Sam Harris

Oklahoma-born Sam Harris left home at age 15, moving from St. Louis to Nashville and finally to Los Angeles, where he attended U.C.L.A. It was in Los Angeles that Harris found fame, becoming the grand champion of television talent show Star Search during its 1984 inaugural season. The attention led to a record deal with Motown and the release of a self-titled debut in late 1984, including songs by Rita Coolidge and Bruce Roberts. Still drawing on the momentum of his Star Search win, Harris saw the record reach gold status in the U.S., climbing to number 35 on the album charts ...