Wes Harrison

Wes Harrison, also known as "Mr. Sound Effects", was an American comedian and voice actor, notable for his ability to create realistic sound effects using only his voice and a Shure 530 Slendyne microphone. Wes Harrison made all his sound effects without the help of tape recorders or other electronic devices. Harrison had a comic style reminiscent of Red Skelton, but used noises instead of physical shtick.

It all began in 1941 while Wes was working as a counselor at a YMCA Boy's Camp on the Chesapeake Bay. While there, he installed a public address system to summon stray campers. This sound system was equipped with a powerful amplifier and three horn loudspeakers. Here Wes began his first experiments with vocal sound effects.

A short time later Wes was drafted into the Navy. During this time he worked in special services entertaining the troops, and here developed an act which led to his winning five consecutive Horace Heidt Programs. After World War II, he went to University of Texas at Arlington (known as Arlington State College then) and studied electrical engineering. The Korean war broke out and he was called back into the Navy. Altogether, he spent eight years in the Navy. Returning to civilian life, he appeared on the Arthur Godfrey talent scout show and won. He worked one week on the Arthur Godfrey Radio Show (but never met Godfrey). He was on the original Major Bowes Amateur Hour back in the 40's. Ted Mack (radio-TV host) gave him a real start and sent him on his way into show business. From that time on, things really started snow-balling for Wes. He appeared on the Ed Sullivan, Jack Paar, Garry Moore, Mike Douglas, Dean Martin, Roger Miller, and the Merv Griffin shows, and filled a complete schedule of night club work.

Wes Harrison resides in Glenview, Illinois and flies his own plane. He still makes public appearances, now doing his live sound effects with two microphones to create stereo effects on his own portable sound system. He often appears at hunting and fishing expos around the country. He usually has copies of his second album, a stereo CD, for sale at his appearances, and it and his appearance schedule can be found available on his web site also.

During his career Harrison has contributed sound effects to many films such as Peter Pan, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and the Tom and Jerry cartoon series. Harrison resided in Des Plaines, Illinois and flew his own plane. He continued to make public appearances later in life, often appearing at hunting and fishing expos around the country.

He died in July 2019 at the age of 94, and was interred at Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Discography

 * ''Fun With Sounds - 45 RPM
 * You Won't Believe Your Ears (1963)
 * The One and the Only (1969)
 * Track "TNT" by Ronnie Rice - Refried Rice (1997)
 * ''Canadian Titanic Society for "Whistles" on "CTS's" 20.75ft "Titanic" model/float for "in-door" exhibit!