Rolf Harris Biography and Works.

Born on March 30, 1930 in Perth, Western Australia, Rolf Harris is an Australian musician, composer, singer, songwriter, painter and a television personality.

Harris was a champion swimmer before studying art. He moved to England in 1952, where he started to appear on television programmes on which he drew the characters. He began a musical career initially with piano accordion.

He wrote the famous song, Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport’ and while performing in Canada, he introduced his popular routine around his song, Jake the Peg’.

He often uses unusual instruments in his performances plays the didgeridoo. He has been credited with the invention of the wobble board, which is a rhythmic percussion instrument. Harris was also associated with the Stylophone, a small electronic keyboard instrument.

He became a popular television personality from the 1960s, presenting shows including Rolf’s Cartoon Club, Animal Hospital and various programmes about the serious art.

In late 2005, he painted an official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II.

Trivia

He illustrated magician Robert Harbin’s Paper Magic. He also had a few acting roles in British television programmes and films as ‘Harry’ in The Vise and as Pte Proudfoot’ in the 1955 Tommy Trinder film You Lucky People.