HARRISON, Ramon Kerr was the older brother of Jack Harrison.
On 16th July 1929, Bill and Edna had their second son, Ramon Kerr Harrison.
HARRISON. — On July 16, at Kiama Private Hospital, Nicholson-road, Subiaco,
to Mr. and Mrs. W. Harrison, of Hollywood — a son.
At this time, the family home was at 64 Bruce Street, Nedlands, Western Australia.
Ramon (or “Ray”) was attended Nedlands State School and started learning the drums with teachers Alf Schofield and Fraser Middleton-White. Ray Harrison also remembered having an over the phone drumming lesson with George Watson, arranged by his father.
On completion of primary school and attended Junior Technical School in Newcastle Street in West Perth and was a drummer in the Y.A.L band.
1945 Sunday nights became “jam session” night at the Harrison’s Nedlands home, with all four children (Bill Jnr on saxophone) joining in. Jack’s best mate and neighbour, John McMeikan, described Ray Harrison as not only a “brilliant drummer” but also the clown of the family “a born comedian” and remembers his nickname as a result being “Nit”.
In October, Ray Harrison’s Swing Band entered in the 1945 Sportsmen’s Amateur Quest which was a prominent talent competition aimed at showcasing local performers. The first final of this competition, described as the “W.A. Sportsmen’s £150 Amateur Quest,” was held at the Perth Town Hall on Sunday, October 28, 1945. The event was a high-profile entertainment competition during the immediate post-war period in Perth.
FINAL £150 W.A. SPORTSMEN’S AMATEUR QUEST – Sunday, 8.45 p.m. PERTH TOWN HALL
VOCAL SECTION:
Mr Lloyd Taylor, Miss Pauline Jordan, Mr Ernie Mulcahy, Miss Julia Pusey, Miss Betty Elder, Mr Geo. Townsend
NOVELTY SECTION
Mr Ernest Ritter, Miss Fay Robinson, Mr John Sutton, Miss Pauline Thick, Ray Harrison’s Swing Band, Mr Frank Jenkins.
The voting results determining the artists to progress to the final were:
Result 2nd Final £150 W.A. Sportsmen’s Amateur Quest
Artists Selected to Appear Grand Final
No. 10. HARRISON’S SWING BAND 191
No. 9. Mr. JENKINS 182
No. 6. Mr. ERNIE MULCAHY 180
No. 11. Miss JULIA PUSEY 139
No. 2. Miss BETTY ELDER 137
No. 5. Mr JOHN SUTTON 133.
The Daily News Thursday 8 November 1945 page 12
Ray Harrison’s drumming talent received state wide recognition when in November 1946 the “Ray Harrison Swing Band”, consisting of Ray on drums and Jack on clarinet and saxophone and Jill Harrison on piano came third in the 6PM-AM “Search for Talent” Competition held at Fremantle Town Hall.
Last Friday night at the Fremantle Town Hall the winners of the 6PM-AM £50 Search for Talent contest were announced. Phil Moran, tenor, won the competition while the Machlin sisters, a singing cowgirl trio, were second and Ray Harrison’s Swing Band was third. Ray, with his sister and brother Jill and Jack, were third in the contest with their combination as an orchestra. Ray plays the drums, Jill is the pianist and Jack plays the saxophone and clarinet. Jack won an Australian Amateur Hour in 1940 when he appeared at the age of nine as a mouth organist.
The Broadcaster Saturday November 9 1946
In 1947, Jack Harrison formed his own dance band with his twin sister Jill and brother Ray and they performed jazz with “dash old-time” at “The Blue Room” and regularly at North Perth Town Hall.
Pen Points on Perth By Harry Black
A young man who is quickly coming into prominence in the local dance-band world is up-and-coming-altoist Jack Harrison. I had seen this name featured in many current dance-hall adverts., so snooped around to find who this “stranger” was fronting his own small outfit in quite a few nice little jobs, and was agreeably surprised to find former harmonica-wizard Jackie Harrison (now 15 years of age) tootling away on sax and clarrie with as much ease and confidence as many a veteran.
