a friend of mine who owns a bunch of clubs including The Joint. His name is Steve Eddleson. We buddies from Chicago, and we should have been working together way before this happened. Anyway, I called Steve and told him what happened. Steve said....."HARRY! DON'T TAKE ANOTHER GIG YET! CALL ME IN 3 DAYS! I WANT YOU AT MY CLUB!" I was surprised that he appreciated me that much that he actually made a night available for me at one of his clubs, when he is swamped owning several properties. I was extremely flattered. It really wasn't what I was used to prior to that phone call, after what I had just experienced. So, I called back 3 days later, and he asked me to do Wednesdays at The Joint. So, Steve and Charlie (the other owner at the time who still comes to my gigs. He owned The Opium Den in Hollywood. CHARLIE RULES! hahaha) gave me the room, and were EXTREMELY patient as I had to start from scratch because of what happened at the other club. Over three years later, I'm at The Joint every Wednesday night. And, business is GOOD!

* * * * *

Good by Harry, it could be a brand. He has a quality about him that comes through in his words and his actions. Somewhere between pragmatic marketing man, show business trooper, group organizer and rock child, Happenin' Harry lives as a funnel of community ambitions and energies. He makes the call and he delivers a service. That these qualities combine in him, amid a community of musicians (who as a species is not known for follow through and execution),  makes him a powerful and reckoning force. The kid who loved action figures is, as a man, kind of an action figure himself, kind of a hero.

* * * * *

Harry walks a tricky walk, in some respects. His association is with a type of music - metal rock - that doesn't really have a long history and, if it is associated with a culture at all, it is with youth. And yet, many of its primary practitioners are growing long in the tooth. Harry, who has taken it upon himself to present, on an ongoing, weekly basis, these performances, which are living tributes to rock in all of its excesses, must constantly breathe life into the familiar, and champion the fresh.

How do you select the players you host and your various events? How do you keep your finger on the pulse?

I meet as many people as I can and never throw out a phone number. ;)

Funny you should use those words (i.e., "finger on the pulse). One of my heroes "Chuck Negron" (lead vocalist of Three Dog Night) once said..."Happenin' Harry has his finger on the pulse of this decade."

Does metal rock change? Do you ever feel in danger of falling out of style in your metal music tastes?

Metal, Rock, Heavy Metal, Hard Rock...has never left. It has evolved, but now the girls don't wanna watch 40 year olds in spandex doing it. Hahaha. Seriously, there is ALWAYS a market for EVERY style of music. Ya just have to work harder selling it these days. The music industry has turned into a mess. There is no more formula to the success of all of those categories, just strategy. Ya have to work a little harder to get any results. The people are out there to sell it to, ya just gotta know their phone numbers ;)

Do you hear and identify people as “the next big thing,” or do you even think like that? Are you more focused on the nuts and bolts of show promotion, putting on stage those you know?

I pay attention to both. But, the industry changes it's mind every 2 seconds. The bottom line is....SONGS. No one cares how fast you can play your instrument. There's a new "Best Guitarist" coming to L.A. every second. If ya don't have good songs, the labels won't touch you. Period.

Is there anyone you particularly admire with whom you have not featured or worked? Who would you like to be on stage with?

Sure. I'd like to sing with The Spinners, UFO, Iron Maiden, and Black Sabbath.

What is your greatest talent?

I'm pretty good with people. I've been told I'm a good listener, and a good advice giver.

You would consider yourself an extrovert?

Only on stage I suppose.

How do you rate yourself as a singer?

Oh Geez? I have no idea. I have a gift, and I share it. I've won awards, but to be honest....that's not why I sing and perform. I do it as an outlet for my personality. It makes me feel good. Maybe you should ask other people that question? hahaha

Would you describe yourself as happy go lucky, nervous and edgy, energized and ambitious, deep and sullen, the life of the party? One or more of those?

Hmmm? Me? Serious when it comes to business. Funny in bed. Hahaha! Goal driven with passion. Loves to make people laugh. Stressed when others aren't responsible and let their crap fall in my lap. I give many several shots. But, once I've had enough....."GO AWAY!" Hahaha. I'm pretty understanding, and I'm really gifted when it comes to seeing through bullshit. Hahaha. Funny how some really think I believe their bs, when I smile and nod. They have no idea. Hahaha.

Are you of a political nature? Democrat? Republican?

Democrat....not practicing.

What type of woman appeals to you: sweet and wholesome? Worldly and wise? Expensive? Down and Dirty?

YES! Hahaha.

What quality (or qualities) in others really “moves” you? What type of individual are you attracted to?

Someone who isn't selfish. Hard to find in our day and age. And, I'm not talking about getting ya "stuff". People really lack respect now a days.

Do you have obsessions? What are they?

Sex, smoking, coffee. That's it. Hahaha.

What instruments do you play?

I own many, and been through many......Piano, drums, bass, guitar, even trombone. I'm too lazy to carry anything. So, I sing. Hahaha.

Is there anything or any issue that is currently on your mind and you would like to offer thoughts on?

I work too much and need a vacation. Hahaha. This is starting to concern my loved ones.

Would you describe yourself as a “feet on the ground pragmatic type?” Or a “dreamer?” And if you are a dream, what do you dream?

Dream...? More like wish. I'm pretty realistic. I do often wish our world was in better shape. I've watched the decline of humanity go down the toilet so fast in my short time on this planet. I can only imagine how long it will be before we just explode. It's a shame.

Who, to you, is the most appealing person you can think of (however you define “appealing”)?

Carmen M. ;)

Who is cool? Who is not?

Hahahaha! Don't go there. Hahaha. Really. I don't even consider myself "cool". I'm just some chubby kid from Chicago who had to learn some really good jokes to make people laugh so I could have "that girl" talk to me. Hahaha. I have no idea what's cool, or not. Who cares? Hahaha. Just be yourself, because you're the only "you" you have;)

What drives you? Where do you want your life to go?

Happiness, laughter, toys...I have that now, so I guess I'm doing alright. Hahaha. If I died tomorrow, I would have already lived 5 lifetimes. So, I'm pretty set ;) I've done things hundreds of times that most people NEVER do, so I consider myself blessed.

 

"Whenever I go to L.A., Harry is the first I am calling. Harry is what I connect with partying in Hollywood. When I met him at the Rainbow years ago, he was the one who ruled Sunset Boulevard. Now he's the friend I can count on. And I am still sure "Man In the Box" is actually HIS song." - Porn Star Miss Pornero.

Click on http://www.myspace.com/happeninharry to visit Happenin' Harry's MySpace site.

Happenin' Harry and The Haptones, featuring fellow Chicago natives Dizzy Reed, Scott Coogan (of Brides of Destruction), Don "Maddog" Rutherford, plus other surprise guests will be performing shows in Chicago between Monday, May 14 and Saturday, May 19 with bracketing shows at familiar haunts in SoCal, and in Austin, Texas. To his Chicago fans Harry says -  "Looking forward to seeing everyone very soon! IT'S BEEN A YEAR SINCE WE'VE BEEN BACK HOME :( Most of you know, three of us are from Chicago :) PLEASE...let everyone know...WE ARE COMING HOME! Cheers, Happenin' Harry, Dizzy, Scott, Coogan, Maddog P.S. If you have any hookups for the Chicago Cubs while we are in town...LET US KNOW! Thanks :)"