Thurston Harris – Indianapolis' first rock and roll star

February 11, 2024

On this week’s show, we’ll explore the music of Thurston Harris, Indianapolis’ first rock and roll star. He’s best known for his recording of “Little Bitty Pretty One,” a Top 10 hit in 1957. 

Thurston Harris was born in Indianapolis in July of 1931. He grew up in the Avenue neighborhood, and began singing gospel music in local churches, at age 9. In 1949, the R&B star Jimmy Liggins heard Harris performing in a nightclub, and invited Harris to Los Angeles. While in Los Angeles, Harris joined the Lamplighters, an exciting R&B act that scored over a dozen hits from 1953 to 1956. 

In 1957, Harris had the chance to cut his first solo recordings. His debut single, “Little Bitty Pretty One” became the biggest record of his career. The song was issued by Aladdin Records. Harris cut over 20 songs for the label during the late 1950s.