“SOMETHING OF A SENSATION”
He seemed to be reading almost anything around the place as well as finding his way around many of the old “fakies” with plenty of improvising. This may sound a tall yarn for one so young, but readers should remember that Jack Harrison was featured here in W.A. as somewhat of a sensation with his brilliant harmonica work and, after capturing all the local radio spots that he could, he went east to Sydney (when only 9 years of age) and there, after topping the poll in an Australian Amateur hour programme, fulfilled many radio dates with prominent Sydney radioites – Jack Davey’s Shows, the Youth Show and others. Thence to Melbourne to do a round of their Tivoli circuit and came happily back to Groper-land (NOT the least bit swell headed!!). Since his return Jack has been studying music very seriously, besides keeping many radio engagements, throughout each year – and now the fruits of his studies seem to be bearing well – judging by his easy switch to reed instruments in his own band.
IT RUNS IN THE FAMILY
Music is an integral part of the Harrison family, as veteran pianist Bill Harrison is Jack’s proud poppa, a sister plays piano in Jack’s outfit while a brother wields the drumsticks. Jack is being ably coached in his sax work by Ken Murdoch, while he is also studying “legit” clarinet with A.B.C. woodwindist Alan Rule. Apart from these few activities, plus his harmonica appearances, plus his home rehearsals, plus his rehearsals with the A.B.C. Amateur symphony Group, plus his private practice – Jack still finds time to be a modest 15 year old Aussie. All his many friends in local musical circles predict quite a musical future for young Jack – so we wish him the best of luck!!
Music Maker July 21 1947
Harrison family Again – Sixteen-year-old Musician to give further broadcast
Western Australia was represented last week in “National Fair” from 6IX-WB-MD by twins, Jack and Jill Harrison and elder brother Ray. The Harrison family was put up as the best musical family in Australia. Jack Harrison, the 16 year old lad who played both the saxophone and clarinet, was such a success that the producers asked him to put up another challenge, so he is again appearing in the programme next Wednesday as the best clarinettist in Australia.
Jack will again be accompanied by his twin Jill on the piano, and his brother Ray on the drums. This time Jack will be playing the clarinet only. His item will be “Special Delivery Stomp” one of Artie Shaw’s favourites.
So far this is the first time two challenges have been put up by the same person. The West Australian selectors hope that this challenge is unbeatable, but listeners can decide that for themselves when they hear what the other States can produce to take up this challenge.
The other five states also will be presenting their “exhibits” on Wednesday night at 8 o’clock, some again challenging and others answering challenges previously set. If anyone who knows of anything or anybody who could possibly be used as an “exhibit” in “National Fair”, he or she is asked to communicate with W.A. Broadcasters Ltd., Lyric House, Perth.
The Broadcaster Saturday January 17 1948 Vol. 14, No. 720
On the Dial
The success of the Harrison Family (Jack, Jill and Ray) in the 6IX-WB-MD session “National Fair”, was demonstrated by the fact that they were engaged by the sponsors for a repeat performance the following week. When they were heard in the session for the first time Jack, who is 16 years of age, was nominated as the best clarinettist in Australia. So far no one has disputed the claim. There are no cash prizes for “National Fair”, but the session enables West Australian talent to be heard in the Eastern states. The programme is broadcast each Wednesday night at 8 o’clock.
The Broadcaster Saturday February 14 1948
On the Dial
Jack Harrison will enter the “National Fair” arena once again on Wednesday night. The 16 year old Perth musicians will take up a challenge from Victoria to find a better harmonica player than Brucy Skurry. Jack’s harmonica solo in this 6IX-WB-MD session will be “Smoke Gets in your eyes”. He appeared in two early “National Fair” programmes with his brother Ray and twin sister Jill. They were nominated in the first instance as the best juvenile music-makers. Jack was nominated as the best clarinettist in Australia. To date, no other State has accepted either of the challenges from this versatile family.
The Broadcaster Saturday March 13 1948
On 23rd December 1948, Ray Harrison announced his engagement to:
Norma Laurel, third daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Webber, of 16 Lansdowne Street, Jolimont to Ramon Kerr, second son of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, of 24 Highway, Nedlands.
The ring was from Mazzuchelli’s in Hay Street, Perth and cost £21/-
On 16th December 1950 Ramon Kerr married Norma Laurel Webber at St George’s Cathedral Perth. Jill Harrison was a bridesmaid.
Ray announced his retirement from drumming.
Harrison Trio’s Separate Plans
The latest news from the musical Harrison family of Nedlands is that Ray Harrison, the elder brother of Jack and Jill, who are twins, has decided to finish up with his drumming work. This decision was made because of his marriage which took place on Saturday.
Jill is at present in Perth on holiday from the Adelaide Conservatorium of Music where for the past year she has been studying bassoon and piano under an Australian Broadcasting Commission scholarship. She is taking every advantage of the rest from studies, but is freelancing as a pianist for local dance bands.
