Born Name:  Wonga Philip Harris

Born Date:  June 24, 1904

Born Place:  Linton, Indiana

Died Date:  August 11, 1995

Died Place:  Rancho Mirage, California

Occupations:  Actor, bandleader, comedian, musician

Brief Biography:  Phil Harris was known for his distinctive voice, Southern charm, and jovial personality. He gained fame as a bandleader for The Jack Benny Program and later starred in The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show. He is also famously known as the voice of Baloo in Disney's The Jungle Book (1967).

Early Life and Music Career:
Background: Son of circus performers, he grew up in Nashville, Tennessee, which influenced his Southern-styled comedic persona.
Musician: Started as a drummer, eventually leading his own band in San Francisco and Los Angeles during the 1920s and 30s.
Signature Song: Known for performing "That's What I Like About the South".

Radio and Television Success:
Jack Benny Show: Served as the musical director and a comedic regular on The Jack Benny Program from 1936 to 1952.
The Phil Harris-Alice Faye Show: Co-starred with his wife, singer-actress Alice Faye, on this popular sitcom from 1948 to 1954.
Novelty Hits: Had a #1 hit in 1950 with the song "The Thing".

Voice Acting and Later Career:
Disney Roles: Provided the voice for iconic characters including Baloo in The Jungle Book (1967), Thomas O'Malley in The Aristocats (1970), and Little John in Robin Hood (1973).
Other Roles: Appeared in films like The High and the Mighty (1954) and the animated film Rock-a-Doodle (1991).
Voice Style: Known for a relaxed, often boozy, and humorous voice that defined his characters.