Born Name:  Harry Edward Skarbo

Born Date:  October 21, 1908

Born Place:  Tacoma, Washington

Died Date:  May 20, 1956

Died Place:  Tonopah, Nevada

Occupations:  Comedian, singer, songwriter

Brief Biography:  Harry Stewart was known for his comically exaggerated Swedish-American persona, Yogi Yorgesson. He recorded over forty novelty records, most notably the million-selling 1948 holiday classic "I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas".

Early Life & Career:
Skarbo was orphaned early in life and adopted by the Stewart family. He began his career in the late 1920s as a radio announcer, newsman, and musician on KVI radio in Tacoma. During World War II, he worked on Armed Forces Radio, which led to the creation of his most famous character.

The Yogi Yorgesson Persona:
On the radio, Stewart developed "Yogi Yorgesson," a comically stereotyped Swedish immigrant who told jokes and looked into a crystal ball. He transitioned this character to nightclub comedy and recorded dozens of comedy songs for Capitol Records. His holiday hits, including "I Yust Go Nuts at Christmas" and "Yingle Bells," remain highly popular novelty tracks.

Other Characters:
Beyond Yogi Yorgesson, Stewart recorded songs under several other ethnic and stereotypical comedic guises:
Harry Kari (Japanese persona)
Claude Hopper (a country bumpkin)
Klaus Hammerschmidt (German persona)