Jack is settling into his new job as second clarinettist with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Henry Krips. He left Perth about six weeks ago to take up the position and, as symphony work is a vast changeover from his previous dance band work, he is taking every opportunity to acquaint himself with orchestral work. It is believed that he may soon form a swing quartet for the A.B.C. in Adelaide. Already plans are in hand for him to lead a quintet in the Adelaide Jazz Jamboree next year. Although he is liking his new job, he says he hopes to return to Perth eventually.
The Broadcaster Saturday December 30 1950
Ray’s first job was at a broom factory in Welshpool making broomheads from blackboy reeds. Ray only worked there for a week!
His first permanent job was at Joseph Lucus Batteries and electrical, Wellington Street, Perth working in the shock absorbers department plus building and repairing batteries. He stayed there for about 7 or 8 years until the late 1950s.
In 1952 Ray returned to play a few gigs with his siblings:
Jack’s jazz ensemble (now consisting of Jack, Jill, Ray, John Mowson (bass) and Cliff Adams (guitar) was broadcast nationally on the ABC’s Swing Club.
W.A. BAND ON NATIONAL HOOK-UP EARLY IN APRIL 1952
Thursday night Swing Club listeners in all States of the Commonwealth are to hear a broadcast by Jack Harrison’s Swing Quintette, one of Perth’s most outstanding modern style outfits. The group recently recorded a session for the Australian Broadcasting Commission, which is now due for an early airing.
This band is to some extent a family concern, with Jack himself, alto, tenor and clarinet; twin sister, Jill Harrison, piano; and Ray Harrison, drums. The remaining members of the group are one-time Brokensha bass man John Mowson and Cliff Adams guitar. Cliff is a well known Sydney musician and has played for many years at the Trocadero – the harbour city’s number one dance hall. In 1949 the family group won the “Battle of the Bands” in Perth and has been doing regular broadcast work since, in addition to its usual dance engagements. An interesting fact regarding Jack and Jill Harrison, and also John Mowson, is that they are still under twenty one years of age. In addition to this all three are members of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra. The group’s manager is yet another member of “the family” – William E. Harrison. –(TOM STERNE).
Music Maker Magazine April 1952
Radio Broadcast May 17 1952
The A.B.C.’s Thursday Night Swing Club is almost a family affair for there are three members of the Harrison family in the Jack Harrison Swing Quintette. Twenty year old Jack is on the saxophone and clarinet, twin sister Jill is pianist and Ray is drummer. Other members are John Mowson (bass) and Cliff Adams (guitar). Jack has been associated with radio shows for 12 years having appeared as a mouth organist in an amateur hour in 1940. Jack and Jill have graduated through swing music to the W.A. Symphony Orchestra. John Mowson is also a permanent member of the orchestra and Cliff Adams is well-known in Sydney as a member of the Trocadero Band.
The Broadcaster Saturday May 17 1952 Vol. 19 No. 946
PEOPLE YOU LISTEN TO
(photo) Admiring the engagement ring of Marcia Harrison (left) are fiancé Jack Harrison and twin sister Jill at a party held at the Nedlands Tennis Club to celebrate their coming of age.
Since he was five, Jack Harrison has been associated with the musical world together with his twin sister Jill. Both recently celebrated their 21st birthday at a party which included many of the musicians. Jack and Jill are now members of the W.A. Symphony Orchestra playing the clarinet and bassoon respectively. He has won numerous prizes and at the age of eight won an Amateur Hour contest in Sydney. He worked in his father’s band until he decided to form his own which consisted usually of himself, Jill, elder brother Ray and guitarist Bill Hendrie.
Jack has played in A.B.C. shows and at the present time has a session in which his quintet plays light classical music. He was for a while in the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and studied the clarinet under the late Percy Newton (brother of John Nugent Hayward), Alan rule and Clive Amadio. At the party Jack’s engagement to A.B.C. typist Marcia Chayter was announced.
The Broadcaster Saturday August 16 1952
On 5th May 1953 Ramon and Norma Harrison had their first child, Jeffrey Wayne.
HARRISON: To Norma and Ray,
on May 5, at St. John’s. Subiaco-a son (Jeffery Wayne). Both well.
1954 Electoral roll: 18 Hammersley St, Cottesloe, Western Australia,
On 5th June 1955 Ramon and Norma Harrison had their second child, Julie Rae.
1955
No. 5 Band – JACK HARRISON QUARTETTE
Numbers –
- “Rachel’s Dream”
- “The Man I Love”
- “K.P. Jumps”
PERSONNEL: Jack Harrison (Clarinet, Sax, Trombone), Jill Harrison (Piano), Ray Harrison (Drums), John Mowson (Bass).
Sunday, October 9, 1955 – JIM RILEY SHOW – Capitol Theatre
No. 4. – JACK HARRISON’S GROUP
Numbers –
“Thou Swell”
“Lullaby of Birdland”
“K.P. Capers”
PERSONNEL: Jack Harrison (Sax, Clari-Leader) Terry Ingram (Piano) Ray Harrison Drums, Alex McMillan (Bass).
Ray on drums (he still does some playing) and twins Jack and Jill on clarinet and bassoon. At 16 the twins and Ray formed their own dance band. Playing for a Perth College dance, Jack met pretty Marcia Chayter and later married her. She is not a professional musician. She plays the piano usefully and enjoys singing in the chorus of the Gilbert and Sullivan Society as contentedly as Kimberley plays one hymn, arranged by his father, for his Sunday school.
John Mowson now Principal double bass player in the W.A. Symphony Orchestra came from Melbourne and married Jill Harrison the bassoon player nearly 3 years ago. John and Jill were invited to join the Sydney Symphony Orchestra on a tour which included the Commonwealth Arts Festival in England and in Asian countries. They left their two children with Jill’s parents. Two years later they were asked to join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for Expo 67 in Canada. There was then another little Mowson, so Penny, now eight, Peter showing musical promise at six and baby Paul were farmed out among the family. The family is scattered around Perth. Jack and Marcia Harrison have a delightful, modern, open-planned home at the end of the Dodonia Gardens City Beach with the coast down to Fremantle as picture in a picture window. The young have learnt to be quiet when music is going on in such a house, to listen with appreciation. But the whole family looks forward to having a music room so that making a noise when one wants to isn’t so important.
Daily News, Monday June 3 1968 page 10
MUSIC CAREER HAD EARLY START
7th April 1970 – Geraldton
Jack Harrison, principal clarinettist of the West Australian Symphony Orchestra which will be visiting Geraldton next Tuesday, got quite an early start in music when he was presented with a mouth organ on his fifth birthday. To everyone’s surprise he was playing simple tunes on it within the hour. His father, realising that here was musical talent, started him off on the piano but it was not until the age of 12 that Jack found his true instrument the clarinet. Intensive study of this and the saxophone enabled Jack and his twin sister Jill and brother Ray to form a dance band in 1947 thus launching him on a professional career in music at the age of 16. He admits to being influenced at this time by the clarinet playing of one of the all-time greats Artie Shaw. Two years later, Jack formed a small specialised recording group for the A.B.C. and “Jack Harrison and his Music” has been heard all over Australia. His thoughts now turned to symphonic work and he accepted the post of second clarinet in the South Australian Symphony Orchestra and shortly after returned to Perth in 1951 to occupy a similar position in the West Australian Orchestra playing alongside his teacher Alan Rule. Jack took over the principal chair in 1966 and in addition to the Orchestra’s concerts, his distinguished playing has been heard widely in chamber music and solo work both in radio and television as well as in public. One of the most versatile musicians in the Orchestra, he is as equally at home playing “Moon River” on the mouth organ as in coping with the extreme difficulties of Copland’s Clarinet Concerto. Jack is married with three children – Jay 14, Kim 10 and Jody six. If you press him, he will confess to a fondness for golf as a relaxation. Fortunately for the Arnold Palmers of this world he is nowhere near the golfer that he is a musician. His handicap is 23.
The Geraldton Guardian Wednesday April 1 1970
Ray also performed with pianist Jim Beeson.
He worked for neighbouring company Electrolux for two years, back to Joseph Lucus, then back to Electrolux as they offered him higher wages.
A position became vacant at Dudley Richardson Used Cars in wellington Street, repairing and painting cars where he stayed for three years making life long friends with Dudley and Barbara Richardson.
Ray then returned to Elextrolux.
Around 1963, brother Bill Jnr purchased Coolbev Hire in Nicholson road, Subiaco and asked his brother Ramon to work for him, which Ray did for a couple of years. Ray’s job was to deliver the gear and products for hire and sale to functions, such as alcohol, party and catering supplies.
Ray then returned to Electrolux as their Store Manager until he retired in August 1985 at the age of 56.
Ramon passed away at his home 15 Frome Way, Cooloongup, Western Australia 12th November 2023 aged 94.